Saint Charlie

Often see people saying he had no pre season, which isn't true. He was doing pre season with Feyenoord then did some of ours. He got injured at the back end of pre season. It was an ideal pre season but he did do a large chunk of it. Was really good yesterday but needs to sort the physical issues to have a big impact.

27,000 plus posts all for the benefit of the Trevors & Melts on this place. But he doesn't care. Honest. [emoji38]

Sorry, last night one of the journalists on Twitter said RK had said post match he would miss a couple of weeks. Here it is: @SimonPeach: Graziano Pelle will be sidelined for a few weeks with a knee injury, according to Koeman. Cedric will also be absent for #SaintsFC at #WHUFC

When we start Vic and Romeu it usually ends with Romeu being subbed at HT. Not sure it really works.

Why even "compare" LONG with Tadic?! You can do anything with weird stats. Long scored in 3 out of 33 league games he featured in last season which is ****ing abysmal. Long has the best goal per mins ratio of any Saints player in the Christmas period 2016 which is superb. Long scored against Germany so is the best striker in Europe.

Bit of a shame that Clasie is still struggling physically. Cramp after 65mins is indicative of poor conditioning. Guess he won't start so Romeu comes in. Will both CBs play again? Will Martina be able to play two in two days after never starting before? Tadic could well start in place of one of the midfielders. I get the feeling Romeu and Wanyama never works from the start so perhaps Tadic in for Clasie with Davis dropping deeper alongside Vic?

Agree.

As posted on the HCDAJFU thread: Tough one. He won't do that every week obviously and there aren't a lot of teams you could play the same way against. Being honest, we shouldn't sell now especially as Pelle is injured but I certainly don't see Long being a regular starter across his contract and even last night he showed his very rough edges at times. Worth noting that yesterday was possibly the first real time we played to his strengths, so fair play to Koeman for that. But Long isn't a very good striker in a possession based game, isn't a good wide player and isn't a reliable finisher. As we have seen the majority of the time in his spell here. Excellent yesterday though against CBs who hated playing against him. Great to watch. The thread was partly a serious question (still don't rate him long term across a season of games) and also partly to generate discussion - which it did!

Tough one. He won't do that every week obviously and there aren't a lot of teams you could play the same way against. Being honest, we shouldn't sell now especially as Pelle is injured but I certainly don't see Long being a regular starter across his contract and even last night he showed his very rough edges at times. Worth noting that yesterday was possibly the first real time we played to his strengths, so fair play to Koeman for that. But Long isn't a very good striker in a possession based game, isn't a good wide player and isn't a reliable finisher. As we have seen the majority of the time in his spell here. Excellent yesterday though against CBs who hated playing against him. Great to watch. The other thread was partly a serious question and also partly to generate discussion - which it did!

Pelle out for a few weeks so probably do need a striker.

He was absolutely superb today. Once he doesnt try to spray 50 yards passes and plays to his strengths, and with passion and drive, he is a very good player.

Cheers lad. Maybe counter attack is the way to go with the players we have?

Wanyama the outstanding midfielder today I think. Although everyone was great.

Very good on the pitch, its keeping him there for enough mins thats the issue. A player who hasnt played for a week shouldn't cramp after 65mins. Imagine he will struggle to start on Monday. Thats whats holding him back - the physical element of the league.

1. Mane miles, miles better centrally. Keep him there where he can be an influence. 2. Long ideal for these kind of games. Thought he had let the chance go when he spooned over just before half time, but he knew he had the beating of their CBs in behind. You couldn't play like at home every week but it works against a possession side that come to win. 3. Wanyama was excellent and showed his best attributes 4. Clasie also looked good although a concern he cannot last the pace for a whole game 5. JWP very, very easy to run beyond. Closes down but doesn't get close enough to the opponent Final thought: Good atmosphere. Obviously helps when the team are good but clearly drives the players on.

Did well defensively as well as the wonder goal. Physically looks more of a PL player than Cedric has so far.

Sell now IMO whilst value is high and after a high profile game on TV versus a top 4 side.

#DurmanLogic

LOL Martina. Our summer business really was awful!

WBA think they are in a relegation battle. We have only one more point than them and two tricky games up next but generally aren't concerned about going down. Complacent? Or well placed confidence?

He never does though. Didnt feature a lot in the European games. Will be amazed if he starts both. Targett could come in for Bertrand in one of them perhaps.

Wonder if we will rest anyone for this (harder) game, or will just make changes for WH. One of the two will feature Yoshida or Martina at RB and most likely as Cedric won't manage two games in as many days. Clasie likewise.

Hope you all have a good Christmas with a good organisation and good spirit.

For the Austin lovers...he is injured...again. Has been unavailable for a lot of games this season.

Jay was about 7 months before he got another unrelated injury.