Saints v Norwich - Wed. 4 Dec. - 19.30

Norwich will be dangerous. Not sure we can be fortunate twice in a row but heres hoping. Boufal has to start and i would play romeu as well.

 

JWP is, despite his ‘lack’ of contributions noted by others, our 2nd best scorer of goals lately, dropping him we take out a known scorer. Not saying though that’s impossible to do but not sure in the current circumstances I’d want to risk that? I’ve felt for a while now that it’s our midfield overall which is creating problems for an overworked defence, so I understand some of the points you and others have made.

 

Yes, exactly. We need a midfield enforcer to allow players like JWP the freedom to play behind the front players and make chances for them. On Saturday he was much too deep and trying too hard.

 

That’s exactly it. He plays so much better as a 10, with Højbjerg and/or Romeu behind him. He may not have pace, but his reading of the game gets him into creative or scoring positions.

 

We’ve got 9 square pegs & 9 round holes. I’m hoping Ralph can round some edges off of a few of them & get them to fit. Here’s wishing. Ps. McCarthy & Ings, the only decent fits at the mo.

 

I don’t agree with that Gary. We have some wrong shaped pegs, but mostly it’s about performance and/or tactics.

Bertrand is LB (and playing ok)
Cedric is a RB but playing poorly
CBs are in the right position, just questionable on ability.
Pierre is just completely off form
Djenepo is a wide player - looking good when fit
Boufal is a wide player - looking good
Redmond has drifted off form.

I’d say that JWP is probably in the wrong shaped hole as I’d play him further forward rather than as a CDM but apart from that bizarre playing of players out of position several weeks back, there aren’t many wrong shaped pegs, just not good enough or not playing well enough.

 

Out of interest, what do you feel is off with current tactics?

On Pierre, I think he knows he wants to leave, the contract situation hanging over him. I wonder if a bid came in for him in the summer.

 

Not sure there'll still be as much interest after his form so far this season.

 

I think he said keep practising until the cows come home

I’m using Soya milk these days, so maybe that will help?

 

I don't think the personnel are capable of playing to the plan

I think Hojberg is better at the base of the midfield, Armstrong is our best ball carrier and he gives us some drive forwards

Romeu Is too static given the rest of the midfield get caught out of position too often and JWP is not good enough but may be better as a 10

We miss Mario

We need someone else

We have to play Sophie and Moussa whatever

 

I'd like to see a midfield three of Romeu, JWP and Armstrong - and then a front 3 of Boufal, Djenepo and Ings.

 

Didn’t quite mean as defined as you’ve described FLT. Meant more that the “9” aren’t really performing for various reasons (confidence, can’t be arsed, crap , etc) but you’re probably right I should have been a bit more exact. What’s key tho is what Ralph can do whether it be sorting the above (that was my analogy of him trimming the edges) and of course tactics, as you’ve rightly said. I really did believe in him & I really like him but must admit, I’ve lost a bit of faith especially tactics. I know he’s tied but ... hum, not quite so sure now. Still, he’s / we’ve got a golden 2 game opportunity coming up. Pleaseeeee

 

Boufals toe condition has been made worse by playing him on Saturday, a gamble that paid off on the day, but may not have been wise.

 

Wtf is a toe condition? Footballers don’t play cos their toes hurt now?

 

Lineker had the same issue, not just a modern day issue.

 

It’s my works Christmas party on Wednesday so I’ll miss the match. Does anyone know if the Amazon rights are live only or will I be able to watch it when I stumble home? Google has no answer.....

 

Just check your Amazon account later tonight/tomorrow to see if you're still able to watch the two games being played tonight after they've finished. If so then assume it will be the same for all 10 games being shown this week

 

Oh that’s just far too logical.

I’ll get me coat.

 

If you have a greene king pub nearby it will be available. They have all amazon prime games.