Saint Charlie

Shame no Jay Rod. Hope this "pain in his foot" isn't anything bad. He must be so frustrated at the moment.

Yeah that goal was classic Shano. His goal at home to Vitesse also typical. Great run, poor touch to give GK a chance, good setup by Juanmi and Long hadn't given up.

Thats why he plays for Eng U21s and has PL apps this season: he is just better than Gallagher/McQueen!

Long has already showed his good (tenacious, pacy, niggly, wholehearted) and bad (lack of first touch and composure) attributes!

The comment about a 5 year deal in reality being 3 is spot on. Definitely seems they have pushed hard for 5 year deals most recently (Van Dijk, Clasie) rather than 4 (Tadic, Mane etc) as it buys you a little more time.

He is a good passer but not a great creative passer. There is a difference.

Quote from VVD in the paper this morning saying he is fine.

Fair question. I do feel sometimes he is positionally shackled, especially when playing on the right, and is sometimes not as influential as he could be at times, although obviously is a massive player for us and one of the best attackers in the league for certain. Tough one, as really he needs to be part of the team shape but you also want him free to do maximum damage. When he drifts into central areas he does that best and also then brings Pelle's attributes into the game. Chelsea away a prime example of how best to use Mane. That day was more 4-4-1-1 with Mane central just off Pelle. Note: Obviously Mane is class, has been class and will be class this season. Ditto Koeman. I'm sure the coaching staff often have similar conversations as to how to get Mane on the ball in dangerous areas. Also our team shape is one of the key success factors and that relies on everyone being well drilled.

Van Dijk withdrawn from Dutch squad with a knee injury.

Written by Arsenal SuperFan John Cross I assume?

Tadic, Pelle and Davis also starting tonight.

Our record under Koeman at home for a 3pm kick off is insanely good.

Good news!

He is injured apparently. Hopefully will be ok for the Stoke game.

Clasie not a fan of our meat. Also reveals (unlike Mane) where he lives. https://www.clubcall.com/southampton/clasie-bulks-up---but-not-on-english-meat-1788597.html

Ah ok, had forgotten that. McLaren good as can play all formats. T20 overseas on the way too.

New signing for Hants being announced tomorrow 8am. Fidel Edwards? Or would he not count as new?

£40m or so? Interesting. Replacement is hard as you wouldnt want to let another good season fizzle out, but equally don't want to waste money. Thats why we should hold off until the summer whatever happens and then can recruit quality to replace quality. For those saying Mane's first touch isn't good enough for United...I don't think they want him for that. They want his threat, pace, movement, balance, versatility, potential.

We could equally get the same or a higher fee in the summer than whatever may or may not be offered in Jan. Plus better choice of replacements.

Saints would be mental to sell in Jan. Pretty much everyone expects him to go in the summer for a big fee. Van Gaal already moaning they don't have enough pace out wide so its probably a fair link that they remain very keen.

Do some people still maintain Austin is better than Pelle? [emoji38]

Wonder if we are looking to extend Pelle's contract now he is about halfway through? If he has a good Euros as the Italy no9 it wouldn't massively suprise me if he moved to one of the big Italian sides. He would want to have ended his career with at least one good spell for a 'home' club, surely?

1. Its Alex Crook. 2. See 1.

Doubt it. They have a good enough squad to deal with it. He is a class player but they won't suddenly drop like a stone without him.

Without trying to be OTT....you were IMO. If he is nearly as good as Morgan was for us that would be a pleasant suprise.