up and away

We have had a very good run of results and I am truly thankful for that. Not looking at that aspect at all but the games to come and what we have to put out there to compete for those games. With such a heavy schedule to come we need decent players we can change in and out, but that has quickly disappeared over the last couple of weeks. We can put out one decent team, not at the top of it's form and that's about it. When we need to rotate we will be weakening the team and can see some players being over used because of this. The results have been great but only a blind saints fan can see the writing on the wall with the performances at Leeds and Millwall. We have been lucky away from home recently and there is no divine right for that to continue. It would only take one additional player to step up to the plate to make the difference, but things look bare on the ground in that respect at present. It's all about what we will have available for the remaining 9 games and our form, both no where near at our best.

Prior to Chaplow being the answer to the right hand side, there were far more games where he was not sure of a starting place. Fans seem to be fixating on the handful of games where he did the business, whereas he was off the pace for a regular start for most of the season. Just go back to bringing him on as sub as we did before until he makes himself indispensable to the team once again. A couple of weeks ago we looked in perfect position to finish off the season strongly with new signings and players coming back from injury. That appears to be around our ears now and it's going to be how best to come out of this spell, even if we have to settle for draws. Puncheon would be the answer if he is up for it, fitness and form wise. Starting with De Ridder just seems to be putting all our eggs in one basket because if we lose the midfield the forwards won't get the supply anyway and the defence is just under more pressure. Lambert Guly Lallana Schneiderlin Cork Puncheon Looks capable, with Guly helping out the midfield and hopefully adding the odd goal like he used to. If Puncheon is not up to the job I would happily add Harding or Butterfield to the midfield just to get some sort of base to work from. Not perfect but we don't have perfect available at this point. I would like to have a better option than Guly up front or right, but that does not seem on at present. Guly is far from perfect form but as Adkins pointed out in his post match comments, he has other uses and why he still gets picked. Disappointed with Sharp, brings nothing different to the team and with him and Connolly just gives us one fit forward to use out of the remaining games. Billy is a good forward but not a good fit with Ricky. Most of the time Billy has operated in front of Ricky and that may be the problem where the reverse is better. Would love to see Billy go on just a half decent run.

A great result but looking at this game as an idicator as to where we will finish, it tells another story. A draw would have been a fair result and where I feel we are in terms of form at the present. At this level of form I don't expect to beat Hull and no guarantees of holding Reading. We need to find something extra than this performance to consider automatic.

When you have so many games to be played in such a short space of time, anything can happen for any of the clubs. I would not write off any of the top 3 at present and although West Ham have been going through the wringer, they have the superior squad and could easily deliver. I feel we need 6 wins from our remaining games to ensure promotion, 5 maybe if we beat Reading. Our problem is that we only have 4 of our 10 games at home, with our away form only just recently delivering good points but there are no guarantees that will continue as demonstrated over all our away games. It's all going to come down to how we use our squad and the ability to see out games without using up too much stamina. As West Ham demonstrated against Doncaster, that's no simple task. Take your foot of the pedal and all sorts of crap happen

I was trying to assess what our forward line would be like without Ricky. Good, but it was too difficult to quantify when Barnsley had given up. When Connolly came on it was bright, decisive and why Sharp had to wait. Sharp will be a good player for us but it could well take a lot longer than we all think. It's a different style and mentality playing up front for Saints than Doncaster, something Billy is having problems getting used to. When Ricky came off he was utterly ****ged, no injury, something that surprised me. Ricky has a big frame but not an ounce of fat on his body so it must be his ability to shed heat that causes the problem. Either way the Brighton suspension allowed him to get to the pinnacle of performances, but the tank seems empty now. The last time I saw Ricky like this his performances dropped well off, so hopefully we can turn him around quickly. It just seems madness that we have run him into the ground when he can mean so much to us, should have been given rest earlier.

All very easy in the end but there were long spells in the first half where we were not at the races. If Barnsley had Ipswich's attack we could easily have been in trouble today. As it was Barnsley puffed themselves out and run out of ideas along with breath. We just did not compete for extended periods in midfield at times because we did not get enough players in their faces at that point. Hammond was trying, Schneiderlin just does not take to that naturally and Guly was trying to figure out from Adkins exactly what he should be doing. We need the fit and on form Chaplow prior to injury that just does not exist at present. Puncheon has put in performances that indicated he could do the job, only to fade away when asked to repeat the feat. That leaves De Ridder and Guly to fill the slot and although Guly is not perfect, he can adapt and change position to Adkins plans that do work for to a certain degree. De Ridder can be good, but I fail to see the logic in playing with two attacking wingers when the main striker is not in his natural position to take advantage of such a formation. A formation that weakens the midfield that sometimes it can be self defeating because those attackers are just not getting the ball. I don't believe Adkins got too much wrong today and the efforts against Ipswich and Barnsley putting everything into the first halve showed. Taking the Ipswich and Barnsley games together, we are just missing that extra ingredient that is Chaplow on the right, where his energy and tenacity gives us total control. But until we get that Chaplow back, Guly still looks the best pick for that position. We have a whole week to recover for Millwall but our current form is pointing at a draw, unless the central midfileders and Guly can do the job or we get someone else on form to replace Guly.

Adkins was giving him most of the instrauctions from the side line which affected his game for the job Adkins wanted. Different player when moved up front or took over from Lallana. Guly's best position has always been in the hole, where he does very well. He does a job else where that Adkins keeps picking him for, so must be something there.

The recovery time is based upon the proportion of the muscle that is torn from the bone. A complete seperation and we would not be seeing him again this season, whereas 5% and its far quicker. The more minor the tear, the less the recovery time required within limits. That's why when you have a minor tear that you don't do further damage and extend a couple of weeks off to a couple of months

It's because of the nature of the injury and the significance of the player to our run in. A groin injury such as Lallana's means he has actually torn muscle from the bone, that has to heal within the limited time he has had. What makes it difficult is that the injury occured from a sideways movement of the hips or swivel, which will sometimes go unnoticed when even running in a straight line. You go through your recuperation and use the feedback from walking / running in a straight line before you start your twisting and turning exercises to see how it then stands up. The problem is that it normally never allows for instances on the field where you extend yourself too far, either by tiredness or over extending yourself accidentally or the result of a tackle. This is a second groin injury Lallana has had this season and there is a definite weakness here and the very short recovery time means there still could be an underlying weakness. That does not mean he could not be effective on the pitch without further damage, but when you have a player that is the difference between auto and the play off's IMHO, why would anyone want to take the risk? You can still have him on the bench to make a contribution if you really believed it was required, but it would be a no brainer to me to have him sat on the bench even the coming Saturday, even Millwall if we felt we could get away with it. We are very lucky that the injury has occured where we may be able to afford Lallana rest to ensure his recovery, leaving him fully fit for the difficult games where I feel we can't do without him.

I've spoken to someone who knows Sharp and he is putting in the extra training to get himself fitter for the run in, we will see a difference Sharp who will take us to the premiership for sure.His words, Adkins is making him hungry for a return as he wants to help us so badly.IMHO I know why Adkins wanted Hooper as he would of pushed us on straight away while Sharp would need at least 3 weeks to understand our system and to get him fitter.I suppose we got lucky that Lee has come in and started with a bang. Sharp has not been 100% for a while and it would not surprise me if that is still the case. I don't know the nature of the injuries and it could be just pain after a certain period, but the term niggling problems has been used by Adkins. When you look at the question of forwards, it's Ricky plus one and the effectiveness of the pair. In my view it's pretty straight forward and comes down to who compliments Ricky the best. IMHO Chung compliments Ricky far better than Billy. It's all about goals scored / created by the front pair and until Billy starts banging them in regularly, I would stick with Chung. Because of the volume of games we have coming up, Billy will definitely get his chance but I feel it will have to be achieved by what he does off his own back, as his complimentary play makes Ricky look even less likely to score IMHO. I don''t know why, but Ricky seems to lay even further back with Billy.

No it wouldn't make any sense at all. Our only existing loan player is to cover for exacty this position. He had one half a game soon after he came in, looked skilful but easily pushed off the ball. Has been training with the squad now for a few weeks and if needed now is the time to utilise his undoubted skills. Punch should not have been played on the left, even Adkins could see this and was swapping him around yesterday when it was clear it was not working. If we were really stuck I would seriously consider playing Chung in AL's position and having Billy or Guly up front, but from what we are hearing AL may be back on Tuesday anyway. It makes a lot of sense to me, but trying to fill the boots of what could be the Championship player is a practical limitation I doubt we would solve. One thing that stood out against Leeds was that we rely so heavily on Lallana to take us up through the gears and raise our game. Ricky and Chung did exceptionally well for the goal, but equal praise has to go to Leeds defence. Lallana for me is the difference between automatic and top 6 along with Ricky. I don't believe we can get another Lallana but I do believe we can use him and mange him to our benefit. I would not even consider Lallana as a start for the next 2 home games, giving him maximum recuperation for that groin injury. I would sit him on the subs bench if fit and try and avoid risking him until Millwall away where the need may be greatest. Groin strains are notoriously difficult to give the definitive all clear unless looking back upon. That's why even if we felt it was all ok against Ipswich or Barnsley I would have him on the bench, not prepared to slightly risk him unless needs dictate on the pitch.

Morgan had a very good game against Leeds but nothing has really changed. For overall performances this season Cork is out in front with Morgan and Hammond that little bit further back. I have seen this replayed so many times now that it is nigh on nailed on. We get the call that Morgan must start the next game, or Hammond / Cork after a good performance, only for that performance to miss the mark in muted silence. Our two central midfielders have to rotate their appearances, otherwise they will fall short of the mark as we have seen regularly. This is not a slight on any of them, just the nature of our style of play and what we are asking them to do. So if Morgan does not start the next game or comes off early, that still makes sense from everything that has gone before. Bring Hammond in for Cork on Tuesday, subbing Morgan with Cork at half time so we have fresh legs for both Tuesday and the following Saturday.

Leeds took the midfield from us because Chaplow was again not at his best, Puncheon neither and only Schneiderlin can really hold his head up. But we certainly had a defence today and everyone must be congratulated upon that. Just so glad we started with Chung, but without Lallana we really have to grind out a result. I don't know what is going on at Staplewood, but that's the second time where Adkins has commented on how exceptionally well the training has gone, only to not turn up for the game. We left a lot of effort on that pitch tonight and have to bring in fresh faces for Ipswich. I would not even consider starting Lallana, because if that goes up in our faces I don't believe we will get automatic. As it is we are in a great position and a professional job against Ipswich would be fantastic.

It does appear surprising at first glance but maybe not considering the time difference. Chung plays 25 minutes Wednesday morning (our time) then gets a 12 hour sleeper back to London, even time for another kip in Southampton before training. Then rest of Thursday, Friday and Saturday to get back to normal. Will be down to the individual and the ability to sleep on a plane, but would not surprise me.

Lallana is such a key player for us, I cannot see the logic in considering him for this weekend and only as back up for the home games to come, should he be even fully fit. If we can put out a team to do the business without Lallana, I would definetly have him as sub to give him the extra recuperation time. I am struggling to fully understand this injury fully. If Lallana pulled up with a sharp pain in his groin, it's nailed on that he has torn the muscle attached to the bone to some degree. The percentage of tear dictating the recovery time. But even for the most minor of tears, I just cannot imagine risking such a player after one weeks rehabilitation, even two seeming too quick. This all seems far too similar to last time he did his groin and there must be an obvious weakness for this to reoccur so quickly, so am struggling to understand why he will be back that much quicker. Both times he did his groin recently were down to turning or swivelling of the hips I believe, as such he may well feel ok in a straight line, but the acid test will come when he has to repeat the action which caused the injury. The Leeds game just seems madness to risk him where I feel he could well be required, but after that we have several fixtures where we can afford to look after him to ensure we have him available for the difficult games, where I feel we cannot do without him.

Nothing wrong with that at all. I have my own reservations but happy to go with Adkins selections and see how they turn out. I accept some of the negative points but Chung has some positives which definitely make him worth persevering with. He is very quick over 5 yards, has the intelligence but will requires others to pick this out. How many other Saints players can be faced with a defender and goalie from static, simple shimmy and an unstoppable smash into the back of the net. That talent alone can get you a start. Then who works best with Ricky? And at the moment Chung edges that one for me. We won't really get the answer until Billy is fit again and more than happy to see Chung in the squad from the limited we have seen, both positive and negative.

I can't see Lallana returning for at least 3 weeks, he is just too important to rush back and undo any chance of him being fit to play an effective part. As you say, when you break down and can't continue the game, it is not something to wear off and play the next weekend. Even going by the minor scale of damage you are off for 3 weeks. IMHO Lallana will be the difference between the automatics and the play offs. He is the only player we have who takes us up that level when he is on form. I've seen Ricky in the best shape ever at Saints since suspension and he does not have that ability to change the way we play as Lallana does. We do have a lot of good players at Saints and we can perform without Lallana. Looking at the fixtures, I would take a fit and on form Lallana back for Blackpool away (end March) and trust the squad for that intervening period with those games. As for the decision to keep Ricky on the pitch, someone needs to be spoken with here. You've just had your star player player come off with a groin related injury, not the quickest of turn arounds as injuries go. Then Ricky badly rolls his ankle and you have the prospect of the other star attacker of the team going in the same direction as Lallana. We have all rolled our ankles and it's common knowledge that the ankle is substantially weaker and a repeat is more than on the cards. Once we got to 3-0 up, Ricky should have been subbed because the biggest damage would be if he rolled his ankle badly again. He was certainly in a lot of pain the second time and we can only hope there is no long term effects.

My opinion still has not changed, if we have an in form Lallana available for the remaining games, we will get automatic promotion. If Adkins can avoid keeping Ricky on a ploughed field whilst having a knock, our chances increase further. The less we have that in form Lallana available, the less our chances are, he is still the difference when he is on form. We have an exceptional squad at the present that looks perfect for putting in that heavy schedule between now and the end of the season. Sharp will eventually come good and it looks like Chaplow is good enough now, along with all the other talent we have. Unless Chung can provide the Lallana inspiration (as yet no), I still believe everything hangs on his shoulders. We did a very good controlled number on Watford with the midfield taking control, backed up by a good attack and defence. Really good to hear Fonte coming out from defence and adding to Watfords plight. Some of the goals make you wonder, the first a gift from ManU, the third a "shoulder to shoulder contact is no longer allowed", leaving a excellent worked goal from Ricky for the second. I can only assume Ricky got the game plan for the second goal from Kelvin, when you arrive from so far back to execute the play.

That's how I see it as well. After these two games I feel we should have all the important players back to near full form and fitness with the possible exception of Billy and Chaplow. Having that full squad and double fixtures a week will be the key as to who comes out on top for an automatic spot. We look in good shape to get there, but could be really close. Win these next two away games and we have to be favourites for an automatic spot. We cannot afford starting the likes of Billy and Chaplow against Watford unless they can last the full 90. They certainly have not shown enough to be sufficiently influencing the game as yet and having to replace them leaves you limited tactical substitutions. Watford will have two good new signings and have not been shabby without those additions at home. Winning this one is vital and only a full strength Saints can be sure of pulling off the result

I would go further than big Sams assessment of Sharp. He does not look Premier quality, even going back over all his performance. He is carrying injuries, unfit and over weight. Even worse, he really adds nothing to what we have got already as far as a plan B and Ricky looks like he is even playing further back when together. I still would not knock the purchase because we are not in the Premier and Billy is a very good Championship player, even looking useful in his current state. When you look at all the activity that went on in the window, nothing stands out and grabs you as outstanding. I would not rate Maynard that great in comparison. The best bit of news we have had recently seems to be Puncheon, with early hopes for Chung. If we can get all our players fit I would be more than happy. Connolly is good enough but just cant do the volume of games. If Billy can come good for the last 10 -12 games that could easily be the best £1.75M we have spent in a long time.

Chaplow was better this game, some good periods but still flagging at times and not up to his usual standards. I am not saying don't play them, but don't start them unless fully fit. If you start more than a couple of players that are not fully fit you have a fair chance of being left with them on the pitch if changes are vital eleswhere. Bring them on in the second half and you have no such issues. I don't know which players to select for this game because of many factors, but no way would I start Sharp and Chaplow unless I was certain they could go the distance after their last two games. It's one thing picking that team to start against Derby at home, another away to Watford. Just look back at Saturdays game and why were Sharp and Chaplow substituted early? Then throw in a forced substitution and you don't have the numbers to alter the game with a couple of substitutions elsewhere. This could have been an issue against Derby, but at home and given their away form it's not difficult to see Adkins logic. After watching Watford against Leicester, I doubt Adkins will take that risk again.

We cannot afford passengers such as Sharp and Chaplow against Watford. If they are not fully fit, don't start them. We should have more than enough good players to pick from to get this job done.

This is correct, plus the fact he is about 10 lbs over weight. He will be a very good player again but I think it's going to take a big chunk of this run in to see that. What I don't agree with is the fit with Lambert. I would prefer to have seen the type of player who gives us a different option and takes Lambert's game to another level. You can definitely see the possibilities but it will be based around Billy scoring shed loads with Lambert giving up some of his game.

As good as we looked at times, I am not sure what that performance would have returned against better opposition. Just think we got out of kelter with all the recent games but a full week to recovery should sort all of that out. Lallana for me will be the reason why we do / don't get an automatic spot, he has that big an influence. As you say, once the Martin goal went in we were a different team. Billy arrived with a couple of niggles but he is not in the best of shape with his weight. He is a very good player and an improvement for the squad, but he really does not offer any more of a plan B than we had before. It may be my imagination, but Ricky seems to drop further back at times partnering Billy. I can see why Adkins is persevering with Lee, he does offer something that little bit different. If he can produce the goods in the next two away game, that would be good enough for me. Adkins had a very difficult job in getting Sharp, Chaplow and Lee playing time when they are not all at full fitness or form. But we got through this game with some important time for all three players and this can only be a bonus in the long run. Connolly should be ready for it after his extended rest, so the options are there.

I thought the same at first but at all times Sharp keeps clear space between himself and Noble whilst applying the verbals. Ironically it is Sharps attempt at maintaining clear air between himself and Noble that results in Thwatty Matty getting sent off. Noble reacts to the comments and pushes forward, with Billy back peddling to avoid contact and getting unbalanced. Thwatty Matty then comes in again and applies the coup de grace and it's good night Vienna. Noble then joins in the condemnation of Thwatty Matty, quickly forgetting that he had teed up Billy for the final throw. If you look back to the "tackle", Billy was in headless mode before the penalty was awarded. The ball was well gone , absolutely no chance in getting any contact from the angle Billy was coming in from, absolutely zero chance of success. So decides to remove as much space as possible from behind Noble to make things difficult. No wonder he then went on his headless dance after realising what he had just done. I think it may be best if we relieve Billy of all defensive duties from now on in. There are comic sketches that don't meet this level of intricacy and humour. Will savour this one for a long time to come as I reckon it gave us points even with the goal.