Saint Charlie

Same XI as for the QPR game I think. Hopefully Gardos or Maya or both back on the bench.

I think Clyne was also unable to really touch Hoilett as he had already been booked. Hoillet definitely made a difference for them.

Exactly. And saying that we maybe looked a bit tired second half is not a criticism at all, just a possible reason why it was quite a tricky half.

"Naa, he was not in a physhical way to play."

Turnbull and Jack Stephens played together at CB in a 3-0 away win at Barnsley yesterday. Swindon are 3rd at the moment and these two are the no 1 CB pairing. Good news for Saints if they continue to play well and play alongside each other.

Its an easy excuse but I definitely thought a very high tempo midweek game caught up with us a bit in the second half, whereas QPR didn't have that. Also thought Cork took 10 mins to get into the game and initially that substitution did more harm than good.

Maybe, he has been good but Shaw has levels to reach that Bertrand can't overall IMO. Very solid PL player is Bertrand though and great loan signing. But Shaw, handled right can be the best left back in the world.

LOL. Good point and makes mine more valid. Those sides will always miss the real top players, but have quality replacements in all positions.

Yes in most areas. See respective benches today. Our first XI is pretty equal to both of theirs though IMO.

Bringing in Drogba or Dzeko/Jovetic a little better than Long or Mayuka. City almost won the league last season with Aguero missing loads of games. Just saying that we don't have squads nearly as strong as any of those teams, or the likes of Spurs or Everton. The respective benches from today show that quite clearly.

Also, to those that after one game against a non existing Newcastle attack were saying Toby looked equal to Lovren last season, its a bit of a reality check. Lets not hype anyone too much.

One injury to either Forster or Pelle and things would look quite different for us. That, in a nutshell is the main difference between us and some of the teams like Spurs or Everton. First XI there is little difference but our squad is not as deep in some key positions.

Pelle was absolutely superb second half. Brilliant goal and he was a real leader towards the end of the game. Mane will cause chaos. Created loads of chances and Tadic and Long especially were wasteful. Not saying he didnt play well but it was more clear in this game than Newcastle that Alderweireld is taking one for the team by playing on the left of the defence - some of his left footed passing wasnt brilliant and it shows that those who say it makes no difference which side you play on are wrong.

This. Especially at the start. Get an early goal and we could batter them.

Would probably give Chung Lee a go from the bench for this one.

Bit of a shame that even in this kind of form we can't even sell out the ground.

"Not in a phishical way to play".

Mutch and Barton are out, but Redknapp seemed to hint Sandro and Kranjcar would be fine.

I would start Mane. Needs games to get used to his teammates and vice versa, and in a game where they will probably sit back and look to frustrate, his pace and movement could be the difference. Long is a striker, so lets use him from the bench in that position.

Barton and Mutch definitely out, Sandro and Kranjcar have knocks but will probably play.

So we play Stoke twice in a few days. Crap really.

Thats what I was meaning. Boruc's kicks went out of play so often, and created pressure on us. Forster much better at clearing a long way, and I don't get so nervous when he has the ball at the back than I did with Boruc.

He was very, very good. Has all the attributes of a good centre back, looks another great signing.

He was excellent. Must admit I was suprised how well he coped.

Have been impressed by Forster's kicking too. Seems pretty comfortable off either foot and a lot more compentent in that domain than Boruc.