Match Day Thread Everton vs Southampton - 14th Aug 2021 ko 3pm

So the 2021/2022 season begins..........
Does the meltdown begin now?
Does the feeling that it is the hope that kills you begin now?
Does the 'new normal' begin now?

I have put my head over the parapet to start the first match thread with probably one of the worst places for the Saints to visit on the first day of the season. If someone else has been working on a wonderful, swanky full media filled thread then I am happy for this to be lost in the ether.
For now, though with recent coming and goings we have somewhere to discuss team line-ups and predicted scores.
My point of view:
Head says 1-0, Heart says 1-2
GK: Forster
Defence: KWP, Bedders, Salisu, Perraud
Mid: Romeu, Diallo
Front: Armstrong, Adams, Tella, Redmond

 

Thanks Stu, stickied.

 

Play all our Chelsea players and we might win a game!

 

We always lose at Everton. We always lose first games of the season. Double negative = a positive, so this is going to be a Saints win. It's science.

 

As mentioned in the Total Saints Podcast - Everton are a bit unsettled in themselves plus there main threat is probably resting/isolating after his trip to Japan. So let's get stoked!

 

We always seem to struggle on the first day.

We always seem to struggle against Everton.

Ahh its good to be back

 

Forster

KWP
Bednarek
Salisu
Perraud

Romeu
S. Armstrong

Tella
Walcott

A. Armstrong
Adams

 

You've just made me realise another issue with people who have bought kits. All new kits with Stuart Armstrong will now have S.Armstrong on the back, not Armstrong.

So will the club fix this FOC?

Good job the kits stretch. (cue gel filled action figure puns)

 

Saturday 14th August 2021 3 PM KO
Referee: Andy Madley (change)
Assistants: Adrian Holmes, Eddie Smart.
Fourth official: Tony Harrington.
VAR: Darren England.
Assistant VAR: Dan Robathan.

 

Forster

KWP
Bednerak
Salisu
Perraud

S.Armstrong
Romeu

Walcott
Tella

Adams
A. Armstrrong

 

I'm going on Saturday and I can't bloody wait! It's been far too long since away fans were in grounds and the atmosphere's going to be amazing!

 

And even if it doesn't turn into a positive result, it still allows us to kill two birds with one stone. Streamline two losses down into one.

There's no downside.

 

Get the 9-0 out of the way early please

 

Actually the best time to get a 9-0 out of the way.

• There will be a meltdown (always one at the beginning of the season anyway)
• Ralph won't get fired probably (whereas in 2-3 months he would)
• We will still have 2 weeks to panic buy
• All the more sweeter when we finish top 4 in May.

Total win-win, no downsides

 

The downside will be me having gone up there to watch us lose 9-0!

 

No downside - you can tell your grandkids that you watched a 9-0 defeat both home and away.

 

Not necessarily. Athletic Bilbao had two Williams in the squad Saturday. Nico Williams had 'N Williams' on his shirt and Iñaka Williams just had 'Williams'.

 

Did Nico Williams look any good? Is very highly thought of

 

Another thought is what will Ralph wear on match day? Will he keep his pre-season fashion moving into the season?

 

Not bad. Was involved in 2 of their goals and delivered some decent crosses. He was one of several players that seemed have an issue with Djenepo - showed his frustration on occasions. Didn't really remember much about his brother when he came on. Then again he only played for the last 10 minutes or so.