Saint Pete

Seem to recall we were told last year we were signing up players on longer contracts so we could guard against being forced into selling so soon? So surely we don't need to sell Bertrand as he still has 4 years left right? Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

Got to say having seen how Hull played (or rather didn't) against Palace and Spurs in their last couple of games, I'm far from sure Silva would be an improvement. Not to say we shouldn't make a change though - there are other managers out there!

I've not seen or heard any Saints fans saying that 8th is not good enough though. It's much more about the direction that Puel is taking us in terms of style of football, goals and entertainment.

Our record in the past 4 seasons is definitely something to be really proud of and shows that generally the club have been very well run in that period. That said, the trend in points, performances and apparent morale throughout the club since the latest manager arrived is not so good. So I think there is a discussion to be had about the best way forward after Sunday. Think much will come down to how Puel is regarded by players and other staff. I have no idea on this as not ITK and don't really listen to all the gossip. If Claude still has support of senior players, I'm sure he will stay. If not it may be best to make a change now rather than saying "let's see how first 10 games of new season go". Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

I think the concern is over the approach we are taking in games against the top sides, particularly at home. Under Puel it does appear we are playing more cautiously in these games rather than getting on the front foot and pressuring them like we have in the past few seasons. This defensive approach is only logical if you have a strong defence capable of keeping out the best opposition, which is clearly not the case, especially with Van Dijk out. The strength of our team (when Gabbiadini is on the pitch) is our attacking 3, which can cause problems for anyone when we play positively, so we need to play to our strengths. It won't always work against quality opposition of course but I think most would be happier to see Saints at least having a go at home, as we have previously.

I don't doubt that is what Saints think and hope now but my view is still that it mostly depends on who comes in for him. He may be quite happy right now but it may all change if city or Chelsea make a move. His injury may work in our favour though as it may put clubs off offering the big bucks. Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

Yep, can't argue with that. Boufal needs to learn that he doesn't have to do it all on his own and it's not all about him, otherwise he won't start many games for us. As you say he definitely has the technique and ability to do well in premier league, but he needs to use it in the right way. Yes, use skill to get away from a defender, but then use your ability to pick out a team-mate with a pass or cross, that's what the best players do. Chances will come for him if he does this and then gets in position for a return pass - he doesn't need to try and score a "worldie" every time he gets it! Save the tricks and party pieces for when we are 4 up.

5 ex Saints included in the squad as well.

http://scores.nbcsports.com/epl/player_leaders.asp?category=101 This shows he has lowest saves to shots ratio of any of the 20 keepers who have spent most time on pitch (SPct column). Claudio Bravo has the next worst ratio!

I would flip that around and say what on earth have Clasie & Hojbjerg done in their appearances to get ahead of JWP in the pecking order at present? JWPs performances in last 2 games have fully justified his selection so not sure what your problem is? As others have said, let's hope he can kick on now and keep up this level more consistently.

I like him on the right. Has looked more positive in the last couple of games and has shown he can put some great balls in from open play as well as from set plays. Hope he gets a run in side now in this position as think he can link up well with gabba's movement. Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

I have wondered the same about injury as well. He's always been a big lump but his movement does seem to have got considerably worse this season, so must be something behind that? Maybe time to give the new keeper a go for a few games?

Yes, amazing what a difference he has made to our attacking play in just a few games. Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

There's no denying their league form has been terrible. But what makes you think they are more likely to stay up now having sacked the manager who has led Leicester (!) to a league title and also a reasonable chance of reaching the Champs League quarter finals?! (Especially as so far it appears they have not earmarked a replacement). Those are unbelievable and unprecedented achievements for a club like Leicester and it's sad to see that even these don't allow the manager any faith from premier league club owners anymore.

They wouldn't have gone down - they're not in bottom 3 now and wouldn't have been at the end of the season with Ranieri in charge. Not so sure now though with caretaker manager in charge and no apparent replacement lined up.

Will be pretty outrageous if it's simply members irrespective of whether they have even been to any games this season! Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

Are players really that bothered about whether they are captain of a club side? I would suggest that isn't a huge factor in whether he stays or not. Reality is if a big club come in for him with a big offer he will almost certainly go. Champs league football and much higher wages will win the day over captaincy at saints any day of the week! Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

We're gonna have to get over our goalscoring issues in a hurry that's for sure as can't see us keeping many clean sheets until Van Dijk is back with the options at our disposal in defence now!

Something's gone seriously wrong here. Can only assume we thought we were getting either Sakho or Tasci and didn't have any other adequate backup options when both of these fell through? It's pretty poor we have put ourselves in this position. Should never have agreed to Fonte sale if we couldn't guarantee getting at least a stop gap to see us through rest of this season.

This really is amateur hour if that's true!

Agree we have too many midfielders of the same type and not enough steel. Still think we also need better quality at CB too though. Could be a fair bit of work on the squad required in summer the way things shaping up. Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

This new deal's not to be sniffed at.

Maybe 1 perm and 1 loan could be the plan if Gardos goes as well? Not much point in gardos staying if still not being considered at the moment? Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

Martin Atkinson. At least it's not the same ref from first leg!

Good performance today, but it's one game against a woefully out of fom team, let's not get carried away! Yoshi is a good centre back, no arguments from me on that. But he's still not as good as Fonte at his peak and we still need to sign another quality centre back if we want to maintain our league position of the last couple of seasons. I agree Fonte factor had become unsettling so he probably had to go, but he does need replacing.