Options for Saturday

[ladysaint]

Presuming Papa's and Jaidi WP's come through Saga back from international duty and Holmes return to fitness what would be your starting 11 for Saturday seeing as it is a must win game and 36 players to choose from.

[RedAndWhite91]

"Must win" is a bit dramatic as we still have 40 games to play

But my starting 11 would be as follows:

---------------Davis---------------

Thomas----Jaidi----Trotman----Harding

Papa----Hammond--Schneiderlin----Mills

-----------Lambert--Saga--------------

[alpine_saint]

---------------Davis---------------

Thomas----Jaidi----Trotman----Harding

Papa----James----Hammond----Holmes or Mills

-----------Lambert--Saga--------------


but AP wont drop Lallana...

[RedAndWhite91]

And my subs:

Bart
Perry
Holmes
Paterson
James
Lallana
Lancashire

[krissyboy31]

I don't think Jaidi will be available because they said the WP would take a couple of weeks to sort out. Papa has his work permit and would have played on Saturday if it weren't for Fiorentina holding up the paperwork. Therefore I think only 2 changes. Saga for Paterson and Papa for Melis.

[RedAndWhite91]

I don't think Jaidi will be available because they said the WP would take a couple of weeks to sort out. Papa has his work permit and would have played on Saturday if it weren't for Fiorentina holding up the paperwork. Therefore I think only 2 changes. Saga for Paterson and Papa for Melis.

Jaidi's was going to take 7-10 days as of last week I think...

[trousers]

"Must win" is a bit dramatic as we still have 40 games to play

Why is there a general consensus that "must win" games can only gain that heralded status towards the end of a campaign?

If one takes the season as a whole then there are probably around 15 "must win" games in total.

I say we should try and win some of these "must win" games earlier in the season....starting with Charlton on Saturday....

IMHO of course

[trousers]

Jaidi's was going to take 7-10 days as of last week I think...

Why does it take 7 - 10 days for some bureaucrat to sign a piece of paper, FFS?

[RedAndWhite91]

Why is there a general consensus that "must win" games only gain that heralded status towards the end of a campaign?

If one takes the season as a whole then there are probably around 15 "must win" games in total overall.

I say we should try and win some of these "must win" games earlier in the season....starting with Charlton on Saturday....

IMHO of course

Fair point, IMHO we should be trying to win every game. And I guess in our predicament (minus 10) it matters a bit more. Fair play.

[krissyboy31]

Why does it take 7 - 10 days for some bureaucrat to sign a piece of paper, FFS?

I think you answered your own question.

[The Incongruous Monk]

If Charlton's a "must win" we're screwed. We'll be lucky to bring a point back from the Valley. Charlton are clearly on excellent form right now which we are not. Whilst it's possible we'll beat them (someone will soon), it's not likely. Based on Saturdays performance our problem is in the wide midfield areas right now. Unless someone's taught Mills/Thompson to cross the ball we're going to struggle.

Yeovil... that's another matter :-)

[RedAndWhite91]

I'd be happy with a point against Charlton. If we don't beat Yeovil then there will be trouble though...

[Saint_clark]

As others have said, will be happy with a point. 0-0 would do me, at least it's another clean sheet.

[ladysaint]

The type of game we will win I hope, against AP's old club, top against bottom and we normally perform well against the better teams, we desperately need a win for the players confidence.

[Saint_clark]

The only trouble is, we're coming up against one of the best midfields in the league. IMO Mills has to start so we can stretch them a bit more.

[red&white56]

Let's not get ahead of ourselves - to call this a "must win" game is setting everyone up for disappointment (imo). Charlton have started extremely well and their confidence must be sky-high, also they are at home.............

For me this is a "must draw" match.

[JustMike]

---------------Davis---------------

Thomas----Jaidi----Trotman----Harding

Papa----lallana----Hammond----Holmes

-----------Lambert--Saga--------------

[Saint_clark]

---------------Davis---------------

Thomas----Jaidi----Trotman----Harding

Waigo----Hammond----Lallana----Mills

-----------Lambert--Saga--------------

Is what i'd hope to see.

[Toadhall Saint]

---------------Davis---------------

Thomas----Jaidi----Trotman----Harding

Papa----lallana----Hammond----Holmes

-----------Lambert--Saga--------------

Could go with that Mike - just one question re Lallana or Schnederlin?

[saintjay77]

seems like most so far see the team pretty much the same with lallana and spiderman the only difference. I think Spiderman would do better from the start making way for Lalanna to be the impact sub later on.

Do we know how good Papa is on the wing? I know he is meant to be quick so that should help but it wont help if he always wants to cut inside. We need some speed on the right that stays on the right and crosses some balls into the box. Think we have a team that could have a goal frenzy should that happen.

[Naboo_thats_who]

Have I missed something? Isnt Papa a striker?

Do we really want to play are 'Chaos' creating striker out of position already.

From what I have seen someone with pace could be the perfect foil up front for Ricky!

[Ivan Katalinic's 'tache]

Davis

Thomas Jaidi Trotman Harding

Lallana Hammond James Holmes

Waigo Lambert

Subs: Bart, Perry, Mills, Schneiderlin, Mellis, Saga, Paterson

[adriansfc]

We aren't conceding many, I'd leave the defence. Need Morgan in though or our central midfield won't keep the ball enough or create.

Davis

Thomas Perry Trotman Harding

Waigo Hammond Morgan Mills

Saga Lambert

Sorry Adam. Only alternative is Lallana off Lambert. Praying it's not Lallana on the wing. But don't be surprised to see Lallana right wing with Waigo up front. Managers are stupid.

[Crowds]

We aren't conceding many, I'd leave the defence. Need Morgan in though or our central midfield won't keep the ball enough or create.

Davis

Thomas Perry Trotman Harding

Waigo Hammond Morgan Mills

Saga Lambert

Sorry Adam. Only alternative is Lallana off Lambert. Praying it's not Lallana on the wing. But don't be surprised to see Lallana right wing with Waigo up front. Managers are stupid.

agreed with the above. With lallana, holmes, pato on the bench.

[Secret Site Agent]

Why is there a general consensus that "must win" games can only gain that heralded status towards the end of a campaign?

If one takes the season as a whole then there are probably around 15 "must win" games in total.

I say we should try and win some of these "must win" games earlier in the season....starting with Charlton on Saturday....

IMHO of course

Here we go, I'm going to be contrversial here.

Arn't ALL games must win games?

[Rasiak-9-]

We desperately need pace and skill up front as well as a player for Lambert to play the ball to with his flick-ons and neat touches.

So

Davis

Thomas - Jaidi - Trotman - Harding

Lallana - Schneiderlin - Hammond - Mills

Waigo - Lambert

(I know Lallana's not a great wide player but with the forwards pretty much sorted and us having Mills on the left giving us a bit of symettry and balance he should do ok - he tends to be quite a ballsy little player too, who does better against the bigger teams)

Either way, we simply have to change the strikers, Lambert, Paterson and Saga have scored 3 in the 6 games from open play in the league so far. Which is ****ing appalling.

[Doctoroncall]

Have I missed something? Isnt Papa a striker?

Do we really want to play are 'Chaos' creating striker out of position already.

From what I have seen someone with pace could be the perfect foil up front for Ricky!

He's a winger that can play up front.

[anothersaintinsouthsea]

If Charlton's a "must win" we're screwed. We'll be lucky to bring a point back from the Valley. Charlton are clearly on excellent form right now which we are not. Whilst it's possible we'll beat them (someone will soon), it's not likely. Based on Saturdays performance our problem is in the wide midfield areas right now. Unless someone's taught Mills/Thompson to cross the ball we're going to struggle.

Yeovil... that's another matter :-)

also Mellis, James, Thomas and Lallana judging by Saturday!

[Saint_clark]

He's a winger that can play up front.

Actually it's the other way around, but i'd imagine he's just as good in either position.

[Thedelldays]

We desperately need pace and skill up front as well as a player for Lambert to play the ball to with his flick-ons and neat touches.

So

Davis

Thomas - Jaidi - Trotman - Harding

Lallana - Schneiderlin - Hammond - Mills

Waigo - Lambert

(I know Lallana's not a great wide player but with the forwards pretty much sorted and us having Mills on the left giving us a bit of symettry and balance he should do ok - he tends to be quite a ballsy little player too, who does better against the bigger teams)

Either way, we simply have to change the strikers, Lambert, Paterson and Saga have scored 3 in the 6 games from open play in the league so far. Which is ****ing appalling.

Surely, this will be the team...with sagga and Holmes ready to come on...

[saint stu 20]

---------------Davis---------------

Thomas---------Jaidi-----Trotman--------Harding

---------Schneirderlin----Hammond---------

--------------------Lallana-----------------

----Papa-----------Lambert---------Mills---

[sussexsaint]

I have a sneaky feeling our 2 new signings won't get the clearance they need and we will be left in limbo with our 'ideal' squad for a while, which is a pain

[SuperMikey]

------------Davis---------------
Thomas--Jaidi--Trotman--Harding
Papa--Morgan--Hammond--Holmes
---------Saga--Lambert---------

Subs: Bart, Perry, James, Lallana, Patterson, Mills, Lancashire

Quite similar to other people's ideal teams, which goes to show that the consensus is that we need to play Holmes and Papa on the wings to get any real width. While Mills looked good when he came on on Saturday, Holmes is more of an out and out winger, and his delivery is fantastic. He doesn't quite have the pace of Mills, but his crossing ability more than makes up for it.

Having not seen Papa play, i'm not sure whether he'll be more suited to playing on the wing or up front with Lambert, but I think we need the pace on the wing more than up front, so hopefully if he can provide some decent service then Saga and Lambert can work the magic in attack.

Hopefully a team like this starts on saturday, because we need to win sooner rather than later, and while getting a result against the most in form team in english football at the moment is going to be tough, it is still feasible, and for that to work we need to put out our best XI and get behind them. You lot going to Charlton, we need full vocal support for 90 minutes.

[CWD]

------------------Davis--------------

Thomas---Trotman---Jaidi----Harding

------Hammond-------Morgan--------

Papa----------Lallana---------Holmes

--------------Lambert--------------

Subs - Bart, Perry, James, Mills, Thompson, Gillet, Saga.

I would be careful about starting with saga, lambo and papa as then there is noone who can be brought on to change the game. Also i dont see why ppl are so keen to start Mills, IMO he was gash on sat and one goal against Ajax doesnt make you a starting 11 player in my book. Not saying he's bad, but i think Holmes is twice the player.

Each to their own and all that though

[St Marco]

Looking forward to the game, remember going last year. Wish i didn't because it was a snore draw if i remember right.
But in all honesty i would take a draw against Charlton, i would see that as a good result. We have had a few promotion fancied teams in the first 6 while Charlton have had to play mostly relegation battling teams. After this game i think we then have 6 easy games, at least i think so.

Both teams are football playing teams so could have the potential to be a good game with lots of chances.

Personally i would go

---------------------Davis-------------------

Thomas--------Trotman-----Jaidi-------Harding

Lallana-------Hammond------James-----Holmes

-----------Papa Smurf------Lambert-----------

Subs: Bart,Saga,Perry,Mellis,Morgan

Reason for that is this is going to be a hard game and Morgan has not been so good, bit like last year in that is very inconsistent. This is a game where the players have to perform from the start and he does not do that too often. Overall in the games i have seen (which is all games thus far) James has done well in the centre. He is pretty good at passing and very good at crossing, tries to get forward and will take a shot if he can. He is more consistent and more reliable. Having him there we have gone on our unbeaten run.

I have pit Papa up front simply because he is fast, the type of striker we have been missing for awhile now. If Lambert can get the ball down and pass it to him while facing the defenders he could cause problems, more so then Saga can.

[eurosaint]

[QUOTE=Secret Site Agent;444168]Here we go, I'm going to be contrversial here.

Arn't ALL games must win games?[/QUOTE]

Yeah, but some are more 'must win' than others !

[torsaint]

It would be nice to think we could be the men and them the boys instead of the other way round as last season.

[mikec]

[QUOTE=eurosaint;444289]

Here we go, I'm going to be contrversial here.

Arn't ALL games must win games?[/QUOTE]

Yeah, but some are more 'must win' than others !

I thinks it's more of a 'wouldnt it be nice if we won but dont get your hopes up' game.

[thefuzz247]

------------------Davis--------------

Thomas---Trotman---Jaidi----Harding

------Hammond-------Morgan--------

Papa----------Lallana---------Holmes

--------------Lambert--------------

Subs - Bart, Perry, James, Mills, Thompson, Gillet, Saga.

I would be careful about starting with saga, lambo and papa as then there is noone who can be brought on to change the game. Also i dont see why ppl are so keen to start Mills, IMO he was gash on sat and one goal against Ajax doesnt make you a starting 11 player in my book. Not saying he's bad, but i think Holmes is twice the player.

Each to their own and all that though

Papa and Lambert as the finishers. Papa and Lallana interchange perhaps?
Lallana in the free role just behind the front. where he is best
Lambert as the focal point. (what he came here to be I presume?)
Two very good "football" players in morgan and hammond for transition of defence into attack. (where they operate best!)
Solid defensive line of good age/experience/vitality blend
Good solid keeper.

Just looks right to me that! Will it happen? Probably not. Doh. Great shout that man.

[Ed Rooney]

"Must win" is a bit dramatic as we still have 40 games to play

But my starting 11 would be as follows:

---------------Davis---------------

Thomas----Jaidi----Trotman----Harding

Papa----Hammond--Schneiderlin----Mills

-----------Lambert--Saga--------------

On Paper this side should walk this league

[Roger]

No we need pace up front so teams cant play a high line against us meaning the midfield have more room.

Davis

Murty jaidi trotman harding

Lallana morgan hammond holmes

Papa Lambert

Subs; Saga, bart, thomas, mills, mellis, gobern

[Saints foreva]

Charlton fans seem obsessed with wanting Waigo to fail.

This whole Pardew thing has got very pathetic imo.

He won't hack the physicality of League 1, I watch Seria A football on quite a regular basis (and a few out in Italy), it's lovely football to watch.. but strikers (or RWers..) like him will need to barge their way to goals in this league, I'll be surprised if he scores goals for fun, just because he's played a handful of games in Seria A.

This contact... did Pardew sign him up by any chance? :-)

By the way, I hope we're not talking about big money you might be paying him if he impresses. the majority of the games he's played were in the Seria B, this is pretty much the equivalent of the conference. He'll be no better than Magno Viera IMO.

nah......... i bet he's pants. he's one of pardews signings after all.

saint fan the truth is that Pardew did not make that many crap permanent signings, although he overpaid for them, what he did wrong was confuse them and demotivate them. Look at Racon and Semedo now compared to when Super Al brought them in, Moots will be a better player although not with us. It will be interesting to see how this fella and Lambert are performing in six months time.

Became a legend at Fiorentina after scoring away at rivals Juve, I think it was the equaliser as part of a 3-2 win. After that he did precisely feck all, although to be fair division 3 is slightly worse than Serie A

Scored twice in the last three years - deffo Pardew's type of a striker ;-)

Yes he must be a top player if he has joined the team adrift at the bottom of the English third division. Sounds like a pardoo signing all right, will take you for a lot of money over the course of his contract for not doing very much.

[Billy Shite]

I cannot see Papa being played on the wing where he has to track back and help the full back in an away game against the best team in the league in his first game in English football. He'll be up front if anywhere but I'd say he's more likely to be a sub. You could bring him on, on the wing with 25 to go if we're losing.

So...
-----------------Davis
Thomas-----Perry--------Trotman-----Harding
Lallana------James------Hammond-----Mills
-------------Saga-------Lambert

Subs: Bart, Wotton, Mellis, Schneiderlin, Paterson, Holmes, Waigo

If it was a home game I'd pick Schneiderlin ahead of James

[Saint_Jonny]

Meh. I hate charlton, hope we beat them now. (never ganna happen.)

[Saint Bones]

Well if there's a game Saints will win it's the one we least expect.

Away to Charlton, as the table stands, is the hardest game of the season. So no doubt we will walk away 4-1 winners and then lose at home the following week

[krissyboy31]

Sicknote's back! Apparently!!
http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsD...791319,00.html

[saintsfannick]

IF JAIDI doesn't play and perry does we will lose simple as that

[Iowsaintsfan]

---------------Davis---------------

Thomas----Jaidi----Trotman----Harding

Papa----lallana----Hammond----Holmes

-----------Lambert--Saga--------------

Ill take that

[exeter_saint]

how about -
--------------Davis-------------
Thomas--Trotman--Jaidi---Harding
Waigo--Schneirderlin-Hammond--Mellis
----------------Lallana-------------
-------------Lambert---------------

Bart, Perry, Wotton, Mills, Holmes, Saganowski, Paterson

[S-Clarke]

how about -
--------------Davis-------------
Thomas--Trotman--Jaidi---Harding
Waigo--Schneirderlin-Hammond--Mellis
----------------Lallana-------------
-------------Lambert---------------

Bart, Perry, Wotton, Mills, Holmes, Saganowski, Paterson

Mills instead of Mellis, push both wide men right up top - and you're spot on.