goodymatt

I thought this too!

Are we expecting a presser today? Hoping we get some positive news on Downes as his injury is a huge concern going into these tough away fixtures and beyond.

Good news that Kamaldeen is back in the squad, just Bree left to return from injury now (of those expected to feature this season). Aribo will be involved in the AFCON final this Sunday and then hopefully he’s celebrating winning the tournament before being back and in contention for the WBA squad (assuming Bristol is too soon). So could be up to full strength minus Stewart this time next week. It’s encouraging that Mara seems to be finding his feet and the absent players are returning as we approach a difficult run of relentless fixtures, gives us the best chance of keeping this momentum going. I expect us to dominate the game tomorrow and win comfortably but Huddersfield had plenty of players missing last time and had a few big chances in the second half before scoring from a fluke cross, however we do seem to have improved on the drop offs of late unless the game is truly won.

Funnily enough he’s not made their match day squad since we last played them.

Straight back to the league and looking for 25 games undefeated. Huddersfield won their last game 4-0 with all 4 goals coming in a crazy 12 minute spell. We should have too much for Huddersfield, 3-0 is my prediction. It’s great being a Saints fan right now, really enjoying this run, our style and the promotion race. Keep it going Saints!

Watford have also made 7 changes

Wasn’t the rumour that we were switching to Puma? Man City Lite FC

The extra game that both teams would not have wanted. The prize is a trip to Anfield live on ITV in the 5th round. Win this game and we will have a midweek game every week running to mid March. This will be a huge test on our squad. I think Martin will ring the changes again for this. Edozie should start, sounds like Bree isn’t back in time for this game, which is a shame. Holgate is gone so one CB to stay in the team I’d expect. I’m going 2-1 Saints in normal time.

i always thought we missed out on that Firmino/Jiminez song. Would have been good to make that fit for KWP.

Think Moore will do well in their direct style. They get the ball forward much more quickly than we do. I’d rather have Adams/Arma play that position on our system though. A fit Stewart would have been a great option but we have to settle with hoping Mara can step up if needed.

I have 1x adult ticket for sale, £28.50 including the booking fee. Can meet at the ground.

I have 1x adult ticket for sale, £28.50 including the booking fee. Can meet at the ground.

I have 1x adult ticket for sale, £28.50 including the booking fee. Can meet at the ground.

If he’s looking ready to step up that would be great news. I guess if we bring nobody in then we will only find out if we do get a few injuries. Let’s hope we don’t have to find out!

We would have to be very unlucky, and clearly we didn’t want to pay £35k/week in the championship to cover for that eventuality. I guess that’s a financially sensible decision but we did have 2 players for every position with Holgate.

I think Bree has played RCB in a back 3, he’s not a CB for a back 4 I don’t think?

If Charles is our CDM cover, who is our 4th choice CB with Holgate looking to be terminated? We have a lot of games coming up thick and fast, we are likely to pick up injuries and suspensions. Slight concern.

Sounds like Wilcox expects him to return for next season then…

https://x.com/j_tanswell/status/1752633800943603726?s=46&t=7raSKCMt6LV8RJ1C2d39WQ Athletic reporting it’s £40m option and Alcaraz would be happy to return to Saints next season if we are in the PL.

Sad to hear Alcaraz is moving on, he’s been saying all season how he wants to stay and be a PL player with us next season. I guess Juventus was too big an opportunity to refuse, combined with his lack of playing time. Doubts about our possession football style being best suited to his strengths but at 21 I think he will improve and likely have a career at a higher level than Saints. I expected him to be a star player for us this season but he’s become a bit part player, maybe he’s not as good as I think he is? Martin doesn’t appear to trust him and his ball retention on Sunday in that first half was very poor. He looked better when the first team players came on, I’m intrigued to see how he gets on at Juventus, Serie A winners medal would be nice.

Fantastic signing 😇🍒

I wonder why we didn’t schedule our Hull City rearranged fixture for this midweek like others are doing. Leeds even brought theirs forward.

It does make sense from a Bournemouth perspective, outside of their noddy fans fake rivalry bullshit. Brooks won’t get back to where he was without playing regularly and they have players currently ahead of him. He can stay living in his home and get lots of minutes playing for a team on fire. Normally we wouldn’t be keen to develop another team’s player, especially a team that would be a relegation rival if we do go up. Needs must on this occasion, we would be stupid to not get a player of his quality in to help us with our promotion push. Hope he smashes it and we have the ‘never fall in love with a loan player’ issue.

https://youtu.be/Lxusx6eAu_g?si=DJGewBOACD-bJ9ST In depth interview with Brooks 9 months ago on his return. Interesting insight into his journey. Seems a humble and somewhat introverted person who just wants to get back to where he was. I think coming to play in our team right now is a great place for him to do that. If he ends up back at Bournemouth after helping us achieve our goals then fair enough, but the idea of him getting back to full fitness and coming to Saints permanently sounds good to me.

Will be delighted if this deal goes through, crazy how our winger options are better in the championship than last season in the PL. Shame there’s no option, same as with Downes/Fraser. On promotion I’m hopeful we could still do a deal for all three.