Saints vs Boro - Saturday 3pm

[Convict Colony]

The bastards.

Play ok to give me hope and then let me down like a wet fart on Saturday or will be of finally turned a corner

[gio1saints]

This could be our Leeds match. 

[Andy Hill]

All depends on the team selection.

[RedArmy]

14 minutes ago, gio1saints said:

This could be our Leeds match. 

Could also be our Leicester. 

[Challenger]

If he (Still ) brings back the " old guard" to stink the place out yet again then I'm done with him,and for fucks sake don't waste a squad place on Downs.

[SWLondon Saint]

For me Quarshie and Wood have to play and ideally Edwards too. The 3 of them seem to be building a good understanding and I thought Quarshie did really well the couple of times Isak and Ekitike managed to get him 1 on 1, he just has the acceleration and strength to not have to panic when they knock it past him. We also saw Edwards carrying it forwards a few times and he's clearly better than THB or Cap'n Jack at that.

Rest of the team honestly think we have good selection problems. Not sure Azaz or Fellows have shown they deserve to start and think Downs needs some time in the reserves till he learns to be the bully he should be and not the bullied.

[saintant]

7 minutes ago, SWLondon Saint said:

For me Quarshie and Wood have to play and ideally Edwards too. The 3 of them seem to be building a good understanding and I thought Quarshie did really well the couple of times Isak and Ekitike managed to get him 1 on 1, he just has the acceleration and strength to not have to panic when they knock it past him. We also saw Edwards carrying it forwards a few times and he's clearly better than THB or Cap'n Jack at that.

Rest of the team honestly think we have good selection problems. Not sure Azaz or Fellows have shown they deserve to start and think Downs needs some time in the reserves till he learns to be the bully he should be and not the bullied.

Agree with this and Wood also carried the ball some distance out of defence. These 3 looked good together so no reason to break them up to accommodate Stephens or THB.

[sfc1142]

One of Stephens or THB to be dropped. I still don't trust Quarshie 🫣

[saintant]

Just now, sfc1142 said:

One of Stephens or THB to be dropped. I still don't trust Quarshie 🫣

Quarshie may be a little raw but he's learning fast and has the useful assets of pace and power. It's not as though Stephens and THB have been any good so it's a low bar. Quarshie was excellent last night in a big game against good opponents and did little wrong so why not trust him.

[coalman]

Neither Stephens or THB are good at defending crosses. For the last couple of seasons every time the ball goes in our box we look like conceding

[Football Special]

Some insight from the Boro fans , most comments seem fair enough, understandably cautiously confident. 

https://www.oneboro.co.uk/forum/topic/13992-southampton-v-boro/#comments

I remember playing them away about this time of year in the last championship season, taking the lead and somehow managed to lose 2-1, going on current form a similar outcome seems likely 

[Toadhall Saint]

5 at the back?

[Chris cooper]

Boro’s 1st defeat .. 2-0 saints .. 1 in each half from Arma then Robinson 

[Pamplemousse]

3 hours ago, gio1saints said:

This could be our Leeds match. 

The Ryder Cup was on that weekend as well

[VectisSaint]

3 hours ago, saintant said:

Agree with this and Wood also carried the ball some distance out of defence. These 3 looked good together so no reason to break them up to accommodate Stephens or THB.

So you want to revert to 3 at the back when everyone has been screaming out to get away from it. 

[VectisSaint]

3 hours ago, sfc1142 said:

One of Stephens or THB to be dropped. I still don't trust Quarshie 🫣

On evidence of the season so far dropping THB is a complete no-brainer, regardless of what happened last night. Personally don't think Stephens has done much wrong. Quarshie was completely different last night, his previous appearances were shocking but last night he looked calm and assured (maybe just a little bit of criticism for his involvement (or lack thereof) in their first goal.

[Badger]

4 hours ago, gio1saints said:

This could be our Leeds match. 

Do you mean as in 3-0 up at half time, or  ….…. an earlier one (2005 ?) when we were also 3-0 up at half time, but second half didn’t go to plan (under ‘Arry)

 

[S-Clarke]

57 minutes ago, Badger said:

Do you mean as in 3-0 up at half time, or  ….…. an earlier one (2005 ?) when we were also 3-0 up at half time, but second half didn’t go to plan (under ‘Arry)

 

Christ, I'd forgotten that 3-0 game.

That left permanent scars. fricking David Healy.

[saintant]

2 hours ago, VectisSaint said:

On evidence of the season so far dropping THB is a complete no-brainer, regardless of what happened last night. Personally don't think Stephens has done much wrong. Quarshie was completely different last night, his previous appearances were shocking but last night he looked calm and assured (maybe just a little bit of criticism for his involvement (or lack thereof) in their first goal.

How can you possibly criticise him for their first goal? - McCarthy decided to pass the ball straight to Cienza. Quarshie had nothing to do with it.

Edited yesterday at 22:00 by saintant

[Willo of Whiteley]

He’s 100% reverting to a back five again isn’t he…

[Wade Garrett]

Would start the same back 5 and keeper as the other night.  Not really controversial as you’re only dropping players that have been shite.

[Charlie Wayman]

15 hours ago, Challenger said:

If he (Still ) brings back the " old guard" to stink the place out yet again then I'm done with him,and for fucks sake don't waste a squad place on Downs.

Give the armband to Adamarma and bin Shoehorn for good. Can't we send him out on loan to Scholing.

[Convict Colony]

For me THB needs to be dropped at least.

[Patches O Houlihan]

14 hours ago, coalman said:

Neither Stephens or THB are good at defending crosses. For the last couple of seasons every time the ball goes in our box we look like conceding

The Hull manager said it in the press conference - just in case the rest of the league hadn't already worked it out. You can sit back in a low block, wait for us to lose it. Loft in a back post ball from anywhere in our half, Saints will fail to deal with it and provide an easy header or tap in.

With the defensive unit we had at Liverpool that wouldn't be the case: Wood and Quashie would be fighting to make the clearing header and muscling out all but the biggest Championship strikers. Edwards would be collecting the knock downs and playing sensible forward balls to the midfield. Macca is not afraid to come for crosses. Jelert will get out and be in the face of a player looking to cross, and Manning has shown a little more in that realm recently.

The issue is that to do this we give up Azaz in that creative 10 role.

We could just play Wood and Quarshie as CB in a back 4 but I don't want to put that pressure on them yet. Although Wood showed a bit of confidence with the ball at his feet it is Edwards that has that skill.

Playing the 5 at the back makes it easier to pick Jelert and Manning too as Roerslav's defensive skills are less required, and he seems to be hopeless offensively

Edited 14 hours ago by Patches O Houlihan
extras

[Toadhall Saint]

9 hours ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

He’s 100% reverting to a back five again isn’t he…

Yep 

[saintant]

1 hour ago, Patches O Houlihan said:

The Hull manager said it in the press conference - just in case the rest of the league hadn't already worked it out. You can sit back in a low block, wait for us to lose it. Loft in a back post ball from anywhere in our half, Saints will fail to deal with it and provide an easy header or tap in.

With the defensive unit we had at Liverpool that wouldn't be the case: Wood and Quashie would be fighting to make the clearing header and muscling out all but the biggest Championship strikers. Edwards would be collecting the knock downs and playing sensible forward balls to the midfield. Macca is not afraid to come for crosses. Jelert will get out and be in the face of a player looking to cross, and Manning has shown a little more in that realm recently.

The issue is that to do this we give up Azaz in that creative 10 role.

We could just play Wood and Quarshie as CB in a back 4 but I don't want to put that pressure on them yet. Although Wood showed a bit of confidence with the ball at his feet it is Edwards that has that skill.

Playing the 5 at the back makes it easier to pick Jelert and Manning too as Roerslav's defensive skills are less required, and he seems to be hopeless offensively

I thought Wood showed far more than a bit of confidence with the ball at his feet. His passing whether to wingback or midfield was always crisp and accurate and on one occasion he strolled quite a distance out of defence with the ball. He's better than Stephens or THB in this respect although the latter is capable of pinging some good long passes to the wings. I'm not sure why so many think we have to play Capt Jack as though he is vital to our back line - he is poor in the air, doesn't mark or follow opponents runs and his use of the ball slows everything down because he dawdles on the ball - we are better without him.

[Saint Fan CaM]

18 hours ago, Wade Garrett said:

Drop Baz, Stephens, THB, the RB from Brentford and Downs.

Flynn has to play, he was really good last night.  More positive with the ball, hopefully RussBall is being exorcised.

Anyway, it’s only Boro.  Went there in 1984 and the stench is still with me.  Hopefully, there are hygiene measures being put in place to prevent infection from the unwashed northerners.  Hopefully, there’ll be some charity workers at the ground collecting soap donations that they can pass on to the minty fuckers.

Will, be brave with your selection and we’ll fucking rip them apart.  Stick with the usual suspects and we’ll get more of the same.

 

Thanks WG - you’ve saved me some typing - that’s exactly how I see things for this game. I’m sure however that Still will find a way to pick the undroppable Cap’t Jack over one of Quarshie, Wood or Edward’s despite that defence looking the best it could be since the summer. And of course Baz will be back to gift a goal or two.

Pity that Jander will likely not play due to injury - think the Downes/Charles experiment has run its course now and it’s not working. Definitely think AA should be on the right…much more attacking intent.

[rallyboy]

We can't have a repeat of the central defensive shitshow witnessed at Hull.

I'm sure Will noticed the problem with crosses and must understand that it's his judgement on the line now, so if he exposes that same pairing for this game, I'll be surprised/horrified.

[LiberalCommunist]

17 hours ago, Challenger said:

If he (Still ) brings back the " old guard" to stink the place out yet again then I'm done with him,and for fucks sake don't waste a squad place on Downs.

Agreed.

[Toadhall Saint]

Is there a presser today?

[beatlesaint]

There is no way he is not bringing back Stephens unless he is ill or injured. Just wont happen.

[saintant]

10 minutes ago, beatlesaint said:

There is no way he is not bringing back Stephens unless he is ill or injured. Just wont happen.

Bonkers

[Jack]

10 minutes ago, beatlesaint said:

There is no way he is not bringing back Stephens unless he is ill or injured. Just wont happen.

Would be a good way to show some balls and prove to the players that you get a start based on merit. The fans would appreciate it as well, what we’ve seen so far hasn’t worked at all. 

[beatlesaint]

Just now, Jack said:

Would be a good way to show some balls and prove to the players that you get a start based on merit. The fans would appreciate it as well, what we’ve seen so far hasn’t worked at all. 

Couldn't agree more. But I just cant see it. I really hope I'm wrong and he has the balls to leave the defence as was Tuesday.

[Sarnia Cherie]

12 hours ago, S-Clarke said:

Christ, I'd forgotten that 3-0 game.

That left permanent scars. fricking David Healy.

I remember our FA Cup replay at Tranmere.  Saints 3-0 up so I went for a bath. All done and dusted, surely. When I came back downstairs my youngest son said to me we had lost 4-3! I thought he was taking the mickey, but no. Bang went our quarter final tie with Liverpool. Hoddle was our manager then. 

[Saint_lambden]

17 hours ago, Challenger said:

If he (Still ) brings back the " old guard" to stink the place out yet again then I'm done with him,and for fucks sake don't waste a squad place on Downs.

Reality is that it'll be a mixture of the two. 

If it's a switch to a back 5 (which wouldn't surprise me as Boro play that system so it would match them up), Wood should come in and Jelert too as RWB who offers more going forward than Mads. 

Downs shouldn't be making the squad after the start he's made. 

Not what I'd go for but suspect it will be:

--------------------Baz---------------------

------THB--------Wood------Stephens-----

-Jelert------Charles--Downes-----Manning-

-------------Armstrong---Fraser------------

------------------Archer--------------------

[Jack]

18 minutes ago, Saint_lambden said:

Reality is that it'll be a mixture of the two. 

If it's a switch to a back 5 (which wouldn't surprise me as Boro play that system so it would match them up), Wood should come in and Jelert too as RWB who offers more going forward than Mads. 

Downs shouldn't be making the squad after the start he's made. 

Not what I'd go for but suspect it will be:

--------------------Baz---------------------

------THB--------Wood------Stephens-----

-Jelert------Charles--Downes-----Manning-

-------------Armstrong---Fraser------------

------------------Archer--------------------

Quite possibly. And we’ll revert back to lofting in floaty crosses to an absent 6’4” striker 

[benjii]

19 minutes ago, Saint_lambden said:

Reality is that it'll be a mixture of the two. 

If it's a switch to a back 5 (which wouldn't surprise me as Boro play that system so it would match them up), Wood should come in and Jelert too as RWB who offers more going forward than Mads. 

Downs shouldn't be making the squad after the start he's made. 

Not what I'd go for but suspect it will be:

--------------------Baz---------------------

------THB--------Wood------Stephens-----

-Jelert------Charles--Downes-----Manning-

-------------Armstrong---Fraser------------

------------------Archer--------------------

Would be yet another damning indictment of Sports Republic if £40m Fellows, Azaz, Scienza and Downes can't even get in the team.

Idiots running the show.

Edited 12 hours ago by benjii

[Toadhall Saint]

9 minutes ago, Jack said:

Quite possibly. And we’ll revert back to lofting in floaty crosses to an absent 6’4” striker 

Is that how we played against LFC? 

[Toadhall Saint]

32 minutes ago, Saint_lambden said:

Reality is that it'll be a mixture of the two. 

If it's a switch to a back 5 (which wouldn't surprise me as Boro play that system so it would match them up), Wood should come in and Jelert too as RWB who offers more going forward than Mads. 

Downs shouldn't be making the squad after the start he's made. 

Not what I'd go for but suspect it will be:

--------------------Baz---------------------

------THB--------Wood------Stephens-----

-Jelert------Charles--Downes-----Manning-

-------------Armstrong---Fraser------------

------------------Archer--------------------

Swap THB (needs some time out) for Capt Jack on the right and Quarshie (very solid the other night and provides some consistency)on the left. Scienza for wee man and I’m with you.

[gio1saints]

If Will Still drops the good performers from Anfield - Woods, Quarsie, Jelert, Charles, Downes, Manning I would find that contradictory to his “ who plays good retains their place “ super pragmatic kind of mantra we’ve been led to believe is how it works with him. 

If he starts with THB, Stephens and Mads for example : three disappointments from their last match instead of Woods, Quarsie, Jelert- three strong performers from their last match - it would not feel like he’s been pragmatic at all- just picking on reputation NOT current performance. 
 

Same with Flynn. He has been playing bad - BUT v Liverpool he was back to his best. He must start after that - BUT if he repeats his negative football of before Will needs hook him off. 
 

Shea is a must start also on that basis. 
Adarma played his best match of the season v Liverpool so, he too keeps his place if Will is being consistent. 
 

That means we should have 7 starters based on FORM not reputation - Woods, Quarsie, Jelert, Manning, Charles, Downes and Adarma. 
 

The other four to start is what Will is paid to decide - but IMO dropping the form players to squeeze in a reputation player is bad for squad morale. And it should give a massive kick up the backside to the “reputation” players to actually prove why they have that reputation when and if they get in the pitch. That kind of competition to play and perform and prove why you are a supposed big star has been noticeably absent - and is a big factor in why we are looking so limp in the league. 

 

[Verbal]

I'd go along with pretty much all of that, dogface.

[Wade Garrett]

3 hours ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

Thanks WG - you’ve saved me some typing - that’s exactly how I see things for this game. I’m sure however that Still will find a way to pick the undroppable Cap’t Jack over one of Quarshie, Wood or Edward’s despite that defence looking the best it could be since the summer. And of course Baz will be back to gift a goal or two.

Pity that Jander will likely not play due to injury - think the Downes/Charles experiment has run its course now and it’s not working. Definitely think AA should be on the right…much more attacking intent.

I wouldn't write off Downes and Charles just yet.  Downes was much more positive with the ball on Tuesday, so the partnership could have a different dynamic on Saturday.

Edited 10 hours ago by Wade Garrett

[trousers]

55 minutes ago, gio1saints said:

If Will Still drops the good performers from Anfield - Woods, Quarsie, Jelert, Charles, Downes, Manning I would find that contradictory to his “ who plays good retains their place “ super pragmatic kind of mantra we’ve been led to believe is how it works with him. 

If he starts with THB, Stephens and Mads for example : three disappointments from their last match instead of Woods, Quarsie, Jelert- three strong performers from their last match - it would not feel like he’s been pragmatic at all- just picking on reputation NOT current performance. 
 

Same with Flynn. He has been playing bad - BUT v Liverpool he was back to his best. He must start after that - BUT if he repeats his negative football of before Will needs hook him off. 
 

Shea is a must start also on that basis. 
Adarma played his best match of the season v Liverpool so, he too keeps his place if Will is being consistent. 
 

That means we should have 7 starters based on FORM not reputation - Woods, Quarsie, Jelert, Manning, Charles, Downes and Adarma. 
 

The other four to start is what Will is paid to decide - but IMO dropping the form players to squeeze in a reputation player is bad for squad morale. And it should give a massive kick up the backside to the “reputation” players to actually prove why they have that reputation when and if they get in the pitch. That kind of competition to play and perform and prove why you are a supposed big star has been noticeably absent - and is a big factor in why we are looking so limp in the league. 

 

You missed off our in-form keeper....

 

 

 

Edited 10 hours ago by trousers

[gio1saints]

33 minutes ago, Verbal said:

I'd go along with pretty much all of that, dogface.

Thank you. I’m well known for my agreeability on this forum. 😂

[Toadhall Saint]

11 minutes ago, trousers said:

You missed off our in-form keeper....

 

 

 

I’d go with AM only because he saves shots.

[trousers]

Just now, Toadhall Saint said:

I’d go with AM only because he saves shots.

You, sir, are far too old fashioned for this team selection malarkey these days....

Edited 10 hours ago by trousers

[Toadhall Saint]

3 minutes ago, trousers said:

You, sir, are far too old fashioned for this team selection malarkey these days....

I know

[saintant]

2 hours ago, Jack said:

Quite possibly. And we’ll revert back to lofting in floaty crosses to an absent 6’4” striker 

Yeah and Boro will put a stream of crosses into our box and score from free headers.

[gio1saints]

10 minutes ago, trousers said:

You missed off our in-form keeper....

 

 

 

Deliberate @trousers….   The saves Alex made v Liverpool were good, the first excellent in fact. But they were cancelled out by the disaster pass.  

Gavin Does not make enough saves. Too many shots on goal go in. 
 

Based on their very last match I’d say - I’m doing what you do and sitting on the fence! Up to Will Still to decide. 🤣

My gut would be to play the player of the future not of the past ie Gavin.  
 

IF he comes good (IF) we may go up with him OR even get a good fee for him when Aaron returns - but if he does not ie play as per what we currently seeing which is mediocre to bad - then I’d say we get rid and bring in a new starting gk in the Jan sales.