Match Day Thread Southampton vs Crystal Palace FA CUP 24.01.2015

Then there is no way we can have a sensible debate. Two opposite opinions will never come together.

Here's a question though, given that you think that, would you want Wilshire at Saints?

 

Dear, oh dear, that's pretty damming of Jack Cork then. Is it close..?

 

I'd take him at Saints no question. He's far from the finished article but I've always thought he's the future England captain. He's got vision, good passing, can tackle and has got potential leadership qualities. He is a bit of a twat off the pitch but he's only 22 or something so he'll grow out of that. In 5 years time, he will be the heartbeat of England's midfield.

 

Saints do feel strangely naked and vulnerable now, though - a bad run of form and our season is over, if we are taking Europe as an aim. I didn't want the added hassle of a cup run, but now it's gone, it feels like some pressure has ramped up a bit. Am sure non-stop games and momentum can work in a team's favour too.

 

I wouldn't. but there you go. Art from not totally agreeing with your assessment of his playing abilities (although I can see where you're coming from), its the "twat off the pitch" bit thats the thing. Some people don't grow out of it, cue Osvaldo.

 

Would give him a bash at becoming an even better player!

 

Wilshire is a hugely talented footballer. Far more talented than Jack Cork in terms of footballing technique. However he is a prat and will blow his talent. I watched him very closely for England against the White Horse, sorry I mean San Marino and I couldn't believe just how daft he could be with a ball - I am not going to go into that now. There is so much there to work with, but I do believe that in 5 years time Tom, we will be bemoaning the fact that England will still be waiting for Wilshire to mature and use that talent. He is going to blow it because he doesn't seem to listen or learn on or off the pitch.

On technique: Wilshire > Cork
On deliverance: Wilshire < Cork
On potential: Wilshire > Cork
On attitude: Wilshire < Cork

 

Put some more water in your glass

If we finish 8th, it will be an incredible season;
7th - great improvement on last season (considering the summer);
6th - fantastic season;
5th - simply fabulous
4th - unbelievable season
3rd - fantasy land
2nd - OMG... what is in this drink
1st - FLT ... step away from the narcotics and put your hands above your head

 

At the start of the season I said I'd be happy with 7th. I still will.

Vin

 

If place finishes were drinks [discounting water*, which is the best and worst of drinks, depending on the occasion], they might go something like this [subject to change on a whim]:

8th: A very nice tumbler of fruit juice [apple, orange, grapefruit, pineapple, mango, berry, it hardly matters if it's great].
7th: Good cup of fine strong tea, with a dash of skimmed milk. No sugar.
6th: Cup of fine strong espresso coffee with brown sugar. No milk.
5th: That lovely pint of stout that I got in The Wheatsheaf Inn in Shedfield, the other month, and I can't remember it's bleeding name.
4th: A pint of Wadworth's Old Timer at its finest point in the barrel [actually could vie for being the best drink, bar none, including water*].
3rd: An excellent wine, for example Villa Maria from NZ, which is superb whether crisp vanilla white or dark fruity red.
2nd: A very dry Martini [point the Plymouth or London Gin and green or black olive in the direction of Italy]. Cocktail stick optional.
1st: A finest whisky. Doesn't have to be a single malt, but it helps. Eg, Lagavulin or Laphroaig, with nothing else bar the warmed glass.

Wonder if I'll feel the same if I look in a few years time. Anyway, what's yours..?

 

I'm with you on most of those TSS. I actually have a bottle of Caol Ila (just about edges Lagavulin in my humble opinion) which I'm hoping to broach when we finish 3rd. If we do any better than that I might have to think again.

Just remembered, if there is a requirement for fizzy stuff this season, we have a few bottles of the best champagne I have ever tasted in the cupboard. Wine buffs will shudder undoubtedly, but it's a brew called Monsigny, obtained from Aldi for the princely sum of £9.99 a bottle.

 

8th: One pint of Peroni
7th: Two pints of Peroni
6th: Three pints of Peroni
5th: Four pints of Peroni
4th: Five pints of Peroni
3rd: Six pints of Peroni
2nd: Seven pints of Peroni
1st: Eight pints of Peroni

 

TSS, I never used to have anything in my single malts, until a good Irishman insisted one day that he gave me a whisky lesson. He ordered a little jug of water and we then went on a little learning trip... I now definitely add a little water to my whisky.

 

I think that champers won a few awards Chilco. I had some and it was very good.

 

Dilute it down to 35%. That's the way to drink whiskey.

 

If at the beginning of the season someone had offered me 7th place, I'd snapped his hand off. If someone offers me 7th place now, I'd tell him to go **** himself.

 

Which explains why managing expectation is so important.

 

Think we'll come 5th, but to quote Lovren, "my head's already at the Champions League".

 

What happens if both Cups are won by lower sides...would 5th get you into the Europa or not? I think we'd better finish 3td just to be sure

 

Surely it must still be possible to qualify for the Europa through the league, even in that scenario? I agree though, 3rd would be better. Or 2nd...