Oisin

Given their form, this might just be our toughest game in the run-in. I’d actually be ok with a point but obviously we need to target all 3. I think the fact they’re playing well will mean they attack a bit making it more open which will suit us. Our nemesis is the low block. Hoping we revert to the usual formation with Scienza, Edozie or Fellows replacing a midfielder from yesterday’s team. The result will depend on taking any chances so let’s hope our finishing is on form 4 points minimum ahead of the break and hopefully that gives Stewart, Scienza, Wellington and Robinson time to recover and return. Our squad depth is an asset compared to the competition; be great to start the run in with a full bill of health and either in the top 6 or within a point or 2

I don’t know but I think he’s sexy

“Nice”?? You been to Stoke??? But yeah, Port Vale home or away. We all know it will be Liverpool, though 🙄

I’m really not convinced the decision to play a back 3/5 was his to be honest. In fact I’m reasonably certain it wasn’t. Since the powers behind the scenes did their job in providing a keeper and number 9 and left him alone to do his job unhindered, without tactical interference, he’s done an amazing job. The run will end at some point but however the rest of this season pans out he deserves to be leading us next season. If the season ends in failure (as it probably still will) it’ll be down to bad decisions by SR in the summer and right through until he was allowed to do what he thought best after Hull. If it somehow ends in success he deserves the vast majority of the credit.

My twopenneth - and a bit random VAR - one review each half, captain to call it, keep review of its upheld. That’s it. Indirect free kicks for accidental handball. Stop the insane penalty awards And that’s probably it on the proviso that there is a directive to refs for zero tolerance. There are already rules for excessive time-wasting, time taken on gk clearances, man-handling at corners, dissent, ungentlemanly conduct, retreating 10 yards, only captains able to speak to the officials. They’re all there - refs just need to enforce it. Back in the real world …

If only Jacki was still around to join them. He’d invest in the youth for sure

I’ve still got my programme for the Replay from the Wednesday cup tie - one of my first. great memories

I agree we’d need a major overhaul and would need A new right back amongst that but I think he’d do as backup. The lack of quality was a significant part of last seasons shit show but not the sole reason. My opinion, stated as opinion.

Absolute no-brainer. Never a star (well, aside from THAT goal), but never let us down. The only right back for a 442 (as opposed to wing backs who can’t defend) in the squad. As you say, starter every match currently and should we amazingly get promoted who would do a solid job as back-up. Unfairly maligned due to his links with Jones, but I’ve never understood that. He’s always done a solid 6 or 7 out of 10.

Leo Scienza with 2 assists. Mind you, he’s white isn’t he so we’ll let that pass, hey … 🙄

No midweek game so no need to specifically save anyone but on the other hand not a priority so worth resting any with knocks, or any who have done a lot of minutes. Plus also a chance to give minutes to those who need. Scienza could do with a rest imho. Possibly Jander too. Matsuki deserves a run out and I think Charles needs minutes. Bragg, Edozie, Robinson and Larin could all do with minutes but maybe from the bench? And if Wellington is carrying a tweak he should be spared. Id go something like Peretz Bree THB Stephens Manning Charles Downes Matsuki Azaz Edozie Stewart Id plan for Bragg/Downes Stewart/Larin and Robinson for Edozie or Azaz subs. I might possibly try and find room for Quarshie too but would ideally like to keep the gk and 2 cbs settled

Eat my goal

I’d keep the team unchanged barring injury. If players need a rest I’d rather it happened at the weekend. Both are extremely unlikely but we’ve marginally more chance getting to Wembley via the play-offs than the cup so I’d prioritise tonight.

Indeed - well and truly “debunked” 😂😂

You could argue it was the intention for Romelu to move to us but we messed it up by getting relegated. But actually this further illustrates what a terrible model it is. Players are humans who have their own plans … why on earth would he want to play championship football for saints when he can play in Europe for Leipzig. A multi club model can work if you have a global super power like Chelsea or Man City sitting at the top. Of course all the players want to play for the big club and the clubs are loaded so can anfford the gamble. But we’re not that. The model most like ours is that of Watford. And it sucks. It’s not successful, drives mediocrity, churns managers and players, creates disconnect between the club and supporters. It’s terrible.

Thought I’d let the euphoria die down before trying to analyse his performance … And on reflection it was genuinely excellent. Goal aside (the desire, the movement, the header) he looked like he’s going to be every defenders nightmare. Big, strong yet mobile, able to hold, to lay off. He totally put a shift in and showed constantly for the ball. He was on a mission. He’s exactly what a number 9 in this formation needs to be. And if he can get on the end of crosses with his movement and desire he may score some goals too. He even made a strong defensive clearing header too from a corner. Not enough evidence (I.e. none) to comment on his composure or finishing with his feet but based on everything we saw yesterday he’s the TYPE of player we’ve needed. He also appears to have the right attitude and desire (Mara), and enough skill, awareness and football intelligence (Downs) to be a major improvement on what we’ve gambled on before. I think he’ll be an asset. As much as anything he’ll occupy centre backs and thus create space for others. Its extremely early days but I’m really encouraged by what I saw.

I’d happily have him back, but the reality is we can’t afford his wages and the one part of the pitch we have sufficient players of quality is central midfield. So until or unless both those things change it shouldn’t happen (I’d say won’t, but we’re run by morons so am not prepared to vouch for them). If we had the money for JWP I’d want it spent on a CF and if there was any left I’d want an experienced CB.

3 things to sort this window: Number 9 - Sold ArmA, seemingly loaned Larin. Actually gone backwards. I mean, he’s a big lad but we’ve swapped him in for the only player we have who can score goals Leader at the back - sold Edwards. He wasn’t playing so I wouldn’t say we’ve gone backwards, but we certainly haven’t addressed the issue. GK - loaned out Baz and Loaned in Peretz. Not convinced by him yet, but obviously an improvement because he isn’t totally sh1t. I guess I’m glad I’ll never have to see Aribo or ABK again but Christ almighty that’s a pretty abject transfer window

I wish him, and us, lots of luck. Think we might all need it.

To be fair to this chap, he has all the physical attributes we’re looking for so just needs to improve his finishing. And that’s where our amazing coaching team will really show their worth. Van Persie can’t coach finishing for sh1t compared to Eckert et al. It’ll all be fine, mark my words.

Signing Lascelles would be far too sensible and pragmatic for SR. No resale value, just a disciplined, experienced leader at the heart of a defence. Exactly as we’ve never had since Fonte left. I’d love us to be one of those interested but would be surprised if we are

I have to disagree - this squad has been crying out for a proper number 9 for years. We need to loan someone in if we can’t find a permanent option. Experience tells us Ross will get injured very soon and likely be out for the season … which will leave us without any number 9 and trying to make ArmA work in that role again. We can cope elsewhere but not up front. It’s not so much the goals but the whole pattern of play, as evidenced on Wednesday evening.

It’s proved that saints find it difficult to do this … I think there’s one or two other clubs that have successfully obtained the services of a half-decent striker in the last 5 years. Congratulations for helping to confirm and demonstrate that saints are especially inept in this.

This would be a fair point, if it wasn’t for the fact that we’ve now used this rationale (or variation of) to justify our inability to sign a competent striker for 10 transfer windows.

Sorry, but from what I’ve seen of our right back options I’d be picking Bree. In a back 4. I’m no fan and I’d let him go this summer but he can at least defend which is more than Jelert can do, and Roerslev has been p1ss poor. And of course, Fellows is a winger, not a full back. Our options are really poor but he’s the pick of the bunch in my view.