austsaint

Well said. It’s a Cup Semi-Final , it’s a 50/50 game...anything is possible.

That would be my starting line up too. Wouldn’t be concerned if McCarthy replaced FF as well.

We’re you? Expecting a comfortable win. On what basis... is that now 12 losses from the last 14 Prem games? The weak capitulation from the off was the most disappointing part; and surely Ralph should have made changes at half time. Bednarek, Walcott and either CM needed to be replaced. Jankewitz must really be on the nose with Ralph. On that showing it seems crazy we will limp over the safety line and the Baggies will go down. They will be odds on to return immediately.

Ok, he’s a Pool product; effectively KWP is a Tottenham “junior”. Roughly the same age.. one has been hyped out of sight .. the other is showing his class at little old Southampton flying under the radar after being ignored by the failed one, Mourinho. Perhaps Southgate should be looking down south for his RB.

What did they pay for him? I’ll take KWP at 12 million every day of the week.

Yep. Quite uncanny how he straightens up the attack with speed and finds pockets of space. He complements Ings, Armstrong, Redmond and Djenepo very well. If his wage demands are reasonable he has to stay.

Have to agree. He certainly uses that big frame of his to block the close range threats... Wood’s late header being a case in point; even if he (FF) did get a bit of help from Bednarek. Getting down to the low, wide shots still looks his weakness.. but he’s deserved his continuing opportunity.

Thought KWP had a much improved second half, tightened up defensively and provided run and width against a narrow Burnley set up. Bertrand has morphed into a battling, stay at home LB, can’t remember the last overlapping run he made. I thought our two poorest today were clearly Walcott and Bednarek.

Apparently it was 5 years ago since we came from 2-0 down, against Liverpool.. Mane and Wanyama came on at half time and turned it around.

Very good assessment Clarkey. I am one of those posters who up until 18 months ago couldn't see the fuss that was made about JWP outside of his corners and free kicks. Through a succession of Managers he never seemed to find a position nor a consistent quality in his general play - at least in my eyes he couldn't. But I have reassessed my opinion, and it is wrong to compare the pre-Ralph version of JWP with the current player. I would still argue that his outfield game is way below the quality of his dead ball delivery - he has however narrowed the gap by making the CM position his own and building on his energy and work rate with pressing, tackling, interceptions and a better range of passing. Long may it continue, and as you hint at, it's going to be interesting to see whether "big club" offers come in.

Agree . If someone stumps up 50 million we should be selling, pronto.

I think we will, (give them a tough game). Pray for Chelsea, and book the double-decker bus!

Armstrong was outstanding - he is such a good mover. I'd like to see him run for a medal in Tokyo later this year. The 400m would suit him perfectly. KWP (I'm ready to declare him better than Clyne was in his pomp) Redmond, JWP and Diallo also very good. Adams unlucky. Good confidence boosting win.

Good call. Frustrating though he is the assist and goal were classy contributions. Nicely taken opportunity from Djenepo too. Game over?

I'm sorry, but someone has to keep pulling your hubris up. I'm not seeing anyone much expressing "supreme confidence and belief" in bloody Fulham. What I read is concern over the collapse of Saint's performances - and some admiration for Fulham's recent performances in trying to beat the drop; and they might - but not at Saint's expense. Yes, we all know we're going to flop over the line to safety - no need to hammer your repetitive point. Go and have a couple of pints and chill out - and have a great day.

I dunno. He's better than that. I've always thought he's the equal (leaving dead ball technique aside) of JWP as a midfielder. And I'm happy to bat away the howls of disagreement.

Yes, Leeds fans have been on a ride with Bielsa. Thy must be rapt to be back in the top flight though and they look like they are back to stay. One of the reasons I'll be sorry to see Fulham go is I've enjoyed seeing Harry Reed get a sustained crack at the Prem - and he's done well, justifying opinions he was unlucky not to get more opportunities at Saints. Lemina? Not so much!

They did, shame really because they play some nice stuff. Enjoyed the game though, some of Leeds counter attacking is great to watch, even if they are a bit ropey defensively.

Those "F' words of yours are pretty damn scary...but I'll press on. What's my point? What's yours? It seemed to be that Wigan fans were so delighted with the silverware of 2013 they weren't so bothered with relegation. My point is, they might love having a Cup but they aren't so delighted with being in a wasteland of lower Leagues, probably never to have another look at the Prem they were in for 8 seasons. Without an extended Cup run they might have survived. Why don't you scale down your tough guy, argumentative bluster. It's not that clever - and very predictable. Failing that , come and work on my building site with four other bricklayers....you can mount your arguments to us face to face....complete with your insults and F words.

What exactly is my belief that Wigan fans would not be happy with the prospect of never seeing their side in the Prem again, even with a Cup on the shelf, got to do with believing Saints are never going to be relegated again? It's not an either/or. Any Saint's fan in their right mind wants to win the Cup. Of course there's no immunity to relegation - but there are better ways of increasing the chances of staying up than we've seen on show this season, and probably the next, by virtue of lead footed ownership, poor squad quality and sub-par management/coaching set ups. Nothing to do with wanting to be knocked out of the Cup to stave off unlikely relegation fears.

You probably won't find any Wigan fans watching their side in the Prem again, squire.

Think you're right about swapping Djenepo for Tella. Tella has pace, but his control and touch don't match up. Give Djenepo that attacking, direct running role we saw from him when he first arrived.

That would be a dream result. Lookman in.........Redmond back to Norwich (or anywhere else).

That has been the most glaring weakness with Ralph's management. Responding to or initiating tactical changes - and the timing and best use of substitutions. Fair to say even Sparky Hughes did that bit better!

That's probably the best 11th post anyone has contributed. Where have you been all these seasons gone?