westofshannonsaint Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 our next league game is home to Brighton in 2 weeks time, and in the meantime we visit Bristol Rovers in the FA cup, and entertain Charlton in the JPT, how should we view these 2 games. Should we write off these games, rest key players to protect them from injury, & take the opportunity to give fringe players a chance to prove their worth? because we don't have much hope of winning the FA cup, the JPT is regarded by many on here as worthless. Should we concentrate on the league. or, should we aim to win these games, keep our good form going, and keep building our winning mentality. also these next 2 games are against teams in our league, many on here say we can beat anyone in the league, why would we set out not to win these games? finally the JPT is a real chance for silverware & a trip to Wembley & if we do manage go up this year this (hopefully) will be our last chance to win the JPT.........ever. opinions please Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saints foreva Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 I really don't care about the Bristol Rovers game, we should play a weaker side imo. Same again with Charlton. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evil Monkey Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 Well, like many others, i'll be attending both. I'm certainly not going expecting us to lose either game, and neither will Pardew. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 We should aim to win both games and keep the momentum going, the city is starting to buzz again about the saints. only rest players with knocks Winning is the name of the game Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 our next league game is home to Brighton in 2 weeks time, and in the meantime we visit Bristol Rovers in the FA cup, and entertain Charlton in the JPT, how should we view these 2 games. Should we write off these games, rest key players to protect them from injury, & take the opportunity to give fringe players a chance to prove their worth? because we don't have much hope of winning the FA cup, the JPT is regarded by many on here as worthless. Should we concentrate on the league. or, should we aim to win these games, keep our good form going, and keep building our winning mentality. also these next 2 games are against teams in our league, many on here say we can beat anyone in the league, why would we set out not to win these games? finally the JPT is a real chance for silverware & a trip to Wembley & if we do manage go up this year this (hopefully) will be our last chance to win the JPT.........ever. opinions please If we were nearer the playoffs I think it would a more interesting question. So I would go all out for a win against Bristol Rovers whose confidence is not high at the moment resting any players with minor injuries we will no doubt be without Antonio and Trottman as it is and then decide what to do against Charlton A couple of losses probably would not be good for morale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 If we were nearer the playoffs I think it would a more interesting question. So I would go all out for a win against Bristol Rovers whose confidence is not high at the moment resting any players with minor injuries we will no doubt be without Antonio and Trottman as it is and then decide what to do against Charlton A couple of losses probably would not be good for morale. or the attendances Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aintforever Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 Forget the tin pot FA Cup and go all out for the JPT IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_Jonny Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 I think pardew will field his strongest side for both games. We should concentrate on the JPT more imo as its Wembley final we can actually achieve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minsk Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 We should aim to win both games and keep the momentum going, the city is starting to buzz again about the saints. only rest players with knocks Winning is the name of the game What he said. The JPT is a very good chance of getting to Wembley, which could be of great benefit to get the players used to the pitch before the play-off final. As for the FA Cup, I certainly don't want to see go out in the first round! let's get as far as we can in it. Whilst I sincerely doubt we would win it, I know for sure that not many Saints supporters thought we would do so in November 1975. Also, I would like to see how this Saints team would cope against some of the CCC teams, or even a prem outfit like Hull or West Ham at SMS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brmbrm Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 Forget the tin pot FA Cup and go all out for the JPT IMO. Me too - fair chance of a trip to wemberlee! (All this assumes you think the playoffs or better are a realistic chance - if not, then go for both cups. I think play-offs are stil within our reach.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocker268 Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 I think we need to win both to keep momentum and morale up. I especially think the JPT is worth a decent team, just because if we beat charlton, it can show that we are up there with the best in the league, and i doubt if we did get to the final many people who moan about it would pass the opportunity to see Saints possibly lift some silverware. As for the FA cup its just about keeping a winning momentum to carry through to the league, who knows we could then get a 'bigger' team later on who would underestimate us and we could do a bit of giant killing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 Take them seriously - will be useful to see how far we've progressed since our last matches with them. Psychologically, what's the point of losing, especially to teams that are going to be there or there abouts at the end of the season compared to a win and the self-belief that we can turn anyone over? Its not as if we have a packed schedule - the friday and sunday fixtures help to this extent. Writing games off, resting players etc smacks of the meek, middling mindset that AP is trying to banish as a relic of the old era. Unless its a total trainwreck fixtures-wise, we should set up as strongly as possible for every game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectisSaint Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 our next league game is home to Brighton in 2 weeks time, and in the meantime we visit Bristol Rovers in the FA cup, and entertain Charlton in the JPT, how should we view these 2 games. Should we write off these games, rest key players to protect them from injury, & take the opportunity to give fringe players a chance to prove their worth? because we don't have much hope of winning the FA cup, the JPT is regarded by many on here as worthless. Should we concentrate on the league. or, should we aim to win these games, keep our good form going, and keep building our winning mentality. also these next 2 games are against teams in our league, many on here say we can beat anyone in the league, why would we set out not to win these games? finally the JPT is a real chance for silverware & a trip to Wembley & if we do manage go up this year this (hopefully) will be our last chance to win the JPT.........ever. opinions please We should aim to win both games, winning breeds confidence. No other way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sperm_john Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 FA cup serious because it would be nice to draw pompey at some stage, JPT serious because its our only seriously likely route to wembley this year ...so normal starting 11, with a few fringe players out to impress on the bench ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oggiee Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 Go out to win them both, for too long we have put out weakened sides to rest key players and it has done us no good at all. Winning builds confidence, confidence helps teams win games. Granted at some point we will go out of the FA cup, but we should give it a go none the less, and it will be interesting to see what all those people on here saying that the JPT is worthless say if we do get to wembley and win it (not saying that we will). Win, win, win. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintDonkey Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 Full strength against Charlton - JPT we can win. Against Rovers obviously play for the win, but rest any players carrying knocks like Hammond, Connolly and possibly Lallana and Trotman. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saints-cris Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 Full strength all the way.. if were in a healthy lead then rest a few key players maybe, but the games are fairly spread out so there shouldnt be any tiredness or anything. Keep the momentum going..! JPT is a good chance to get to Wembley, espescially if we knock out one of the other teams with a good chance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Genk Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 I think Pardew will play the same team on Friday that played yesterday. Like others say it's about momentum and we need to keep it going. Against Charlton we may see Hammond rested or others with niggling injuries & I expect Charlton will do the same. There is plenty of recovery time between the games, especially with us now playing the FA Cup game on Friday instead of the Saturday. I'm expecting two close wins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 We should aim to win both games, winning breeds confidence. No other way. Disagree. We need to concentrate on the league (as they say in cliche land). 100%. As long as Pardew is good with his man management, and the players are pragmatic, then defeat in either of the forthcoming cup games won't (shouldn't) affect '1st team' morale. That's just an opinion but feel free to jump down one's throat as is people's want on here.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legod Third Coming Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 We should aim to win both games and keep the momentum going, the city is starting to buzz again about the saints. only rest players with knocks Winning is the name of the game Agreed. When we have players still who were used to losing, it's vital that they win as many matches as possible so that it becomes the norm. That said, I wouldn't risk injured players in any game. We should have enough depth in our squad to be able not to take risks. So if he left out Hammond for Mellis on fitness grounds, fair enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjii Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 What he said. The JPT is a very good chance of getting to Wembley, which could be of great benefit to get the players used to the pitch before the play-off final. As for the FA Cup, I certainly don't want to see go out in the first round! let's get as far as we can in it. Whilst I sincerely doubt we would win it, I know for sure that not many Saints supporters thought we would do so in November 1975. Also, I would like to see how this Saints team would cope against some of the CCC teams, or even a prem outfit like Hull or West Ham at SMS. West Ham would murder us! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjii Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 Ideally I would advocate playing a 2nd string in the FA Cup. However, it would be annoying to lose to Bristol Rovers again. I actually think it's the single worse draw we could have got for annoyance factor! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Fan CaM Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 Full strength against Charlton - JPT we can win. Against Rovers obviously play for the win, but rest any players carrying knocks like Hammond, Connolly and possibly Lallana and Trotman. Yep - agree with you all the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Porter Posted 1 November, 2009 Share Posted 1 November, 2009 I'd like to see us make a few small changes. Mellis and Antonio into to replace Waigo and Schneiderlin for Bristol. Maybe try 4-4-2 from the start against Charlton see how that fares against a decent footballing side. Maybe try Thomas at right back to see how Lloydy gets on in the Wotton role. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big John Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 I accept the view of resting players, but whenever I have been to a match and seen an under-strength squad I cannot help but feel a little disappointed. I think we should always play our strongest, fittest side. Get that winning habit back and get it back quick. We were starting to anhihilate teams imo and would have embarassed Orient really badly had we got into the game 10 minutes earlier. I want Saints to be in the next round draw of every competition that we enter. More games, more gate receipts must surelt mean AP can make a better case for more of that money to be invested in the squad. Did someone not post a link the otherweek to a JPT rule that stipulates that we are bound to play more first choice players than the rules of both the FA and League Cups too? In Al we trust. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericofarabia Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 Whilst not risking anybody who is not 100% fit we should defo be putting out the strongest team available and going flat out to win convincingly, no matter what the competition is. As AP has said from day 1 here, we lacked the winning mentality due to the set backs over the recent years. Now that we have rediscovered what it feels like surely we should keep it going. What is likely to build up team morale and confidence ... 2 more wins on the bounce or 2 lack lustre performances by make shift teams? I've banged on about it before but look at what Redkrap did for morale and confidence of the team when he sent out a bunch of kids at Mansfield and then slagged them off (despite it being the team he picked, playing the tactics he choose and his supposedly great motivation skills ... he used it as an excuse to show them and us fans that our kids weren't as good as we thought :mad:) Also the FA Cup against Moan U in our relegation season (from Prem that :cool:) he sent out a weakened team that got duly humiliated at home but an under strength Moan U ... a fighting defeat would have been acceptable, but to raise the white flag even before the game kicked of was an insult to the fans that paid up for the tickets. Which of course is another way of looking at it ... people pay good hard earned money to watch their team win, not some fringe players get rolled over. Look at last season with both Redkrap and Aston Villa putting out understrength teams in European matches (which is what they worked so hard to qualify for in the previous season :confused:) and lost. Villa in particular never recovered and their season floundered as they dropped out of the top 4 race. Any player / manager worth their salt will tell you that after a win, you can't wait to get out on the pitch and play again. Having top players doing **** all for 2 weeks would be plain daft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai_phil Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 Rather than resting players, it's also important to give squad players some match practice. IMHO one of our failings under previous regimes was the permanent chopping and changing, never getting a settled side and never giving anyone long enough to get match fit. We have to face up to the fact that we will lose players through suspension and injury so the likes of Mellis, Thomas and (even) Perry need some game time so that for the League games they are sharp and ready. Maybe a gentle rotation rather than a wholesale "resting". Some of the players will be carrying "minor knocks" which the rest will do good, and some players just need to play every week. In AP we trust. Meanwhile did I read something about televised game? time for me & Eric to start googling global sat listings to see if it is on in some obscure pub showing Botswana TV or something Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 I'd like to see us make a few small changes. Mellis and Antonio into to replace Waigo and Schneiderlin for Bristol. Maybe try 4-4-2 from the start against Charlton see how that fares against a decent footballing side. Maybe try Thomas at right back to see how Lloydy gets on in the Wotton role. Yes I think that is a good idea but will our Loanees play because they will be cup tied? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Porter Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 None of our players are cup tied. Trottman was for the league cup but he's fine for these two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Professor Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 Bristol Rovers are going through a rough patch. It should be possible to get a result against Rovers, even if its a draw, with a few players rested. I'm sure he won't risk any players with knocks but overall I expect he will limit the changes to 3 or 4 at most. If he is allowed to cup-tie any loanees he probably will, as it may increase the prospect of keeping them. I suppose the team against Charlton depends on how this week's game goes, so I expect Pards will only decide on that next week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorkie Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 Should be a stress free couple of weeks - neither competition matters - this year! Let's face it would it be worth winning a trophy at the cost of promotion? If Southend do go into administration they will go below us with the 10-point deduction, and then a win against Brighton...then Norwich - who knows what our position will be. Expectations are rightly high at the moment - but my biggest fear is injuries with a extended campaign due to long Cup runs. If we had to go further in one competition I would say JPT as we have a beeter chance of getting to Wembley. Sure a plum 3rd round draw against a Premier League club at SMS would be fantastic - but honestly after where we were last season to go out in 1st round of the FA Cup would be no real shock. I hate losing but as far as the next two games goes - as long as we get not silly bookings, sending offs or injuries to key players it won't hurt that much! Pardew confessed to both games being a nice distraction from the League...what does that mean? I see it as a chance to rest some players and blood some others. We have a massive squad - we should take advantage of that and play some hungry fronge players. Will the loanees be Cup tied is a key question? Trotman in particular - and then Antonio? I want the club to go all out for the paly-offs - not some Mickey Mouse Cup. Then again who could deny Herr Liebherr's day out at Wembley and lifting some silverware? After all he did save our club! Whatever the outcome - whatever the result of the decision made by the club. one thing is for certain...I'll still be following Saints! Now what would Rupert have demanded under the circumstances? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minsk Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 West Ham would murder us! On paper, quite probably. But they are having a pretty rough season so far. And with a full SMS behind Saints, who knows? Oh, and Manure should have murdered us in '76. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saints67 Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 None of our players are cup tied. Trottman was for the league cup but he's fine for these two. Think it more depends on whether PNE, Reading, Chelsea etc. would accept the possibility of their players being cup-tied for future rounds when/if they return to their parent clubs in the new year or before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldNick Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 it is paramount that RL or Hammond dont get injured. The JPT could give the fans of a great day out and so perhaps that is th more important of the cup games (how things have changed!!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slickmick Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 My Team for cup games: -----------------Davis Thomas------- Perry-- Trottman ----Mills James -----Wotton -----Melis------ Holmes --------------Waigo -------Saga Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UniS Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 last season to go out in 1st round of the FA Cup would be no real shock. Southampton haven't lost in the first round of the FA Cup since 1913 when we were beaten 3-0 away at Wolves. Apologies for being pedantic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ponty Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 Playing a weakened team in any cup match is an insult to the hundreds of fans paying to follow the club around the country or the thousands paying to watch them at home. Every match should be played to win and anything less is short changing the fans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saints_is_the_south Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 Playing a weakened team in any cup match is an insult to the hundreds of fans paying to follow the club around the country or the thousands paying to watch them at home. Every match should be played to win and anything less is short changing the fans. +1, Couldn't agree more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slickmick Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 Playing a weakened team in any cup match is an insult to the hundreds of fans paying to follow the club around the country or the thousands paying to watch them at home. Every match should be played to win and anything less is short changing the fans. You can still play to win without your first choice team. Look at what the Arsenal kids do in the cup. Players who have been deemed good enough before have a chance to prove themsleves again. You don't get that in reserve matches or training. If Waigo or Saga go and score a hatrick from three pinpoint crosses from either Holmes or James, surely that will have given Pardew fresh options for the league games. Something that could prove the difference to making the play offs or just missing out. Add to that it puts them in the shop window with a better sale value if things go well. On the other side of the coin, you pay less to watch the JPT, so would expect a far from full 1st team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ponty Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 I wouldn't. I'd expect the best 11 players available to run out of the tunnel, tbh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ponty Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 Although I'd be prepared to be disappointed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Porter Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 My Team for cup games: -----------------Davis Thomas------- Perry-- Trottman ----Mills James -----Wotton -----Melis------ Holmes --------------Waigo -------Saga Do you want us to lose our next two games and all the mommentum that goes with a winning run? Personally i'd give Hammond a rest and bring in Mellis and maybe think about giving Antonio a start. Playing the likes of Saga, Holmes, Thomas and Perry is just asking for trouble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slickmick Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 I wouldn't. I'd expect the best 11 players available to run out of the tunnel, tbh. If we thumped them 4 v 0 would you still feel cheated ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Porter Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 On the other side of the coin, you pay less to watch the JPT, so would expect a far from full 1st team. There are apparently rules that stop managers from playing too weak a side in the JPT, not sure how it works but there is something in place. As for playing a weakend side in the FA cup that would be ridiculous, i'd hate to go out of the cup early. I enjoy the cup games, cup draws, the upsets etc just wouldn't feel right if we went out without a fight playing a bunch of kids. Luckily I think Pardew knows keeping the momentum going is key and we will play strong sides in the next two games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saints_is_the_south Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 I'd go with the following team in both games i think. -------------------Davis--------------------- James------Thomas------Trotman-----Harding Antonio-----Morgan------Hammond----Holmes ------------Lambert------Connolly------------ Strong team with a bit of formation with Holmes & Thomas starting & also the chance to start 4-4-2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slickmick Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 Do you want us to lose our next two games and all the mommentum that goes with a winning run? Personally i'd give Hammond a rest and bring in Mellis and maybe think about giving Antonio a start. Playing the likes of Saga, Holmes, Thomas and Perry is just asking for trouble. Saga has been crap, but we know he can be good. Thomas looked good at right back earlier in the season and Holmes (when match fit) attacks the bye-line and can deliver a good cross. Surprised you didn't comment more on the weak centre of midfield with Melis and Wotton. Thats the beauty of this game, we all have opinions. And I'm always right, so there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ponty Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 If we thumped them 4 v 0 would you still feel cheated ? If we lost 2-0, would you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slickmick Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 If we lost 2-0, would you? About as much as I would if it were the 1st team. League is our priority in my opinion, I want to get out of this league and never have to play in the stupid JPT ever again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 (edited) Full strength against Charlton - JPT we can win. Against Rovers obviously play for the win, but rest any players carrying knocks like Hammond, Connolly and possibly Lallana and Trotman. I'd go along with that too, JPT is the safer route to Wembley, and we want revenge against Rovers ! However, I think AP will want to see some of the " bench " players in action so he will surely use all subs in both games...and hopefully still win. With all the players we have, if we can't change out one or two ....and still retain our form, then the squad .....isn't a good squad. (one of) Thomas and Perry maybe, Mills, Mellis, Holmes, Gobern in midfield ..? Connolly, Saga, and even Paterson / White up front. but only (one off )...not as wholesale replacements. Edited 2 November, 2009 by david in sweden Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Porter Posted 2 November, 2009 Share Posted 2 November, 2009 Saga has been crap, but we know he can be good. Thomas looked good at right back earlier in the season and Holmes (when match fit) attacks the bye-line and can deliver a good cross. Surprised you didn't comment more on the weak centre of midfield with Melis and Wotton. Thats the beauty of this game, we all have opinions. And I'm always right, so there. The whole team looked weak. I think after Saturday it's probably best to rest Hammond which almost forces us to stay with the 4-5-1 a Wotton and Schneiderlin partnership wouldn't be strong enoguh especially away from home. I can understand bringing Thomas in at centre half, he's a liability at full back we lose all forward momentum when the ball goes to the right side. I'd start with ----------- Davis James Trottman Thomas Harding ---------- Wotton Antonio Mellis Schneiderlin Lallana ---------- Lambert Gives Hammond, Waigo and Jaidi a rest and gives Thomas, Antonio and Mellis a chance to show what they're about again. Not too many changes and the same sort of shape we've been playing. The JPT game against Charlton might be a good time to try 4-4-2 from the start and maybe rest 2-3 different players Lambert, Lallana and Harding spring to mind, they've all played a lot of football this season. There's really no need to play a whole new 11, we'd just get stuffed and the fringe players would lose more confidence and our unbeaten run would come to an end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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