Saint Charlie

Blackmore did and Koeman said he isnt badly injured and could perhaps be fit for Newcastle. However, I think he would benefit from a two week pre season camp of his own as looked way short of PL fitness on Thursday.

Caulker on Solent didnt seem to think he was available for the 2nd leg but would be after that.

Start of JWP's 4th PL season and arguably he is further away from being a regular than when he was 18. Massive season for him, as neither a defensive nor attacking player, what is his role in the team? Obvious technical talent, but it just hasn't translated into game influence in his 3 PL seasons so far.

Reed better than JWP in the deeper more defensive role because he isn't scared of the physical stuff.

CB and importantly a CM with a bit of power and presence in and we are well set for a good season. Martina looks adequate enough for a backup full back (certainly better than Maya out there) and Juanmi should develop into a class player.

Our best finisher scores! Maybe play him in a position where he has more shots!

Central midfield signing our most urgently required IMO. Wanyama aside all our CMs have some pretty big limitations.

Juanmi has great balance and acceleration.

Would be good to see Jay and Mane swapped over.

Second half dross so far. Not enough in central midfield. Would like to see Reed be slightly more ambitious with his passing, too safe at the moment.

True but when the pressure has been on at PL level he has never been able to hack it. Gazzaniga probably the least reliable 2nd keeper in the league. Certainly in the bottom 3.

39 year old KD couldn't get down quick enough? Who would have thought it. Having seen the replay he should have saved it. But we all know he isnt good enough and hasn't ever been in the PL. Still very weak at GK beyond our no1. Gazza should be the no2 and should be playing today.

Surely if he moves before the group stage of either CL or EL starts then he would be available for us in the groups should we get there?

Strong team. Not sure Fonte, Wanyama and Pelle really need to start but Koeman knows best. Also suprised KD starting ahead of Gazza who should be no2 keeper this season.

If you just walk through the turnstile with it they won't notice.

I don't think personal bonuses are a factor. I think he has been told nothing happens until they have qualified for the CL (or been knocked out).

No.

£8m Saints bid according to our pal @reluctantnicko in the Scottish Currant Bun this morning.

Turnbull did win their fans POTY though so must have impressed. I expect he will be loaned out too, and maybe McCarthy also. I think for central defenders especially the sterilised U21 football is no preparation for first team action.

Koeman to De Telegraaf: "I want two more players for a perfect selection." CB and CM IMO and if they are good the squad would look great.

Our starting XI had more Dutch league apps than theirs.

All positive aside from Clasie injury and also in a way his performance which made us even more reliant on Wanyama's defensive work. He will take time to settle but we absolutely need another midfielder with presence. Mane was awesome.

He wasn't there judging by him watching a film on Twitter.

Had a great double header sorted of this game tonight and Edgbaston tomorrow but looks like Saints might be the sole focus now!