SaintTex

dream? sounds like a nightmare. He still hasn't scored at Anfield, correct? I am still not saying he regrets the decision, but it seems the dream hasn't worked out quite like he has hoped. As another poster noted, he would have regretted not taking the opportunity to go to Liverpool, but it seems reality has set in for him. I hope he succeeds wherever he goes.

what are going to post about after we hit 40 points on January 17th?

having been burnt by the press before, I will not even get remotely excited until there is a signature on the dotted line. that being said, if it did happen, it would be HUGE. The only way the club gets to the next level is if Champions League quality players stay with the club. Then there is a snowball affect. If Alderweireld commits, then the chance of Scheiderlin committing becomes much greater. It send a major signal to Champions League quality players around the world that this club is not a stepping stone to another destination club, but that it is A Destination club. I know the board is keen on conservativism and pragmaticism and that they believe slow and steady baby-steps wins the race, but they really need to move heaven and earth to retain Alderweireld. At the same time, they should not abandon the ideals and goals that got us to where we are today, ie: the Southampton Way.

Just finished it. It was fantastic. Essentially, a 1 hour promotional video for the club. Not sure how many fans it will generate in America, but it pretty much highlighted the reasons I am a fan. Speaking as an American, I can tell you that winning is what will build a fan base in America. (and the ability to purchase a cheap kit )

Bertrand ought to give Clyne some advice on how to tape and protect the ankles from cleats.

What would we gain from it? a) A year or two of a quality player, some goals and a tidy profit. or b) we could have none of that. Which would you prefer?

this is a good way of looking at it.

well that didn't work out as I had hoped, but 6 points off in the end. Not getting the 3 points at Burnley really hurt.

Well yeah, but then again you are talking about the starting goalkeepers for Chelsea and Man U.

Southampton 5 years ago tomorrow was in 13th place in League One. Chelsea 5 years ago tomorrow was in 1st place in the Premier League. It's all gravy. No pressure today.

Eljero Elia So are two strikers at top our best formation? Maybe so..should we always play a combination of Pelle and Long/Mane.. and then either is a super sub to bring max. energy in the last 20 minutes?

rub some dirt on it and bring on Chelsea.

Indeed. I thought Koeman's player management was masterful considering the short rest for Chelsea. 5 fresh players for the potential starting 11 against Chelsea: Tadic, Wanyama, Long, Fonte, Targett (Bertrand can't play)

I get the impression K. Davis' table was the "fun table".

The throw-in inbounds combo play at 0:43 is my favorite Saints play/goal of the year. I jumped out of my seat when it happened....such a thing of skill, beauty, creativity and teamwork.

Saw that too.. I also get a little misty eyed when I see dreams realized.

With no one to get him the ball.

What's crazy is that we didn't expect it to be Midfield where it would be exposed.

Maybe it is semantics, but isn't this more of a 5-3-2 ---------------------Forster-------------------- Clyne --------Fonte-------Gardos-----Yoshida-----Betrand --------------Davis--------Big Vic-----------Tadic---------- -----------------Pelle ----Long/Mane----------- we are basically adding an addition CB to our back line (basically replacing Alderweireld with 2 players). Clyne and Bertrand are going to do their usual thing. Maybe it gives them some additional freedom to go forward. It's an intriguing formation.

This game suddenly looms much larger considering our form in the last 3 league games. This is our mostly likely path to football in Europe. We are safe from relegation, but dreams of Top 5 or 6 seem to be evaporating.

right. in just one weeks time, the table looks a whole lot tighter; especially if we get no points tomorrow. We are only 6 points above 10th place Newcastle. We really need 3 points tomorrow.

Forster Clyne -- Fonte -- Alderweireld -- Bertrand Cork -- Wanyama -- Davis Long -------- Pelle --------- Tadic drop Mane, get Tadic out on the left.

he was also caught behind the play for Clichy's goal. Yoshida has been on the pitch for 6 of the 9 goals we have given up this season. And he hasn't been on the pitch a whole lot. First three matches of the season, a half at Swansea and a half against City. I still think moving Alderweireld out of the CB position was a poor decision. You put in Reed or you put in Long and drop Davis back some.

this. Should have hobbled over to the first Man City player available and take him out to start the second half. Oh and then sub him with Gardos. Jeez.

I don't get the Yoahida move. Keep your strong CB pairing and substitute cork for schneiderlin.