Saint Albert

I agree perhaps we can wait for the season to start before we get into full-on doom and gloom mode. Based upon what I’ve seen so far, I think this lineup is pretty close to what Hughes will go with, but I think Armstrong starts ahead of Moi, and it’s a toss-up between Hoj and Romeu. I’d personally like the front three to consist of Moi, Armstrong and Gabbiadini. Perhaps the new boys will do a better job of picking out Gabbiadini’s runs, this season. I’m not sure that such a defensive lineup will be necessary against a team that will probably sit back and look to profit from counterattacks and set pieces. Long term Yoshi should be in as the right CB, and Cedric at RWB assuming there’s no truth to the rumours that he’s thrown his toys out of the pram VVD-style. I can also see Gunn replacing McCarthy permanently at some point this season. My main worry is the loss of Tadic, but my hope is that a full season under more competent management than last year’s nonsense will produce better results.

A report in Germany claims that Hertha Berlin are interested in Hoj... “After Max Meyer, with whom Hertha had flirted intensely, opted for Crystal Palace, Hertha reportedly sought after Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg (23). The Dane is, like Meyer, a versatile midfielder. After failing to prevail at FC Bayern (2012-2015), Höjbjerg has recently played two good seasons at Southampton FC. No matter how advanced the negotiations are, nothing is signed yet.” https://www.morgenpost.de/sport/hertha/article215010403/Hertha-sucht-noch-einen-Hochkaraeter.html

The more he scores, the better chance we have of selling him for a decent fee.

If Hughes sticks with the present defensive formation, I’d rather see Yoshi on the right of the three CBs. His pace would be useful, particularly if Targett is the RWB. There was some good interplay between Gabbi and Armstrong, that was somewhat encouraging. Very pleased with Armstrong so far.

Fulham linked with a loan move for Real Madrid LB Theo Hernandez... https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/6935960/real-madrid-theo-hernandez-fulham-loan-deal/

Toulouse CB Christopher Jullien’s name is coming up again, with a potential fee reported at €10M... https://ninetyminutesonline.com/southampton-and-newcastle-track-defender-fee-in-8-9m-range/ Everton and Newcastle are reportedly also interested in him.

Saints rejected a £12M bid by Fulham, according to the Mail... http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6018279/Transfer-news-LIVE-Yerry-Mina-wanted-Manchester-United.html (live transfer blog, at 13:12 hours)

He has a very cultured left foot. Deserves a chance.

It gave me a geo error when I tried it. The club’s streams don’t always work when you’re watching from abroad, unfortunately.

The assist on the Armstrong goal was delightful.

I ended up watching it on a dodgy low def Turkish website. Celta gave up fixing their YouTube feed and took it down.

Great pass by JWP off the post for the third goal.

Targett on an assist frenzy in the second half. OK it’s two. Here’s me being sceptical of Hughes playing him on the right.

Good cross by Targett from the right wing for Austin’s goal.

I’m getting a “not allowed in your region” error for the club’s feed.

Mine has died.

I was just thinking the same. He looks good so far.

Cracking goal for Celta by Sisto. Defenders stood off a bit, though.

McQueen missed an open goal at the far post with the header from Bertrand’s cross.

Celta’s YouTube feed is good quality. No commentators.

No Lemina in the squad for this game.

Sporting Lisbon want up to £175M in compensation for the players who terminated their contracts and joined other clubs, including £50M for Rui Patricio, who went to Wolves... https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/45028904

Boufal and four other first team players are not available for Celta Vigo because of injury... http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/16388938.sofiane-boufal-ruled-out-as-southampton-host-celta-vigo-at-st-marys/

The press are speculating that the dugout pioneers want to spend £30M on former Saints target Marcus Rojo... http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6008591/Everton-want-Marcos-Rojo-Manchester-United-30m-deal-Marco-Silva-plots-reunion.html

Nice set up by Bertrand.