Oldham build-up

[SuperMikey]

This is an absolutely crucial game for us, one that we have to win. It's really vital that we bridge the gap between us and Huddersfield (or Charlton as it may be soon enough).

 

With Schneiderlin sent off today, we're going to have to rejig things in midfield. Pardew is probably going to end up playing Wotton alongside Hammond, but i'd much prefer to see something like this:

 

----------Davis------------

Semi--Fonte--S'brn--Harding

--Hammond---Puncheon----

Antonio--------------Lallana

-----Barnard--Lambert------

 

Subs: Bart, Perry, James, Wotton, Gillett, Connolly, Waigo

 

We should really start Barnard, as he's great foil for Lambert and has scored some vital goals recently. Preferably i'd start James over Semi at RB as well, because Semi has looked rather suspect recently with some pretty poor performances, but James's fitness has to come into question.

 

We need to go out and attack from the start on Tuesday, because those 3 points could get us a play-off place (if we're lucky!).

 

COYR!

[Genk]

Perhaps Lloyd James can come into CM and do a job. It is his preferred position.

Edited 17 April, 2010 by Genk

[Bailey]

I too believe that Pards will replace Schneiderlin with Wotton but like others have said, I'd like to see Puncheon move inside to partner Hammond in the middle, with Barnard starting up top with Lambert.

 

Either way, whoever Pardew starts with on Tuesday night, he needs to make sure that they, and the rest of the team for that matter, are fully motivated for this crucial fixture.

 

If, and it's a big if, we win our remaining fixtures then I think we'd be very unlucky not to make the playoffs. The dream, albeit faint one, is still very much alive, and it will take a massive step towards becoming a reality if we win on Tuesday!

[BristolSaint]

I too believe that Pards will replace Schneiderlin with Wotton but like others have said, I'd like to see Puncheon move inside to partner Hammond in the middle, with Barnard starting up top with Lambert.

 

Either way, whoever Pardew starts with on Tuesday night, he needs to make sure that they, and the rest of the team for that matter, are fully motivated for this crucial fixture.

 

If, and it's a big if, we win our remaining fixtures then I think we'd be very unlucky not to make the playoffs. The dream, albeit faint one, is still very much alive, and it will take a massive step towards becoming a reality if we win on Tuesday!

 

I dont think he will need to try too hard to motivate them for the game!

[thefunkygibbons]

Every game one at a time

 

But our plan in the simpliest - win every game

[OfnPanad]

I'd like to see Connolly start. If the running's too much we always have Barnard on the bench. Connolly is too good for the last 5 minutes of every other game!!

[Amesbury Saint]

are 30,000 Saints fans going to the match?

[saintwarwick]

are 30,000 Saints fans going to the match?

 

Doubt it but it would be nice to get 25,000+

[beatlesaint]

I'd like to see Connolly start. If the running's too much we always have Barnard on the bench. Connolly is too good for the last 5 minutes of every other game!!

 

Interesting that AP keeps mentioning him and praising him. Said he was back to full fitness too, which is excellent.

 

As you say he is too good for 5 minutes. I think he will start on the bench but I would expect him to get at least a half hour on Tuesday. Probably take Barnard off like he usually does.

[scott_saints]

I'd rather have Seabourne RB than Semi. Semi is f**king carp.

[Window Cleaner]

I'd rather have Seabourne RB than Semi. Semi is f**king carp.

 

and can Seaborne actually play at right back?

 

I know Dan Harding did the job for a while, if Seaborne had been an option I'm sure he would have played there.

Seaborne is a lefty, just like Harding.

 

If you want Seaborne at full back best switch Harding to the right again and put Seaborne on his natural left, not the best of solutions though because he is clumsy in the tackle.

[scott_saints]

and can Seaborne actually play at right back?

 

I know Dan Harding did the job for a while, if Seaborne had been an option I'm sure he would have played there.

Seaborne is a lefty, just like Harding.

 

If you want Seaborne at full back best switch Harding to the right again and put Seaborne on his natural left, not the best of solutions though because he is clumsy in the tackle.

Anyone apart from Semi. He is awful.

[toofarnorth]

I'd play Llallana in the middle with Hammond and put Puncheon on the left and Antonio on the right. Lallana provided great creativity when he deputised earlier in the season. Please dont play Wotton! Unfortunately Semi is the best option we have at rightback,with Thomas out. James looked very low on confidence when he came on a couple of weeks ago.

[Window Cleaner]

I'd play Llallana in the middle with Hammond and put Puncheon on the left and Antonio on the right. Lallana provided great creativity when he deputised earlier in the season. Please dont play Wotton! Unfortunately Semi is the best option we have at rightback,with Thomas out. James looked very low on confidence when he came on a couple of weeks ago.

 

I think we tried those combinations earlier on and they didn't work out too well,

Puncheon in CM was a disaster if I remember rightly. Unless James is really fit we'll go with Wotton in midfield again and I really don't see a problem with that,not against Oldham (although they need the points). What I fear is that all the huff and puff necessary to overcome Yeovil yesterday will leave us with not much in the tanks,still we can always rely on Rickie for a goal from nothing I guess.At least James or Wotton will be fresh legs.

[LA77]

we should get a good gate for this one. mid to late 20 k?

[Thedelldays]

I remember going to a game V Oldham at the dell..it was a midweek game, they brought down about 100 fans and for some reason, gave very delayed reaction to their goals..

 

I think franny scored an amazing diving header for an own goal

 

they beat us

[corsacar saint]

Is Daryl Flahavon[ not sure on spelling], the ex Saints youth keeper in goal for them.

Hope he has a mare, and we beat them comfortably.

[chivvy1664]

Rick Holden scored I was there shocking game at the dell

[saint_bert]

Massive game!

 

All this playoff talk and the ifs and whats of what could happen is making me very edgy

 

Think were either obliterate them 4-5 or make it a really long night and nick a 1-0

 

Make it the former please Saints

 

I've no nails left!

[for_heaven's_Saint]

we should get a good gate for this one. mid to late 20 k?

 

22k tops I'd have thought. Every game people say there's going to be 25,000+ and there very rarely is.

[LA77]

I remember Andy Ritchie and frankie Bunn. Them 2 were a fookin pain in the backside. It seemed they always knocked us out of the league cup

[Thedelldays]

I remember Andy Ritchie and frankie Bunn. Them 2 were a fookin pain in the backside. It seemed they always knocked us out of the league cup

ian marshall and his perm

[LA77]

ian marshall and his perm

 

Yes, good shout. I think we got a draw on their plastic pitch in a league cup 1/4 final, and they beat us 3-1 at the Dell in replay I think.

 

2-2 away and 2-0 defeat at the Dell 89-90

Edited 18 April, 2010 by LA77

[S-Clarke]

Oldham gave Huddersfield a really good game the other week, they hit the bar a few times and probably should have won the game in all honesty.

 

it's not going to be easy, a win for them will secure them for another season so i expect them to be well up for it.

[LA77]

Oldham gave Huddersfield a really good game the other week, they hit the bar a few times and probably should have won the game in all honesty.

 

it's not going to be easy, a win for them will secure them for another season so i expect them to be well up for it.

 

That will suit us. Hopefully they go for the win so it's end to end. We should be so confident now with our form. 3 more home games, bring it on!!

[markr27]

I remember going to a game V Oldham at the dell..it was a midweek game, they brought down about 100 fans and for some reason, gave very delayed reaction to their goals..

 

I think franny scored an amazing diving header for an own goal

 

they beat us

 

My first Saints game - March 30th 1993!

Remember Le Tissier scored one of his beauties from the edge of the area, cue the flying bog roll onto the pitch

[Thorpe-le-Saint]

My first Saints game - March 30th 1993!

Remember Le Tissier scored one of his beauties from the edge of the area, cue the flying bog roll onto the pitch

 

I remember that, it must have been during a school holiday?

 

I think this is where we'll make Huddersfield's life a lot easier and draw, 1-1

[markr27]

I remember that, it must have been during a school holiday?

 

I think this is where we'll make Huddersfield's life a lot easier and draw, 1-1

 

Indeed it was. Correction it was 1994, not 1993, apologies.

I remember the date well (not the year!) - as on the same night there was a brutal murder in Yeovil, 5 mins walk from our old house...

Edited 18 April, 2010 by markr27

[InvictaSaint]

I remember Andy Ritchie and frankie Bunn. Them 2 were a fookin pain in the backside. It seemed they always knocked us out of the league cup

 

I had a West Ham supporting friend who dragged me up to Oldham to watch a league cup game in the 80s. Oldham had their plastic pitch and Frankie Bunn scored six goals. Still remarkable, 25 odd years later. At least our pitch is grass and Bunn has long since retired....

[St Landrew]

These Build-Up threads are starting to appear for the next match succeeding the one yet to be played..!

 

Any chance you might quell the enthusiasm a bit..? No, thought not. I suppose I'd better make it a Sticky and shut up.

[jawillwill]

Old ham is cheap if you go to Tesco on a Sunday afternoon just before they close.

[Saint Fan CaM]

This is where things really start to get interesting. Saints to win 2-1 and Huddersfield and Charlton fans start to cra@p themselves.

[Kingsbridge Saint]

I remember going to a game V Oldham at the dell..it was a midweek game, they brought down about 100 fans and for some reason, gave very delayed reaction to their goals..

 

I think franny scored an amazing diving header for an own goal

 

they beat us

 

Roger F@cking Milford.

 

Provided he isn't the ref again we should be fine. Would take 1-0 right now.

[Saint in Paradise]

These Build-Up threads are starting to appear for the next match succeeding the one yet to be played..!

 

Any chance you might quell the enthusiasm a bit..? No, thought not. I suppose I'd better make it a Sticky and shut up.

 

 

Can I start one for the Southend game then ?? :D:D

[dubai_phil]

Big call. 4-5-1 has been working, but is MS the key to that formation?

Is Wotton's defensive mindset and distribution capable of allowing us to play that way or do we go back to 4-4-2.

 

On that tactical decision hangs our season.

 

Do Oldham play football or do they like to chase and harry and close you down? If they play football then Puncheon in the middle works. If they close us down and stop us playing will the midfield have the time on the ball to create or do we need someone sticking their foot in.

 

Get it right the season will keep twisting & turning. Get it wrong and Samaritans will be busy

[jam]

These Build-Up threads are starting to appear for the next match succeeding the one yet to be played..!

 

Any chance you might quell the enthusiasm a bit..? No, thought not. I suppose I'd better make it a Sticky and shut up.

 

I've noticed this too; I like it whole 'bring on the next game' mentality that some people on here have.

 

Of course, it looks like this summer is going to be pretty boring!

[South City Si]

I've noticed this too; I like it whole 'bring on the next game' mentality that some people on here have.

 

Of course, it looks like this summer is going to be pretty boring!

 

World Cup boring?

[saintstr1]

If I was Pardew I would not change to much , Just bring in James to replace Morgan. James is best in midfield.

[Appy]

Barnard has to start this game. But then again i have said this for the past few weeks.

[Window Cleaner]

If I was Pardew I would not change to much , Just bring in James to replace Morgan. James is best in midfield.

 

I'm not sure that James is at all fully fit. When was the last time he actually played? He's been on the bench but doesn't seem to get much action, think he's still being nursed along to the end of the season;

[yorkie]

No doubt about it - evry game is a big game until the end of the season.

 

At this stage our fate is not in our hands - however come next week we will know one way or another where we stand. Wishful thinking could see us 2-points behind Huddersfield with 2 to play...after all they don't travel very well.

 

I'd love to be there tomorrow night but I can't - funds and holidays gone for this year. For the play off legs (if we make it) may have to pull a sickie...

[saints-cris]

Just got my tickets for this one, cant wait. I can see us winning this one but it not being all that easy. 2-0 Saints I reckon. Every game is the same nowadays, must win or it's season over.

[niceandfriendly]

Looking forward to the game, managed to get off work so if we don't win I'll demand APs head on a plate.

[ericofarabia]

World Cup boring?

 

You bet your sweet arse it will be ..... compared to supporting Saints

[JRM]

Point 1 - Saints team and fans will be complacent, Oldham aren't up to much but are capable of making it tough for us and had a good win on Saturday.

Point 2 - There will be about 100 Oldham fans at this game, so unless there is a big walk up I reckon the crowd will only be about 18k-19k. However, if we can get 3 points tomorrow night I think we could get up to 25k for the Carlisle game

[jasoneuelllfanclub]

I think James has an injury that will require surgery in the summer. He didnt even make the bench on Saturday which is a concern. When fit he was one of AP's golden boys so him not being on the bench suggests his injury is not able to withstand any action prior to surgery.

 

I would play Lallana or Punch in midfield and let Hammond be the holding midfielder. Obviously not has good as Morgan with the ball but much better that Wotton.

[ericofarabia]

I remember going to a game V Oldham at the dell..it was a midweek game, they brought down about 100 fans and for some reason, gave very delayed reaction to their goals..

 

I think franny scored an amazing diving header for an own goal

 

they beat us

 

Jan 76 .... about 4 Oldham fans in The Archers.

 

We won 3-2 I think, but more importantly i got my voucher for The Fa Cup Final a few months later.

 

I wonder if the 4 Oldham fans used their vouchers

[Window Cleaner]

Jan 76 .... about 4 Oldham fans in The Archers.

 

We won 3-2 I think, but more importantly i got my voucher for The Fa Cup Final a few months later.

 

I wonder if the 4 Oldham fans used their vouchers

 

There were some for sale in the Echo small ads when we had booked our place for the final.Probably local people though.

[Smirking_Saint]

James needs to come in and do a job/ prove to people he is good enough as a back up for MS (in this league). If Wooden starts, we are screwed.

 

Anyways, 6 little words again.

 

 

MUST WIN..............MUST WIN..................MUST WIN

[Toomer]

We need to keep Huddersfield and Charlton looking over their shoulders.