5string

I think (hope?) we'll have a slight refresh without Vic. Romeu will look to earn a more regular place back in the starting XI. Others will be fighting for their places, seeing as we have a stronger squad than last year... Stek Bertrand Fonte VvD Cedric Romeu Clasie Davis Mane Tadic Pelle Lessons will also be learned from B'mouth & Leicester, and courage taken from Chelsea, Swansea. My prediction 3-0 Saints. So, expect a 0-2 defeat at full time, then!

At the moment I think we're ever so slightly weaker on the pitch with our starting XI, but only because: Cedric is still settling in (excellent today, though) while improving vs Clyne who was an experienced and valuable team member; Clasie is slightly off-pace due to injury, settling into PL vs Morgan who was our best player last season; Vic is a little inconsistent without Morgan's support; Stek isn't as good as Fraser. However... I think we have better squad strength, with Long, JWP, Gaston, JRod all better than they were last year; Davis is better this season; Mane is playing better; Pelle & Tadic pairing has developed well since last season; VvD is proving to be better than Toby; Romeu is better back up than the academy youngsters (no disrespect to them); JWP is better, more reliable. Overall, I think we have better potential, better strength in depth so yeah, I think we're better this year.

Great 1st half. Lets not do that kind of 2nd half again, please!

Good save Stek.

C'mon Saints, calm heads, composure, control. Why did we go backwards just then?

stupid stupid stupid Should have taken him off way earlier. JWP getting ready to come on for Tadic. Ok, we're still winning, we're still winning, we're still winning, there's no place like home, there's no place like home...

Bournemouth are up for it this half. We seem 'comfy' with a 2-0 lead... at least that's the attitude so far. How about JWP & Romeu for Clasie & Vic?

We're showing them way too much respect, giving them space to play their game. Need to press again cos they lack composure under pressure.

Vic looks slightly out of sorts, lacking confidence. Need to replace him before he gets a 2nd yellow for a mistimed challenge. Romeu or JWP?

B'mouth seem to be packing the midfield now, so we're seeing less of the ball. Need to get some proper possession back. Corner for B'mouth won't help...!

If Yoshida is on for Fonte, who takes the armband? Davis? We still need leadership.

More like, the ref shouldn't wear yellow if any of the players are in that colour. See if he changes at HT. Good question, though.

So long as Howe doesn't bring Leicester on for the 2nd half, we should be fine Would be nice to get 3 more to nip into 6th above the potato-men.

No way was that a foul, let alone a yellow. They pick on Vic cos he's big & solid.

Come on!

Terry Hurlock?

Does this give us a better chance against Villa in the Capital One Cup?

Normally 'just' one.

Text commentary suggests he's being well marshalled by their defence.

Summary seems to be: 1st half to us 2nd half to Leicester. 1 point v on-form team Seems alright to me...

Following text 'commentary' on Sporting Life website, said "Dangerous play by Mane." Not that dangerous, then.

Ah. Thanks. oh dear

What?

Not able to watch. Sounds like we're under the cosh a little - maybe we need occasions like this, learn how to ride them out for a hard-fought win.

Excellent news!