Dusic

I wonder if he will actually be a nailed on starter between now and the end of the season. Reason being, we are comfortable mid table due to the win at Sunderland and Stephens is generally doing ok, he has obvious potential and will benefit massively from his minutes in the first team. I doubt Caceres is a long term player for us so you could argue what value is there in getting him fit for someone else at the expense of improving an Academy player who may have the ability to be a decent PL player for us for a few years? That said, its a results game and if Stephens drops his level and is then replaced he can have no complaints. But IMO he has been decent against Sunderland and United and doesn't really deserve to be dropped just yet, especially for a player on a short term contract who isn't match fit. Thats the difference between Saints, who trust and give a chance to young players, versus a few other sides in the PL who would probably have thrown Caceres in as a soon as he was available.

Puel said in todays press conference he hasn't been/isn'-t injured.

But we did play our reserves versus Palace, Sunderland and a weakened team versus Arsenal. Its about using the squad wisely, which Puel absolutely did.

Cedric developing nicely. Struggled with the power of the PL when he first came here, but unlike Clasie has really got to grips with it this season and is looking a very good PL right back at the moment. Good going forward, rarely gets mugged off defensively and has a good name.

I do understand that to some degree. But when marrying up with stats like league position, goals for and goals against it suggests the cusp was last May when we finished 6th (or actually prior to then). But there is definitely a huge amount of as yet unfulfilled potential in this squad if they could keep everyone (or just lose VVD for big money) and sign another quality central midfielder.

As ever with Reed and Krueger, actions speak louder than words.

Wouldn't say Romeu was exceptional yesterday as was at fault for their first and not brilliant on the second either.

Presume all the people slating Puel for subbing Gabbiadini were watching on TV rather than at Wembley. He was clearly flaggijg for 15mins before he came off and was in communication with the bench about how much longer he could last. No comparison to Ibra as they played in a totally different way with different physical output required. We didn't lose because Gabbiadini was subbed and it seemed like the correct decision at the time.

We were largely excellent. Slight shame that as we have become very dangerous in attack we look more shaky at the back but its hardly a suprise with 3rd and 4th choice CBs and a GK short on confidence. Redmond, Gabbi and both full backs excellent going forward, very dynamic and elusive. Credit to Puel as his time on the training pitch has clearly made a difference. Interesting to see how many neutrals thought Redmond had a great game, he is massively under appreciated by our fans IMO. Disappointed in Romeu's poor decision to clatter Herrera. Needless free kick and hampered him for the rest of the game. Over the season there have been too many goals conceded to counter attacks, suggests a lack of recovery pace in the middle of the pitch. Saints fans great, clearly means more to a club like ours whereas they will probably be back next season if not again this time around.

Sounds like Mata went to a family funeral in Spain today but is on his way to London now.

Zarate doing having his usual good game shortly after signing for a club.

Has a bet on 5-0 Man Utd but is a Saints fan?

Shame if Sims isnt given an opportunity to run for the hills again as a sub. But with everyone fit he doesn't make the bench most likely.

No. He won't.

I wonder how many neutral observers will look back and wonder what Lallana was thinking when he left Southampton for Liverpool?

A 5"11/ 6'0 giant?

Same as the Lander talk: its pretty clear that KL will sell to the 'right' bidder, whatever that represents. Would always be initially wary of Chinese involvement as very few Asian takeovers of English clubs have worked out well. Usually these stories make the press for a reason.

http://www.gotthebattlefeveron.com/2017/2/20/14668838/ross-wilson-offered-director-of-football-role-at-rangers-southampton This suggests he has been offered the job and its his to turn down. Worth remembering it would be a promotion for him, and a chance to move back to Scotland. Can see why he would potentially be keen. Be interesting to see who we would target if he were to go.

He obviously won't start. For a number of clear reasons.

Out of interest which noises from the club suggest Caceres will start?

Jordace Holder-Spooner

No Boufal in the training pics from today, must be unlikely to make it.

Caceres has about a 3% chance of starting IMO. Hasnt played for a year and will have a week of training. Stephens will start assuming fit, and ge deserves to as well.

The Pompey fan on a string song is awful.

Redmond is quite quick but not very direct. Would say he is more similar to a Lallana type than a Mane for example. Gray is more direct, definitely room for both in a squad.