Matthew Le God

I think we could see Bazunu, Bella-Kotchap and Aribo all start in the 1st PL game, I also wouldn't be ruling out Lavia making a strong case to start vs Spurs either. So it isn't window dressing at all.

Meanwhile @Turkish...

Currently no Saints first team game scheduled to take place at St Mary’s from 5th November to 26th December.

Nope

If Broja fell out with Hasenhuttl, and they are still on bad terms... how does that sit with the multiple reports of Saints wanting Broja to return this summer?

Has he? Where is a reliable source for that?

How would anyone know?

Does gardening leave really stop Glover telling Leicester to buy a certain player before he joins them?

News that impacts future kits and the club’s bank balance...

Perhaps not at all. He is making a good early case to start vs Spurs.

I haven't defended the usage of the formation. I pointed out that 352 has 8 central players, so isn't lacking centrally.

The Saints outside broadcast team and their equipment for today's game in Austria

Looking better 2nd half with a higher quality of player on the pitch.

I think... Salisu Bednarek Bella-Kotchap Lyanco Stephens Valery Is the correct order of quality for them. So Ralph is correct on them. With Bella-Kotchap the unknown quantity.

I see them as our 4th and 5th choice centre backs. Salisu, Bednarek and possibly Bella-Kotchap all ahead of them in pecking order. With Valery as 6th choice.

I'd suggest today's midfield and attack are also unlikely to start together particularly often in the PL either. Lots of the 1st choice players all not starting today. Today's starting line-up players may come in and out of the team, but they'd be supported by higher quality 1st choice players which would make a difference.

Perhaps spelling his name correctly would help you to be even clearer!

3 centre backs, 3 central midfielders, 2 strikers. That is 8 outfield players in central areas! The only width is the 2 wingbacks.

The middle of the pitch is flooded with Saints players in this 352 formation.

Player quality impacts the effectiveness of the formation. We won't be using these players in the PL barring a monumental injury crisis.

I doubt we'll be starting many PL matches with Small and Edwards as our wingbacks and Valery, Lyanco and Stephens as centre backs together.

It is essentially our 2nd or even 3rd string.

Thierry Small looks a long way from being ready for the 1st team. Not going to write him off as he is still only 17 years old. A loan might do him good.