Shroppie

Good post, and reflects what I've been thinking. I looked back over our 4-5-1 lineup in our successful seasons to try to see what was different. And the answer is exactly as you say. When we were doing well, the three behind the striker always included one, or usually two players who could be considered strikers in their own right - Do Prado, Lallana, Mané, Rodriguez, etc. And they were all capable of rotating across the three, and even as striker. When Ricky was playing, he often drifted out to the wing to pull the opposition around and open up central space for someone else. It's my view that all our current AMs lack the flexibility and all-round game to do that. Boufal and Redmond both tend to cut in, can do something effective with the ball but then don't connect with the striker. Tadic isn't a finisher. JWP has shown he can finish and has got into scoring positions this season, but his prime function is ball retention, not opening up defences. In the last few minutes on Saturday I finally became hopeful that Carrillo and Sims can fill the roles of creative, goal scoring attacking MF. Sims does seem to have the all-round game - pace, guile and he can shoot. I know we bought Carrillo as a striker, but I'm wondering if he can be more effective behind Austin or Gabbiadini. And I think another key player we need to develop into this role is Hesketh. His career seemed suddenly to stall, but I'm still hopeful that he can be a goal scoring 10. It's a shame that we're not comfortably mid table. Whilst we're fighting relegation there's an obvious nervousness about trying something different, but I'm running out of patience with Redmond, Tadic and Boufal. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

And saved Puel's job. (Just thought we could debate that once more [emoji6][emoji6]) Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

I can agree with that, but I think there was an element of Burnley harrying and pressuring us and stopping us building up any urgency. I would have rather seen Sims or Boufal from the start rather than Redmond. JWP plays a role, but doesn't impose a grip on the game. Redmond wasn't awful, but he (and Tadic) frequently did something good, only to then lose the ball or turn back and lose impetus. To be a real threat we need the FBs getting forward and also runners in the box, and that wasn't really happening. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

He won't be. Haven't you got that yet? Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Thanks for a balanced view. I was at the game and agree with most if that. Burnley aren't good, but they are solid and stubborn. Early on they kept grinding out wins by the odd goal and better teams that us gave found them awkward. In our situation we're all desperate for wins but a point isn't as disastrous as some are making out. But I agree that, once again, there were some strange managerial decisions. Why no Hojbjerg? He's definitely better than Romeu at the moment. Sims introduction was too late and I still don't like seeing Boufal and Redmond on the pitch together. But recruiting the ref as a blocker for the equaliser was genius. Really hope that goal will spark Gabbiadini back into life. With Sims providing service for the next games. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

They want to show Spurs on Friday night if they can. That would almost definitely leave us 13:30 Sunday as there are Prem games on Sky and BT at 13:30 and 17:30 on the Saturday. If by some miracle, Spurs lose to Rochdale, Sky will have Spurs in the Prem on Friday night. It may be that BBC would then go for a Saturday or even Sunday evening spot rather than clashing. I still think Monday is out because of internationals. That is all pure guesswork, and probably b0ll0cks. But it's annoying. That's a fact. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

At one time neutral venues were used for 2nd and subsequent replays, but that was dropped as making no financial sense. Back on the TV issue. It's normally been accepted that three weeks notice should be given for TV dates and times, but that now seems to be going by the board as Sky and BT in particular give even less of a sh!t about real love supporters. It does seem possible that BT want a game on Friday night. At the moment, Sky have got the Spurs game on Friday, and BT may not wish to clash with that if it happens. There may be an argument going on between Sky and BT as Sky have lost both their Sunday games and may be looking for replacements on Friday and/or Sunday. And, in the meantime, actual live fans suffer. Ridiculous. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Sorry. Predictive text. Should have been bug. He was ill. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Three of our four wins were cup games. Otherwise too many draws. I think a relevant factor in the slow improvement and making of needed changes - Forster and Redmond out, Hojbjerg in - may well be attributed to Kelvin Davis. MP keeps talking about improvement. I think the squad and performances have improved, but despite him rather than because of him. By far and away, he is the one in greatest need of improvement. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

That would be my team too. I heard a whisper that Sims was on the verge of a start a few games back, but picked up a big at the critical moment. Still think on the bench is more likely, with Boufal or Redmond starting. I though the latter was somewhat better last Saturday. He provided a pacy outlet and didn't give the ball away as much, but there's still a lack of intelligence in his decision making and use of the ball. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Unless they need time to clear up after the half marathon, I'd say 13:30 more likely, to allow time before the Prem game later, especially if our game goes to ET and even pens. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

I haven't even heard if a Wigan in Asia. Thailand? [emoji6] Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

BBC have occasionally put a match on Sunday evening and that may happen, given all the other problems. Awful time for fans, though. Whatever, I'm convinced it's going to be stupid o'clock on a silly day. 6am Saturday would be good for the Asian TV market. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Have you missed the point that this would need special dispensation as we have to release all international players by Monday morning? It's an international week. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Absolutely. Convenience for fans is the one issue that will not be considered. Timing for the Asian market is more important, so I'm going for 06:00 on Saturday. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

As noted elsewhere, they may avoid Saturday as Pompey are at Oldham that day - would mean Saints and the fishy ones traveling together. [emoji15][emoji849] Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

But Wigan have a midweek game before then, so unlikely. Late Sunday looking favourite. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

We only drew. It's a good pub scene but I was surprised at the level of aggro from their yoof. There was quite a bit of trouble, especially by the canal after the game. I don't think it can be Monday night as we're into an international week, but I could be wrong. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Great little town, excellent pubs. Went there in the 2012-13 season . Feb 2013. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

I have to admit the big guns have had remarkable luck in avoiding each other, round after round. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Or in line for a start Saturday? Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

And worth thinking about the overall position. I have been told that, if we go down, 50% of jobs at St Mary's will go. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

That totally sums it up. Agreed. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Quick thought. Tempo far too slow at the start. Very poor defending both goals. We are not fit enough. Carrillo - awful. Bertrand - back to half-hearted. Cedric - worst crosser of a ball. Tadic - fairly invisible Hoedt - curate's egg. Mainly good but bad moments. Stephens, Hojbjerg, Ward-Prowse - good Romeu - would have preferred to see Hesketh or Boufal start. Lemina - awesome until he got injured. Again McCarthy - picked the ball out of the net nicely twice. Otherwise nothing to do. Overall, no dynamic drive, heads really looked like they had dropped. No leader. Bertrand is not a captain. And back to no game management by the manager, as usual. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

No. I'd say they're both worse. Bournemouth very disappointing today. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk