Saints 1-2 Stoke - Match Thread

[Appy]

Guessing Roerslev might go straight in 

[Lighthouse]

4 minutes ago, Appy said:

Guessing Roerslev might go straight in 

I'd hope so, might give us the option of going straight to a back four and moving Fraser forward.

Baz

Maddy THB Quarshie Wely

Downes Charles

Fraser MF Robinson

Striker tombola

[hypochondriac]

14 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

I'd hope so, might give us the option of going straight to a back four and moving Fraser forward.

Baz

Maddy THB Quarshie Wely

Downes Charles

Fraser MF Robinson

Striker tombola

Not a chance Stephens isn't starting. 

[CB Fry]

48 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

I'd hope so, might give us the option of going straight to a back four and moving Fraser forward.

Baz

Maddy THB Quarshie Wely

Downes Charles

Fraser MF Robinson

Striker tombola

I've been Googling this striker Tom Bola for the last twenty minutes and can't find any details on him.

Has anyone got a link to a YouTube highlights reel pls?

[Gloucester Saint]

1 hour ago, Appy said:

Guessing Roerslev might go straight in 

Had a full pre-season with Brentford and doesn’t need to learn a philosophy so don’t see why not.

[Jack]

2 hours ago, hypochondriac said:

Not a chance Stephens isn't starting. 

Agreed, and rightly so from what we’ve seen so far. I’d be taking Quarshie out of the firing line. 
 

                  Baz

Mads THB Capn Welington

        Charles Downes

Fraser Fernandes Robinson

               Stewart

[CSA96]

Just watched the embargoed section of WS press conference - thought this bit was interesting:

on Stoke being a direct, vertical team, different styles of play and which teams he enjoyed watching growing up...

I just love football. The thing that's always stuck in my head goes back to the first coach that I worked with. He said that we can try to play the most beautiful football in the world, but the ultimate goal is winning - because that's what you're judged on.

People say 'oh you need to play this way, or that way...' like the Southampton way or like with Sam Allardyce, the West Ham way. But what is the West Ham way? What is the Southampton way? You got relegated, so obviously there's something that doesn't work in it. Our way now is win, because that's all we have to do.

You also depend on the profile of the players that you've got. You're not going to ask big physical players to play the tiki-taka that some teams want to play. Which is why when people ask 'what's your coaching philosophy?' or 'what approach do you like?' then it's just: you've got to get the best out of the players that you've got, deal with their strengths and their weaknesses with whatever squad is in front of you. Our job is just to win football games because if we don't win them then you don't get time and you get sacked.

I've never been a fan of keeping possession for the sake of keeping possession. We want to be positive. As long as the players enjoy it, get a kick out of it and the fans can identify with what we're trying to do then I'll be happy. Ultimately, I'll only be happy if we win games. Stoke have been winning games, so they're obviously doing something that's working for them and is efficient. Like you said, they've scored six goals, they didn't concede in the last game and they look really good.

Edited Thursday at 23:40 by CSA96

[ErwinK1961]

7 hours ago, Jack said:

Agreed, and rightly so from what we’ve seen so far. I’d be taking Quarshie out of the firing line. 
 

                  Baz

Mads THB Capn Welington

        Charles Downes

Fraser Fernandes Robinson

               Stewart

Yep that’s the one. Maybe Manning in for Welington.

[Charlie Wayman]

On 20/08/2025 at 18:39, TheAlehouseBrawlers said:

Their fans certainly are looking on the link someone stuck up earlier. They're top of the table and a popular feeling on there is the 3 teams that come down are pretty much shite and there for the taking. Still struggling to sell their tickets though, looks like they've sold around 1800,

Yes but can they do it on a warm and dry, sunny afternoon in Southampton!

[gio1saints]

I expect Stoke to set up pretty close to how Wrexham did.

Will may revert to a four at the back to address the defensive porosity we’ve all seen - but it’s unlikely Mads plays from the start. He won’t have had even one full training session. If it’s not Mads in a four that probably means Yuki ( unless Ronnie Edwards /Nathan Wood get a go) 

If those are the choices IMO it’s more likely Will starts with three CB’s again. If we are having the same issues as before then he would change it up. 

Should he just say bollocks and start the match with a back four anyway is the question though. 

One scenario is to give player X the first 60 at RB but then let Mads have the last 20-30 and at least play the 90 minutes that way. 
It would show a strong degree of flexible proactivity and pragmatism at same time. But I’d say the CB union are going to be a bit worried tonight because if it works we may have 1 or 2 more than we need… 

PS. just seen his video in the gym from Thursday. Bloke looks fit and relaxed. He may get to run around today with squad so Maybe he does start after all ! 

 

 

Edited yesterday at 08:15 by gio1saints

[Willo of Whiteley]

I don’t see Mads being a part of the squad.

I think he’ll go with a back five, but I really hope not.

Bazunu; Suga, THB, Stephens, Manning; Charles, Downes, Fernandes; Fraser, Downs/Stewart, Robinson

That’s a team that could cause problems, more so with the likes of Armstrong and Dibling on the bench.

Edited yesterday at 12:20 by Willo of Whiteley

[Matthew Le God]

4 hours ago, gio1saints said:

 it’s unlikely Mads plays from the start. He won’t have had even one full training session.

What do you think they are doing today?

[saintant]

10 minutes ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

I don’t see Mads being a part of the squad.

I think he’ll go with a back five, but I really hope not.

Bazunu; Suga, THB, Stephens, Manning; Charles, Downes, Fernandes; Fraser, Downs/Stewart, Robinson

That’s a team that could cause problems, more so with the likes of Armstrong and Dibling on the bench.

I think Mads will be on the bench.

[gio1saints]

41 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

What do you think they are doing today?

The squad, including Mads if he is there not getting the logistics of relocating out the way, will be doing the usual pre match session, of course:

 This is usually : A light game of ping pong, some darts, sandwiches and salad hot day like this then followed by an instructive talk on ancient Mesopotamian cuniform tablets I think it is this week in the afternoon to exercise those brain muscles as well. I’d imagine if Mads has the stamina he may then go back to his digs at the Harbar on foot, picking up some chips along the way (on the QT of course). 

Well, that was the Friday pre match prep last season but I don’t know if Will has mixed it up a bit? Maybe they willdo the informative and mentally stimulating lecture in the morning and darts /pool in the afternoon? Your guess as good as mine. 

What do I think Mads will be doing after that? Tough day so early night I expect. 

[Thripp87]

                      Bazunu

roeserlev.   Jack.  Thb    Manning

                 Downes. Charles

dibling        Fernandes      Robinson 

                        Stewart

That is our best team for me by a clear distance and what I would play. Keep that as a starting 11 and it’s HMS piss the league.

[trousers]

Given we needed to strengthen up front, and assuming we purchased Downs to achieve that aim, then surely, by definition, he has to start? Unless, of course, he was purchased as another back-up / squad-filler and we're yet to see that elusive 'better' striker materialise...?

(And, no, I haven't thought this post through yet, so it comes with the usual: 'trousers could be talking bollocks' health warning, before anyone thinks to question my self-perceived wisdom 😁)

Edited yesterday at 13:32 by trousers

[Forester]

Baz

THB, Stephens, Quarshie

Roerslev, Charles, Downes, Welington

Fernades, Stewart, Robinson

 

Tough on Wee Man but unlikely Roerslev will play 90 mins

[saintant]

1 hour ago, Thripp87 said:

                      Bazunu

roeserlev.   Jack.  Thb    Manning

                 Downes. Charles

dibling        Fernandes      Robinson 

                        Stewart

That is our best team for me by a clear distance and what I would play. Keep that as a starting 11 and it’s HMS piss the league.

Agree with this line up.

[benjii]

Did Still comment on injury / availability?

Do we have Fraser, Downs, Stewart available?

[benjii]

2 hours ago, Thripp87 said:

                      Bazunu

roeserlev.   Jack.  Thb    Manning

                 Downes. Charles

dibling        Fernandes      Robinson 

                        Stewart

That is our best team for me by a clear distance and what I would play. Keep that as a starting 11 and it’s HMS piss the league.

Aye.

If he's determined to stick with 3 at the back, this is also the Space Shuttle 100 Points:

                          Baz

              THB   Stevo  Nigel

Mads/Fraser Charles Fernanj Well

                   Dibbs/Robo

    Downs/Stewart  Armstrong/Archer

[lambtiss]

Southampton: Still issues positive update on Downs and Stewart | Daily Echo

[bangkoksaint]

BH traffic and 4 cruise ships in tomorrow………please Saints make this worthwhile!!

[Football Special]

Just now, bangkoksaint said:

BH traffic and 4 cruise ships in tomorrow………please Saints make this worthwhile!!

Depending where you're travelling from get the train in, pride festival has some road closures as well I think,  those 4 cruise ships alone make the roads a nightmare before you add in 30k going to the football as well 

[Football Special]

21 minutes ago, benjii said:

Did Still comment on injury / availability?

Do we have Fraser, Downs, Stewart available?

Apparently they are available,  I think one of Downs or Stewart has to start 

[LGTL]

Bazunu

Mads

THB

Stephens

Manning

Charles

Downes

Robinson

Fernandes

Dibling

Stewart

 

Time to drop the back 5. 

 

[Toadhall Saint]

Doubt if Dibling will be in the squad if the deal with EFC is close.

[Nolan]

Against Ipswich, THB had a far worse game than Quarshie.

Quarshies height in the box as well as Downs or Stewart will make it a lot more difficult for some to defend corners. 

Quarshies throw will be a lot more effective with a tall striker on the pitch.

I see zero reason to drop him.

[Jack]

1 hour ago, Nolan said:

Against Ipswich, THB had a far worse game than Quarshie.

Quarshies height in the box as well as Downs or Stewart will make it a lot more difficult for some to defend corners. 

Quarshies throw will be a lot more effective with a tall striker on the pitch.

I see zero reason to drop him.

He looked unbelievably shaky, and played Welington in the shit a few times who also struggled under the unnecessary pressure he was put under from Quarshie. THB wasn’t great either but we know he’s good at this level and better in a back 4. Don’t think it’d be a bad thing to ease Quarshie in a bit rather than relying on him every week 

[SW11_Saint]

2 hours ago, LGTL said:

Bazunu

Mads

THB

Stephens

Manning

Charles

Downes

Robinson

Fernandes

Dibling

Stewart

 

Time to drop the back 5. 

 

He’s not going to do that until he has the wide players he wants. 

[benjii]

Quarshie up front? 

Or THB front sweeper?

[Harry_SFC]

45 minutes ago, SW11_Saint said:

He’s not going to do that until he has the wide players he wants. 

Tbh you can easily play a 4-2-3-1. Charles and Downes in CM. Fraser, Fernandes and Robinson the 3 and one of Stewart or Downs up top. Just because we don't have the right winger we want, doesn't mean we should be playing 5 at the back at home to Stoke. 

Edited yesterday at 20:49 by Harry_SFC

[SW11_Saint]

7 minutes ago, Harry_SFC said:

Tbh you can easily play a 4-2-3-1. Charles and Downes in CM. Fraser, Fernandes and Robinson the 3 and one of Stewart or Downs up top. Just because we don't have the right winger we want, doesn't mean we should be playing 5 at the back at home to Stoke. 

But Still has pretty much said he doesn’t feel he has the players to play the 442 he wants to. I think we’ll see 3 at the back again tomorrow. 

[lambtiss]

11 hours ago, Jack said:

He looked unbelievably shaky, and played Welington in the shit a few times who also struggled under the unnecessary pressure he was put under from Quarshie. THB wasn’t great either but we know he’s good at this level and better in a back 4. Don’t think it’d be a bad thing to ease Quarshie in a bit rather than relying on him every week 

In his post match podcast with Adam Blackmore, Jo Tessem acknowledged that he struggled against Ipswich but thought that at his age it is best to keep playing and, hopefully, learning from your mistakes. He said that being dropped/rested can dent your confidence.

[benjii]

10 hours ago, SW11_Saint said:

But Still has pretty much said he doesn’t feel he has the players to play the 442 he wants to. I think we’ll see 3 at the back again tomorrow. 

442 - the man's a luddite.

[Harry_SFC]

35 minutes ago, lambtiss said:

In his post match podcast with Adam Blackmore, Jo Tessem acknowledged that he struggled against Ipswich but thought that at his age it is best to keep playing and, hopefully, learning from your mistakes. He said that being dropped/rested can dent your confidence.

I do agree to an extent but if we play a back 4 he doesn't get in at the moment. As much as I'm not a fan of Stephens he's probably been our best CB so far. 

[macca155]

Quarshie has been shaky at the start of games but improved once his nerves went. He needs experience at this level, he'll only get that by playing. We don't want another ABK on our hands.

He also brings an extra dimension with his pace and throw ins. If THB gets his act together, which he will, and Still plays Manning, he may be less exposed.

Bugger way too many ifs and mays there

Edited 14 hours ago by macca155

[gio1saints]

Stoke staying at the usual place and Will still has just turned up outside in a taxi. He’s accompanied but uncertain who there were . I’m a little intrigued. 

[Saint Fan CaM]

I agree with those saying we need to keep Quarshie in place to gain experience and create a solid partnership with Stephens (would prefer THB but Cap’n Jack will never be replaced unless he’s injured). I believe it’s been confirmed that Mads has had a good pre-season, so it would be strange not to get an international defender straight into the starting 11.

Edited 13 hours ago by Saint Fan CaM

[AlexLaw76]

24 minutes ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

I agree with those saying we need to keep Quarshie in place to gain experience and create a solid partnership with Stephens (would prefer THB but Cap’n Jack will never be replaced unless he’s injured). I believe it’s been confirmed that Mads has had a good pre-season, so it would be strange not to get an international defender straight into the starting 11.

International footballer is a loose term. Much like saying Nugent is an international, or THB is a current England player

[Lighthouse]

3 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

International footballer is a loose term. Much like saying Nugent is an international, or THB is a current England player

This is true, I think CaM's post can more accurately be edited to say:

28 minutes ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

so it would be strange not to get *anyone but Sugawara* straight into the starting 11.

 

[Football Special]

30 minutes ago, gio1saints said:

Stoke staying at the usual place and Will still has just turned up outside in a taxi. He’s accompanied but uncertain who there were . I’m a little intrigued. 

Club seem to have a tie up with the Harbour hotel and use some of the facilities there assuming that's where you are, definitely a few players live in apartments close by. Club owned a couple they used for newly arrived players so possible Still is staying in the area as well (or sneaking in for breakfast and try to overhear Stoke's tactical plan) 

[Saint Fan CaM]

1 minute ago, Lighthouse said:

This is true, I think CaM's post can more accurately be edited to say:

 

So you think Sugawara is more able to perform well than Mads? OK then.

[Football Special]

Still plenty of tickets left , like the good old days pay on the day 

[AlexLaw76]

32 minutes ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

So you think Sugawara is more able to perform well than Mads? OK then.

Who knows, we all hope so

[Convict Colony]

2-0

A proper CF starts and scores a goal, also predicting a Shea Charles thunderbastard.

[Convict Colony]

1 hour ago, gio1saints said:

Stoke staying at the usual place and Will still has just turned up outside in a taxi. He’s accompanied but uncertain who there were . I’m a little intrigued. 

Pre match rub and tug

Avram Grant is his mentor.

[benjii]

10 minutes ago, Convict Colony said:

Pre match rub and tug

Avram Grant is his mentor.

Do they do that there? My friend wanted to know.

[Willo of Whiteley]

22 hours ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

I don’t see Mads being a part of the squad.

I think he’ll go with a back five, but I really hope not.

Bazunu; Suga, THB, Stephens, Manning; Charles, Downes, Fernandes; Fraser, Downs/Stewart, Robinson

That’s a team that could cause problems, more so with the likes of Armstrong and Dibling on the bench.

Scratch Dibling off that list. 🤣

2-1 win, hopefully. We won’t get a clean sheet though

[Willo of Whiteley]

Allow lots of time those that are coming into town. Every route is gridlocked. What should’ve been a twenty minute journey took us over an hour.

On the bright side, wifey has less time to spend in Primark pre-match. 🤣👍🏻

[die Mannyschaft]

5 minutes ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

Allow lots of time those that are coming into town. Every route is gridlocked. What should’ve been a twenty minute journey took us over an hour.

On the bright side, wifey has less time to spend in Primark pre-match. 🤣👍🏻

1 hour from Eastleigh is normal.