Dusic

This.

Get off the fence, bro.

In order of best to worst for performances in a Saints shirt, obviously relative to the league(s) they played in for us. For me: 1. Luke Shaw 2. Ryan Bertrand 3. Dan Harding 4. Danny Fox 5. Francis Benali 6. Patrick Colleter 7. Matt Targett 8. Gregory Vignal

Of course that game was bigger, along with the Cup final, and probably the Anfield semi final as well.

Its all a little strange, especially having sold Targett without being confident enough in Vokins to select him. We have played more than half our first team games this season without a recognised left back and indeed no left footed players. Hopefully Bertrand is back for Sheffield Utd and if not hopefully the local media ask the relevant questions.

No Bertrand in todays training pics. He was in them last Wednesday though.

Not really a firesale as none of them have been sold. We are still paying off their transfer fees and still paying a portion of their wages. That we have only permanently sold Targett, Gallagher and Austin this summer is very disappointing. It will have rammifications for a while still.

So, first Intl break, usually a good time to reflect on the start of the season having seen what each team has to offer over more than 10% of the season. Having been in a relegation scrap the last two seasons - who looks likely to be involved this time around? I think its a tough one, with lots of teams of a similar level but nobody who is absolute dross like Huddersfield and Fulham were. Promoted Teams: Sheff Utd - decent enough start and certainly no whipping boys. Will be involved in the scrap but have a decent chance to stay up. Norwich - similar. Concede too many goals but capable of scoring and play some nice football. Will be involved for sure. Villa - have lots of good players but not sure where the goals will come from. If they find a goalscorer they could be comfortably safe. If not they will be in it. Strugglers from last Season: Saints - decent start points wise but iffy performances. Will be bottom third most likely but surely are better equipped than the last two seasons? Brighton - style improved but as always not a prolific team goals wise. Could go either way. Burnley - will be the same as always. Poor but effective in both boxes. Have goalscorers and a generally solid defence, plus strong home record. Will be safe IMO. Palace - Already top half, good side away from home and in Zaha have a matchwinner. Some good, experienced PL players.Will probably have enough. Newcastle - Shambles but seem to pick up results when they most need it. Possible droppers from last season: Watford - not a good start and Manager under pressure. Have a lot of PL experienced players but a bit flaky. One to watch perhaps if they struggle in the next few games. Bournemouth - too much going forward to be in trouble even if their defence is permanently awful. May be involved at stages but not come the end of the season. Wolves - tough fixtures to start and Europa to contend with. May not do as well as last year but no relegation danger. Man Utd - will be pleased with their point against fellow struggers Saints, especially after losing to Palace. Should just about have enough to avoid the drop. Overall Very tough to call this season. Hard to believe Saints will be too far clear from the fight and almost certainly at some stage we will be under threat, as will most of the bottom half. Would be good if someome goes on a terrible run, and the promoted teams struggle. If pushed: Norwich, Sheff Utd and Newcastle

Hopefully the option is realistic, €400k or so.

Have to feel that overall the only winners would be Galatasaray rather than Lemina and certainly not Saints. Shame its ended like this, as talent wise he should be a starter in our team rather than loaned out for little financial benefit. This scenario a year ago would have been laughed at. Shows how quickly things change in football.

Will have one year left next summer so nobody will pay a fee for him then when they can get him for free the year after. Very costly mistake.

I liked that he properly got stuck into the LB role. When he had space he motored forward and tried to be confident on the ball rather than just play a basic game. Obvious error for the red but clearly has some decent attributes for a CB, and different from our others. That said, in general our passing from the back is awful. Both Bednarek and Vestergaard are very limited on the ball and not quick enough to see a forward pass when its on. We have been spoiled with the likes of Alderweireld and VVD I guess.

Think he has done ok, he needs a goal but is not a concern. Strong lad, quick enough and we know he can finish.

Annoying. If he does well there is no way they can afford to buy him. And any other clubs will be wary as its such a **** league.

https://www.vg.no/sport/fotball/i/6jK7z8/kilder-til-vg-mohamed-elyounoussi-paa-vei-til-ny-klubb Leaving on loan imminently. Medical today but not sure where.

RH said he trained yesterday and today but didnt seem enthusiastic about picking him for Saturday. Came across a bit weird/evasive IMO. Expecting Danso or Cedric at LB personally, something has gone on with RB.

Given injuries I would go for: Gunn Valery Danso Bednarek Bertrand Hojbjerg Romeu JWP Boufal Ings Adams

When clubs know he is unwanted and not even training with the squad, it puts them firmly in the driving seat. Saints want a perm deal. Clubs know we just want to get rid of him, so know in the end we will accept a ****y loan. Incoming: ****y loan. Ditto: Elyounoussi, Carrillo

He said that straight after the game. Presumably he will update tomorrow but I would think best case scenario is he will be back for the Sheff Utd game.

Better options yes, but Redmond is by a mile our best attackig player, plays 90mins every week and can play wide or central. Hopefully the Intl break comes at a good time but if he is out for more than a month or so, it will almost certainly impact our league position.

Sounds like a possible ankle/achilles injury tonight. Not good at all. First name on the teamsheet and a massive factor in our attacking play. Hoping for good news...would be a massive blow if he is out for a decent while.

You did. Which was very, very strange unless there was some kind of issue, which it appears there is. Hopefully it can be gotten overly pretty quickly as we cannot have CBs and CMs playing LB in the PL. Also, the decision for Vokins to play U23s would be bizarre if RB isnt playing. If Vokins can't play vs Fulham in the CC than when will be play this season?!

His biggest mistake? Not really. We just sold Targett for up to £17m and Gallagher for £5m and will probably sell Reed next summer for similar to Gallagher. I would say handing a new contract to Forster (twice) and signing dross like Carrillo, Hoedt, Clasie, Elyounoussi are all far, far worse.

No anger. Just pointing out where I disagree with you.

Why on earth would we spend probably £15m or thereabouts on Jarrod Bowen when he plays in the position we have the most options in? Answer: we won't. We also won't sign a CB, we have 6 already which is two more than needed. We do need a defensive midfielder but don't have any money unless we decide to sell Hojbjerg if he won't sign a new contract.