Dusic

They have the cup semi final 1st leg on Wednesday, and no reason for them not to go full strength for that. As Ralph said yesterday, we will be extremely motivated for this one. A bit of a free hit for us so you never know.

The bit that is bizarre is why you only ever compare JWP to Redmond. They both play every minute, so are not in competition with each other. They play in the same team. They are totally different players whose roles in the team are not similar. JWP has been great this season, no question and is playing better than he ever has done for us. Last year Redmomd was deservedly player of the year. But I don't get why you cannot mention JWP without comparing him to Redmond. Its nonsence.

I agree we don't need any panic buys but a few good results doesnt change the weakness in the squad. The best time to strengthen is from a position of relative strength and we have that more now than probably at any stage in the last 2 years. Our targets will have watched the Chelsea and Spurs games and probably feel better about joining us than they did in November. Ralph knows where we need to improve, the club know - and you can't stand still in the PL, its akin to going backwards.

He has a brief cameo and makes an impact then is given a start and his lack of technique really shows and he fades away again. Repeat x 3 or 4. If he was dangerous almost every time he plays then he would always play. He doesn't. He isn't PL quality. Which is no shame as the standard is so high. Can see why a long term move to the US appeals to him, mich better than clogging around in Huddersfield or similar.

I think its time. At the end of the day he has scored a grand total of zero goals this season. Five, three and two in the seasons prior to that. He is by accounts one of our higher earners. Has done ok overall and still makes an impact but with the saving of his, Yoshids and Cedric's wages it should give us a but more flexibility to revamp the squad - which is badly needed.

Loads of talk about a loan move. On the face of it, an odd one. But he barely plays, so I wouldn't totally rule it out. Will be very interesting to see if he starts this weekend. He should do. If not then I think there is something in this talk of him leaving. For me it would be a mad decision and he would need replacing with another forward, presumably on loan. Ralph often prefers Obafemi, but in the Spurs game that was a mistake as he just doesn't do the basics well enough. Long is out of contract at the end of the season, and we shouldn't offer him another one. Second half of the season is a great chance for Adams to settle. At Saints.

Brighton's "very long poor run" of just two defeats in 7 games must be a massive concern to them. They always looks pretty decent when I have seen them. Would be quite suprised if they went down.

This could be a season where a team goes down with 40 points.

The obvious ones to rest are Cedric and Bertrand. Loads of players getting hamstring injuries at other clubs due to too many games so they need protecting as we have no cover for them. Would also leave out Ings.

FFS we are not going to be spending £20m on Bowen in January where our Manager has stated multiple times that we need defenders. In real life news, RH said after the game that we are looking and know we need to bring players in, but there is a little less pressure due to our recent form. We all know how this ends!

https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2019/barcelona-will-loan-out-jean-clair-todibo-until-the-end-of-the-season-he-has-a-choice-of-7-clubs/

Boufal definitely better as an impact sub, and so far most of Djenepo's best performances have been from the bench as well.

https://pucelafichajes.com/2019/12/el-southampton-planea-una-oferta-de-10-millones-de-euros-por-salisu/ Saints allegedly preparing an offer of €10m for Mohammed Salisu, Valladolid CB. He has a release clause of €12m and they have been trying to get him to sign a contract but he has yet to do so. Has been a regular starter for them in La Liga this season. Source is a local newspaper so perhaps something in it.

Ings seems to play much, much better when playing alongside someone and Spurs weakness is their defence. I would keep two forwards, whether thats Adams or Redmond, and add Armstrong for Boufal as he can drop in a bit when needed. Then either Redmond (if Adams or Obafemi starts) or Djenepo on the other side. Armstrong good as he gives the option to change towards a 4-3-3 without making a sub if we need to strengthen central midfield. Spurs virtually play 4-4-2 anyway as Alli plays so high.

Tenuous link to Morgan Sanson, central midfielder: https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2019/marseille-expecting-offers-from-the-premier-league-for-morgan-sanson/ Good player but would imagine quite far outside of our price range, especially as we will obviously be after at least one full back as a priority.

I reckon starting RB would be more useful.

After the game RH said he hopes they can do something fairly early on in the window. Speaking to Solent.

Thought he was good, just as he was when he started games earlier in the season. Worked really hard, strong, good movement. Away at one of the top sides that is what you want from your striker.

Hopefully just one change: Ings for Obafemi.

I would be amazed and slightly annoyed if we spent the £20m or so that Bowen would cost and then didn't sort out our actual issues which are all defensive. Bowen, or any attacker, would be 4th or 5th on the priority list.

Wonder how much we will rotate considering we have a much more winnable game vs injury hit Palace on 28th? Surely Ings can't start both considering his injury history and how vital he is to us? No real full back options to change but a few elsewhere.

Probably the best performance of the season. We aren't a good side by any means, but come on.

Can't argue with beating all three sides in the relegation zone in recent weeks...takes some bottle. Sounded like our best performance of the season today. Great team selection from Ralph.

My Favourites: Clyme away at Arsenal Jay Rod away at Fulham Pelle away at Chelsea Lambert's second away at Ipswich Fonte away at Brighton Lambert away at Derby

Well three well paid players are out of contract and will leave: Cedric, Yoshida and Long. Forster will surely get a move somewhere as well. Thats a start.