We will lose a major offensive weapon without Bertie, Targett is probably on a par defensively but nowhere near as good at going forward. I just feel Vic as well would prove too defensive and he will conceed silly freekicks because of the speed of thier forwards
Saints haven't kept a clean sheet against Chelsea and won since the 29th of December 1997, when a single goal from Kevin Davies was enough to secure a 1-0 win at The Dell.
Mourinho on Koeman: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...e-Ronald-Koeman-Chelsea-face-Southampton.html Pretty decent commentary to me, although i'm sure he'd change his tone if the match doesnt go his way.
As a matter of interest, how many times have you seen Targett play to make that comparison? Not digging, genuinely interested. I've only seen Targett live once and that was for 45 minutes against a Sheff Utd. He looked sensational going forward. Now Ryan is excellent attacking, but we may yet have another one in the Bale mould on our hands, so I am genuinely interested to know how often you've seen him play as the only time I've seen him he was great going forward.
Oh Come on, that's a poor analysis. Man City were the only team from that list that outplayed us. I can't comment on the Spurs game, but United and Arsenal, Vic was great and we shouldn't have lost. To use that as an argument or example is a little weak in my view.
I would like us to give Chelsea a surprise with our team selection, something they wouldn't expect. Choose. A team to show no fear, get in their faces, match their energy and run them ragged. My suggestion is FF Jose. Toby. Maya Clyne. Morgan. JWP. Reed. Targett Mane. Long
When alls said and done you don't leave out your top scorer and playing Harry ahead of Big Vic would certainly give them a surprise ... a pleasant one. Harry's time will come but against Chelsea's midfield? I don't think so, may as well play me, that would really surprise them.
On the other hand if Reed completed 13 tackles against Chelsea like he did against Everton they would be wondering what had hit them. We don't need to be physical against Chelsea, we need to play better football. As has been said, Terry and Cahill would find Pellè a routine assignment, but a combination of two of Mané, Long and Tadić would give them something to think about.
Wanyama should start, we will need fresh legs. Long Tadic & JWP will be important coming off the bench
Good luck if you are going, I'll be watching from the comfort of my attic (currently -63 degrees and snowing).
Both teams have very attacking fullbacks (if you can call them that). I think that is where the game will be won or lost (if you ignore Fabregas and Hazard for a minute). There is a possibility they may cancel each other out.
We have a smaller chance of beating Chelsea than beating Crystal Palace or QPR, but it is not impossible. If an unnamed team were 4th, would you regard it as a certainty that they would get beaten?
@RonaldKoeman: With the support of our fans (in St Mary's +TV) we'd like to close this year 2014 @Southampton this afternoon with a great result #WeMarchOn
Where are all those social twitter updates, DTLW..? EDIT: Come back all I said. Couldn't see it the way I have this new layout on my widescreen.
Will be tough but we can cause teams problems. Have to say, I will be very interested to see Ronald's team selection today. Mane was terrific against Palace, but so was Long at home to Everton. Tadic is also fit again, and surely this is a game made for Big Vic? Haven't even mentioned young Harry Reed. Tough decisions, but you would rather have all these players available than not.
Ron will have a plan, of that we can be certain. Mind you, so will that Portuguese bloke. But we're at home, and should be looking to win our home games regardless of the opposition. 2-1 Saints.
