Saint86

Following back to back wins Burnley need 4more wins and a couple of draws from 15 remaining now (i.e. 14 from 45) they look good (as expected) wtih 2wins, 2 draws, and a narrow 1-0 loss vs Liverpool. Plus Weghorst is a class signing for them. Injuries could be key but they are weathing the catch up fixtures well. Newcastle are 3 wins and 2 draws from their last 5. They need 12 points from the remaining 42. I certainly wouldn't bet against either of those teams managing to hit 33/34 points. What i don't think anyone counted on, was just how appalling leeds, everton, and (to a lesser degree brentford) were going to be. Certainly looks like an entertaining end of season relegation scrap. And the last game being the Chris Woods derby as well - burnley will never have so many neutral fans! As above though, i certainly think the margin is going to be above 28 points.

Not in Portishead but I am based in Bristol, occasionally head down that way to let the kids out along the front. Somewhat partial to a pub lunch in the Windmill. Not a bad part of the world.

Sheldon's articles rarely add anything, but in this case he's probably damaged the team's chances... An odd move for someone whose job is to write material for saints fans... Ah well, i suppose he's got his name out there and garnered some attention for himself, who cares about saints.

Yes, but Burnley are a much better outfit than Norwich, have been playing well lately, and also have signed themselves a very good centre forward. Norwich are going down no questions asked and our loss at carrow Road was a proper cock up 😅

I think we can all just be greatful we had semmens in charge as opposed to the boo boys. It's probably the biggest example of humble pie eating you'll see on this forum - that or the JWP boo boys going silent 😋). What Ralph has done with the team is extremely impressive given the financial constraints he's operated with. He's changed out so much dross from the playing staff, got us playing great football, and instilled a very determined winning mentality. I think the sings were always there, but it just took the final shipping out of slow plauers like bertie and vest to really unlock our attack. Future looks good atm. Could see us challenging for top 8 over the coming fixtures, and maybe an cup run again?

Its designed to stop clubs breaking the glass ceiling? surely?!

I mean, thats a two solution question and you've opted for the higher than 50% chance option i'd say - given our losing mentality as a national side (always harder to win the first one) and propensity for second rate managers.

Leicester had an easy win, but more worryingly for Madison managed 15min second half before going off with heart issues!

Everything is shutting down where I am in Bristol. Should be entertaining tomorrow (provided the fences stay up and the roof stays on)...

No one is a match for man city when they turn up. I'd also argue the same for Liverpool. But we can have the other 17teams if we play at our best. I'd personally love to see this side (playing like we have done recently) in a cup final - would be a great final as a minimum.

I mean, we should have won the league cup final and probably would have done with VAR.

Agreed. 76 was a long time ago. But with solid investment and stability, we can expect to get get back to the levels seen under Koeman and Poch - it seems harsh to then categorically rule out winning a cup in the next 5-10 years - especially given our European qualification and cup performances in recent years. Leicester won it last season and they're shite and were on their standard end of season capitulation 😄. Since then, we've traded them two of the shittest defenders in the league. I bet west ham (a champions league chasing team) are absolutely delighted to have drawn saints away...

Scrolled through 6 pages on GrandOldTeam, only 1 poster thought we would win. They weren't disrespectful, but they do think they have a better team and that they'll win if they play like they did against Leeds. Whereas nearly all of us probably think we're better than Leeds and if we put in a United/Spurs level performance we'll have too much for Everton ^_^. A few of their fans predict a score draw - and given they're a bogey side for saints, and have quality like Richarlson and DCL, that isn't that unrealistic. Overall though, i think we'll win. Once we get at their slow (pace/backline) central midfield and defence, i think we'll have plenty of chances. And as a squad, they must have low confidence, even with Lampard newly coming in a couple of wins against prem teams lately. As always with us at the moment, it should be a good game. Saints to win, 3-1 or 2-1. And even if Everton take the lead, we'll just double down and go after them more. There is no mercy from this saints side at the present, and i think opposition teams find us relentless. Also fitness will play a part, and I am yet to see a team this season fitter than saints. In addition, we really are due to give someone an utter battering soon the way we are playing - i'd rather hoped that would be Newcastle, but they've turned a corner / signed a new team. But its going to be someone...

I think this makes the point very well. Fans forget that we almost made the champions league under koeman, not to mention the europa league run and domestic Cup runs. But no no, that isn't good enough for a club like saints apparently? 🙄😅 The dortmund example above is also a very good example. What semmens said isn't groundbreaking. Unless you are a club like Man City / man United etc. (where money simply isn't an issue), then your number one way of generating money and improving the club is player trading. Saints' strategy is simply trying to maximise that. I.e. Having a clear plan and style, signing players that fit it, maximising their value and increasing the player's / club's profiles. If we do it well then rich teams will pay us money to keep doing it but at a higher and higher level - and we will climb the league. Short of a mega money owner, I'd suggest there is no other strategy that has a chance of delivering long term / sustainable improvements on our current league standing. I'd certainly enjoy a few more Cup finals! 😅

The most successful pressing team on that list was Brighton under potter - and by some distance. Whether he sees us as a sufficient step up after Brighton i don't know. Also chances are he'll have moved up in the world by 2024. Could easily see him at Arsenal / tottenham by that point. Unlikely either of their current managers survive that long.

Bayern and Dortmund now looking at him - Dortmund will certainly offer him game time given their track reckon and need for a Haaland replacement. Looks more and more unlikely that we'll see him in a saints shirt after this season sadly. Plus side - We'll sign someone else to excite the fans i guess - and Broja can only have increased our appeal in that regard.

Circa 11min - 45min

😁 - odds any good on this being a reliable source?

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10502013/Man-United-stars-annoyed-Ralf-Rangnicks-OLD-FASHIONED-training.html Hopefully we can demonstrate why "organisation and shape" are required on Saturday!!!

Its alright, i managed to find it. I wasn't aware of these but will add to to my list. Cheers (in a roundabout way) Whelk! 😀

don't suppose you've got a link / timestamp? 😁

That should have been the case at the Euros. But Southgate just needs a big defensive midfielder. He doesn't care about pressing, recycling possession, building attacks etc through midfield. He just wants 7 defensive players, 2 fast wingers, and a target man to lump it to. And people defend him because he's a nice bloke ffs. Reality is he has bottled two tournaments.

Another great performance from him tonight (vs spurs). Two cracking assists, covered a lot of ground, drives the team on, and his fitness is superb. As Ralph said post match, he doesn't need a captain that leads with shouting, he needs one that leads by example. I know some on here might call that "pony", but he's been absolutely vital for us recently.

Great win, great character from the team. JWP - what a player and captain.

che adams has barely been in this. i would actually give AA a chance and see if he can exploit the possession/space with some nice runs and quick shots.