macca155

Hull are trying the same playbook as Pompey, but they aren't as good at it. All very disjointed at the moment but there seems to be more passing intent from Saints.

Because we've been utterly shite for the past 4 years. Managed promotion with money and a bit of luck, but that turned out to be a false dawn. Not excuses just perhaps managing expectations. Having said all that I am expecting a win today.

Need to get away from, 'we must win this game'. It just puts added pressure on everybody, and I'm one of the worst for doing it. The aim is to win obviously, but there are other things to look out for. Another solid defensive performance is a must. That's how promotion campaigns are built. Evidence that the new signings are acclimatising and making an impact. We need to see the ball move forwards, and quickly through the midfield. A midfield of Azaz, Charles, and Janger, really should be bossing every game. That is pretty much what Still has been saying. I guess if those areas improve, the wins will come.

I should hope so, Saints are paying him enough. Agree he is a decent sub off the bench, if he gets his chance then it is down to him to claim a place. Although probably considering a move to Saudi, if that window is still open.

I think that's a bit unfair, I've not seen any drop off in effort or commitment from him. Reports of him having an underlying condition would fit with what we are seeing. Modern pros maintain at peak condition, it doesn't take much to knock them off that. I think he is a valuable player to us, but clearly a bit out of sorts atm. Part of that is playing in a different system. I'm sure given time and decent coaching, he'll adapt his game. However for the moment he needs to get well. Fortunately Janger and Aribo can cover. Then he'll need to fight for his place.

41 games left, no need to start panicking just yet. The level of anxiety in that team is all too easy to see. I reckon all of us have underestimated the impact of the last couple of years. As always build on the positives. Defence looked way more solid. Good, but now play a higher line to connect with the midfield. Archer looks up for it now, play to his strengths. Similarly let Robinson play without pressure. I'd go with Baz Mads THB Stephens Manning Charles Janger Fellows Azaz Robinson Archer Have them buzzing around like flies, with Azaz dictating the game at a bit more. Downes, Armstrong Frazer and Scienza the most most obvious subs when players tire. Aribo also needs to be brought back into the fold. Need as many options as possible. One problem now is that every team has seen Saints can't cope when playing an opposition in their faces. Expect that every match now

This game had draw written all over it, so no surprises there. Pompey surprised even their own supporters with that first half performance. There were some positives though. Back 4 is way more effective, and our players looked more comfortable. Fellows liked decent and Azaz got into the game more in the 2nd half. A couple of sublime passes put Archer through. He needs to find his role. Archer looks more like the player we bought. Janger looks like an upgrade on Downes. Scienza looks lively but needs to stay on his feet. However the biggest plus for me is the growing confidence of Charles. We have a decent player there. If he has a partner in midfield who can support him, then hopefully Saints won't keep surrendering the midfield. Derbies are a pain, the opposition always raises their game. Inevitably costs each other points. Ipswich and Norwich have the same problem.

Pompey have really upped their game , whether they can they maintain that is the big question. They look very vulnerable at the back. Need to get in behind them. Positives for me are Fellows, he's getting stuck in. Charles looks good. The defence is coping .... just but continue like this and they'll score eventually.

Thank you Mr Hypo, your application for chief strategist at Southampton Football Club has not been successful on this occasion. 😃 It would be fun to play that way, but I fear that is exactly what Pompey would want. Talking to Pompey fans, they are all aware that we have the better squad. Their game plan is simple. Stop Saints playing and exploit our vulnerabilities at the back. They'd take a draw in a heartbeat. Let's not give it to them.

He's got his wig back, it was probably stinking the place out. https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/football/portsmouth-fc/portsmouth-fc-westwood-wig-southampton-returned-5313411

Yes totally, I should have said that. I just think we are in a better position than 23/24. No team can buy a new Prem ready 11, they have to take some up with them. Definitely getting ubove myself here, we have 7 points..... Pompey next

Quite the window. If Aribo goes, we'll have no African players, in an ANC season. Serious competition for every place except the GK. Even there, the prospect of Jonah's return should motivate Baz. I'd assume that if (massive if obviously m) Saints do make it back, then these players should be expected to be in the squad. Ramsdale Mads THB Charles Jander Azaz Robinson Fellows Scienza For the rest they have 40 odd games to stake a place. That is way healthier than 23/24

This game has draw written all over it, unless Saints can really start clicking up front. Really worried about Bazunu, he has improved this season, but they'll target him mercilessly, just as we would. It's bound to affect him. Judging by what my Pompey mates (yes I have some) are saying, they will give up possession and grind it out, they'll hope to catch us on the break. Murphy and Bishop are used to that. Big danger there. It won't be a pretty match of that you can be sure. Will Saints have the guile to break down their defence? Guess it will depend on whether Still can incorporate the new signings effectively. Great fun but in reality an absolute nuisance of a game really. Saints will have a harder game against Pompey than anybody else.

Of course he could of course just have been ill. We're all so suspicious these days that we're bound to read more into things. He's always struck me as a decent pro, so I doubt he'd pull a stunt just before ko. He's a decent player I wouldn't write him off too quickly. Nevertheless he clearly doesn't suit Still's system, and it really wouldn't surprise me if he goes off on loan somewhere. Maybe to make room for Sesay if required. Didn't Edwards play CDM at one point. He could be emergency cover.

Totally agree, both constantly drifting out of position. Gifts too much space to the opposition. Partly the system, partly their lack of discipline. Credit to Wood he commanded the middle pretty resolutely.

Censure accepted, agenda is the wrong word, perhaps people's view is simply accentuated by previous failings. Absolutely nothing Baz could do with either of those goals. A world class keeper , maybe on a good day, gets to one of those but it would be a hell of a save. Baz isn't at that level neither is Ramsdale for that matter. If he had saved it West Ham would buy him Monday 😂 In contrast THB had another average game, constantly pulled out of position, and there is hardly an eyebrow raised. Which is fair enough frankly because he needs to rediscover his game.

Bloody annoying, that should have been a win. Nothing to with Bazunu, some real agendas coming out there. That was down to not taking the early chances and the 3 at the back formation that is killing us. It just leaves so much room for the opposition to operate in. When will managers learn. Really don't want to be playing that bunch in 2 weeks

How the hell is he suppose to get that!

Well done Manning, redeemed himself Now don't mess it up

That ball was leathered into the net, Baz really had no chance. Manning should have done better. Oh well still 20 mins to do something about it.

Could sense that coming

Good half, both THB and Stephens look more comfortable with Nathan 'Brick Wall's Wood taking responsibility for aerial balls. Frazer is very busy and both Robinson and Archer are keeping Watford's defence busy. On top and hopefully that continues, but I hate 1 0 as you just can't relax. It could all go to horribly wrong yet.

Keep my mouth shut I think, Wood gives away a free kick and Azaz can't hold on to the ball

Wood looking solid, like to see that. Azaz acting as a pivot for lots of moves. Definitely look a more cohesive group of players

Great start, that Watford defence looks as iffy as ours