Saint Fan CaM

Not a chance of it happening. But I wouldn't put a non-match fit, unwilling player into what will prove the most difficult test of the season. Would rather play our best Academy player frankly.

And what we know for certain is Poch is not responsible for the depth of the squad. Hence he will only take a battering if he shows that his nerve is breaking. I do not believe this will happen, however I am reminded of his last season at his previous club whereby lack of resources did for him I believe.

SRL has continued to perform within the constraints imposed by the system played. The key issue is that our main scorer in the past was successful due to the type of delivery into the box - typified by his first touch goal for England. Now we don't play like that - its all about quick short pass movements with the ball being worked into box so possession is not lost and the best contribution Lambert can offer is as the provider. He's good at that, but this also needs very good finishers to be in the right position to score - and therein lies the problem...we don't have enough clinical finishers or the attacking players have yet to 'click'. The evidence is in the number of goals we score now...significantly less. But this is specifically not the fault of Lambert...its a team dilemna that Poch needs to sort out.

Massive test for some of the bit players. Perhaps Poch will blood a youngster or two as its odds on we'll find this a struggle? Can't see anything other than 0-4 result...could be worse than that even...City look great at the moment. COYS!

Just got to look at the quality in the Arse team and the makeshift defence we had to endure. Having said that, we were beaten by a stupid training ground level error by Boruc and a idiotic shirt pull from a Championship level central defender who needs someone of Lovren class to make him look good. Lambert had a terrible game and J-Rod was not much better. Once Lallana came off we lost any imputus in attack - Osvaldo really does not have a clue. It really goes to show how thin on the ground certain areas of the squad are to maintain a position near the top of the table. Not investing in those areas in January will cost Cortese his dream this season IMO.

You can see that Boruc has been the difference between the two sides in simple terms. He's generally a good keeper, but stupid mistakes like this will stop the club achieving what Cortese desires and that means his days could be numbered.

know it's unlikely, but is there anyone with a spare ticket for sale please?

This ^

No way was Boruc to blame...fantastic goal by JRod - if I didn't know better I would say he deliberately put it into the ground to humiliate the keeper. Someone previously said JWP was like Beckham...first time I've heard that, but I totally agree...he is becoming a really excellent player with incredible delivery. We should have an advantage in the 2nd half with the wind behind us...just need to modify play a little and we'll be winning this as we're playing the better football.

Draw all over this. 2-2. Mind, if Van P plays, then it's more likely to be 3-1.

Saints win - no question.

Gaston must be doing something incredibly awful to have Guly picked to sit on the bench in favour of him. Personally I would like to see him do well here, but it would seem he's not in the plans of MP and could be gone in January.

Now that is probably the best post I've ever seen from you. Thought out, not abusive or sarcastic and frankly completely spot on the money.

This is undoubtedly a banana skin. I would put Lambert on the bench and have Davis in the hole behind Osvaldo - strong midfield which retains attacking options. Bring on SRL at 75m to either control the game for a win or to attempt recovery if we're losing.

There was one Saints player on the pitch tonight who for my money stood out...as a complete waste of space...GULY! I would score that performance at 2/10 - it was that diabolical. He didn't look as if he cared less...little or no effort, he swanned around aimlessly for large periods of the game. I rarely call for a player to be subbed, but I was fuming that he was not taken off earlier. Seriously, that guy is SO far from making the 1st team and the little young ginger lad (Reid?) was head and shoulders better. Great goal by Gaston 'The Enigma' Ramirez - I thought he put in a good shift, but needs to get more consistent. Maya put in a faultless performance - great reading of the game as usual. JWP and Davis were excellent. Chung looked very good indeed and will not have done himself any disservice by that performance tonight. Likewise I was actually impressed with Fox's performance too - he looked quite composed on the ball.

Gaston - an enigma.

Can't honestly see Lallana going to Brazil to be honest...just too many other players ahead in the picking order. Lambert will not go either.

Hate to say it, but I said before the season started that Lambert would probably not be the right material to move us on, as great as he's been for us. He hasn't looked likely to score and his touch is starting to elude him too for large parts of the game. Tuesday would be an ideal time for Poch to try a different striking combo out...I for one hope he takes that opportunity.

Not been to Old Trafford before and it just so happens I'm free that day - no brainer...gotta go.

Top game from all but Lambert who was not really in the game unfortunately.

Bench Lallana and Lambert and bring in Davis and Ramirez, pushing JRod into the central attacking midfield role behind Osvaldo (or vice versa). We'll lose this one anyway so best use it to try a different approach.

I thought JRod had a poor game yesterday, however that doesn't make him a player not worthy of the Prem FFS. Wanyama had a shocking 1st half IMO - Lallana and Lambert didn't really cover themselves in glory either. Fact is to win games you've got to score and at the moment the team are finding that VERY hard. This needs to be sorted out and quick by the coaching staff because there's few answers left in the squad. Perhaps Cork back with Schneiderlin is the answer? Perhaps dropping Lallana or Lambert in favour of Ramirez is the answer? I'm not sure, but I do know something needs to change.

That's it then...we're going down. Etc...etc....

There's only one word for those goals - you know it and I know it. Pace.

Regrettable?