Saints vs Millwall - Saturday 3pm

[hypochondriac]

Very nervous about this one. Millwall are very physical and able to impose themselves on opponents- really the thing we struggle to do for large sections of the match. We need to find a way to move the ball quicker and inject some urgency into our play. I would take a draw in this I think but I worry that it will be a demoralising loss and some panic might start to seep in. I'd like to see:

Peretz 

Bree Wood Quarshie Manning 

Matsuki Downes Jander (feck knows if out) Scienza 

Azaz 

Larin 

 

[Lee On Solent Saint]

Tough game. Thought they were pretty good when we played them at the start of the year. Draw probably wouldn't be a disaster.

[die Mannyschaft]

I dont think we can adapt to changes in games when teams counter or run direct rather than play the Saints slow build up predictable football. Our players are not physical enough or win enough headers, 50/50s dont get ein enough in midfield. A draw will be a great result as I think a win is out of our reach. 

We dont have a reliable defence we all agree about that so we need goals tgd other end but haven't brought in a natural goal scorer or even two. Where are the 18 to 25 goal a season forwards there not at Saints. We rely on 7 ot 9 goals from 8 different players at this. rate.

Tonda's tactics are too predictable. 

[hypochondriac]

16 minutes ago, die Mannyschaft said:

I dont think we can adapt to changes in games when teams counter or run direct rather than play the Saints slow build up predictable football. Our players are not physical enough or win enough headers, 50/50s dont get ein enough in midfield. A draw will be a great result as I think a win is out of our reach. 

We dont have a reliable defence we all agree about that so we need goals tgd other end but haven't brought in a natural goal scorer or even two. Where are the 18 to 25 goal a season forwards there not at Saints. We rely on 7 ot 9 goals from 8 different players at this. rate.

Tonda's tactics are too predictable. 

We don't need a 25 goal a season striker to get promotion. What we need to do is sort out the midfield physicality so we can win the ball back, keep it and shield the defence. We also need to drop jack Stephens.

[Harry_SFC]

I would be tempted to play Archer on the right because everyone else who's has a go there this season has been shite. Fellows, Matsuki, Dobbin, Edozie all been poor.

Quarshie at CB with Wood.

[AlexLaw76]

For whatever reason, we are incredibly boring, slow and predictable for about 85% in games. It kills us.

We are also wide open in the middle of the park. It is almost like we are watching Will Still mk2.

As said against Stoke, we can all see with our own eyes the spark has gone and we are nothing like the beast we were 4-5 months ago.

Jander, if fit he will not start...if he does he will obviously be way off match sharpness and will get the run-around.

 

You could see there were big problems 12 months ago meaning we would not do anything meaningful in the league without massive changes. It kind of feels like that again. Millwall are not mugs as they are led by a canny manager in Alex Neil, and anything other than a win for us will be a poor result given our circumstances. 

Thankfully, the FA will probably give Dragan an 'out', as I believe Tonda is not the next great coach many thought he was (now that he can't cheat). That, or the players are not really having it after what happened, which is equally as bad. 

As for Dobbin - WTF is that?

Capn Jack should, once again, be no where near the side - but he is the skipper and will lead us out on Sat.

Edited 10 hours ago by AlexLaw76

[Baird of the land]

Feels like a fame that is made for a big unit of a cb like quarshie. Previously tonda has been ruthless so hopefully he will be here.

cm is a massive problem. Sick of watching the ball get to the midfielders and them acting like they are fussball table players who are unable to run with the ball.
 

[Wade Garrett]

Need to drop Stephens, obviously.

Too much to ask that we actually sign any players before Saturday that will actually improve the team.

Hopefully we won’t be so fucking slow, boring and safe in possession.  Looks to me like some players are cheating and are fucking lazy.

Lose this and I’m afraid Solak is going to start looking very stupid for sticking by Eckert.  But then, Eckert is a yes man who won’t kick up a fuss.

 

[coalman]

We need to move the ball faster and with more variety. We need to play with intensity so we're competing for the ball all over the pitch. We've got to do it for 90 minutes.

For some reason we're not doing that so far this season. Whether that's because we're undercooked after pre season, the players are pissed off about Spygate, the squad is not committed while the transfer window or whatever.

[Fabrice29]

1 hour ago, AlexLaw76 said:

For whatever reason, we are incredibly boring, slow and predictable for about 85% in games. It kills us.

We are also wide open in the middle of the park. It is almost like we are watching Will Still mk2.

As said against Stoke, we can all see with our own eyes the spark has gone and we are nothing like the beast we were 4-5 months ago.

Jander, if fit he will not start...if he does he will obviously be way off match sharpness and will get the run-around.

 

You could see there were big problems 12 months ago meaning we would not do anything meaningful in the league without massive changes. It kind of feels like that again. Millwall are not mugs as they are led by a canny manager in Alex Neil, and anything other than a win for us will be a poor result given our circumstances. 

Thankfully, the FA will probably give Dragan an 'out', as I believe Tonda is not the next great coach many thought he was (now that he can't cheat). That, or the players are not really having it after what happened, which is equally as bad. 

As for Dobbin - WTF is that?

Capn Jack should, once again, be no where near the side - but he is the skipper and will lead us out on Sat.

We’ve lost two games mate. Listen to yourself 😂

[Football Special]

Millwall look excellent at the moment,  I think they could be this seasons "Coventry", settled side who failed in the play offs but ready to hit the ground running 

Very comfortable wins so far away to Bristol City and home to Norwich. 

They won away to Cambridge in the cup last night despite making 10 changes 

Big challenge for Tonda to set us up in a way to compete,  I'd take a draw if offered now 

3,008 sold out away end coming down, still loads available in the Saints end 

[die Mannyschaft]

1 hour ago, AlexLaw76 said:

For whatever reason, we are incredibly boring, slow and predictable for about 85% in games. It kills us.

We are also wide open in the middle of the park. It is almost like we are watching Will Still mk2.

As said against Stoke, we can all see with our own eyes the spark has gone and we are nothing like the beast we were 4-5 months ago.

Jander, if fit he will not start...if he does he will obviously be way off match sharpness and will get the run-around.

 

You could see there were big problems 12 months ago meaning we would not do anything meaningful in the league without massive changes. It kind of feels like that again. Millwall are not mugs as they are led by a canny manager in Alex Neil, and anything other than a win for us will be a poor result given our circumstances. 

Thankfully, the FA will probably give Dragan an 'out', as I believe Tonda is not the next great coach many thought he was (now that he can't cheat). That, or the players are not really having it after what happened, which is equally as bad. 

As for Dobbin - WTF is that?

Capn Jack should, once again, be no where near the side - but he is the skipper and will lead us out on Sat.

Went to Millwall away last season and we could easily have got a draw. But we did our usual sub on a player (actually 2) that did nothing, couldn't run, lost ball and made us a team with 9 not 11. It happens every game we keep playing players who are actually retired or are not at championship level. 

Until we get a balanced team we are going nowhere. What's the point in Fellows running past 5 if no one can keep up or be at near and far post to knock ball in. Its basic football,  basis observations, no analysts needed.

[OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint]

2 hours ago, Baird of the land said:

Feels like a fame that is made for a big unit of a cb like quarshie.

Problem is, when you sign a 6ft 5in striker who is the fastest in the Bundesliga for only a couple of million quid, you know there's something missing ... and unfortunately, he's not very good at kicking a football. From memory, last season they did a high press on us which caused our defence to make mistakes and we got stuck in our own third a lot, so not sure about Quarshie. But by the same token, Jack Stephens and Wood are a pretty awful pairing, so Quarshie should be on the bench.

[spyinthesky]

Millwall are a strong team, quite physical, fit and well organised.
They have a decent strong running striker and Cooper at the back organises his defence well and wins every ball in the air and will be a real threat at corners.
A successive home defeat if we dont up our game big style from last night.

[Lighthouse]

Incidentally this fixture was the last league game in which Wood started and we kept a clean sheet, back in January, so there’s that.

[austsaint]

1 hour ago, Fabrice29 said:

We’ve lost two games mate. Listen to yourself 😂

I'm with you on this one Fab.  Quite a panicky overreaction going on.    Just the same Spors has plenty to do in the last few days of the window.

[RedWillie]

Judge us this time next week. We will know then if we have any chance of making  an impact this season.  Currently the jury is well and truly out. We'll have all the evidence by then. 

[SouthWalesSaints]

1 hour ago, Football Special said:

Millwall look excellent at the moment,  I think they could be this seasons "Coventry", settled side who failed in the play offs but ready to hit the ground running 

Very comfortable wins so far away to Bristol City and home to Norwich. 

They won away to Cambridge in the cup last night despite making 10 changes 

Big challenge for Tonda to set us up in a way to compete,  I'd take a draw if offered now 

3,008 sold out away end coming down, still loads available in the Saints end 

 Bristol City were down to 10 at 0-0.  Norwich were down to 10 at 2-0.  Personally feel we're a better side and they'd be delighted with a point. 

[Saint Garrett]

They're a very decent side at this level, and looked impressive last weekend. 

I have very little hope/expectation as we currently are. Gut feeling was that Jander would have been involved last night if he was going to play at all on Saturday sadly...maybe he is "Injured" rather than injured. Will THB be involved? possibly? depends on where his situation is. I don't like Downes and Bragg together at all...

Peretz

Bree Wood Stephens (reluctantly) Manning

Downes Akachukwu

Matsuki Azaz Scienza

Larin

Bench: Long Quarshie Welington Bragg Fellows Dobbin Edozie Archer Mubama

Clearly highlights the desperate need for a CB & DM, and an upgrade on the right.

[sledger]

we were worryingly poor in defence last night,only bree looked steady,the other three and the keeper looked really Shakey.

[sad saints fan]

I thought Akachuckwu and Bragg both played okay . Either one alongside Downes would be fine in holding midfield ,especially with Azaz playing behind the striker as although his tackling is not great he closes down the space.

My main concern is with our wide players, none of whom seem to be direct enough which is why we keep going sideways.

Although it pains me to say it Jack needs to be taken out of the firing line and I think the only possible replace is Quarshie.

If we start playing more direct and not trying to play out from the back that means Wood and Quarshie just need to defend and they are both capable of that.

[Toadhall Saint]

Loss

[franniesTache]

4 hours ago, Football Special said:

Millwall look excellent at the moment,  I think they could be this seasons "Coventry", settled side who failed in the play offs but ready to hit the ground running 

Very comfortable wins so far away to Bristol City and home to Norwich. 

They won away to Cambridge in the cup last night despite making 10 changes 

Big challenge for Tonda to set us up in a way to compete,  I'd take a draw if offered now 

3,008 sold out away end coming down, still loads available in the Saints end 

Exactly my thinking, i've got them down as top two with west ham personally, and think they're too good for us

[sockeye]

A Jander-less midfield and THB-less defense is not good enough to win against these guys

[Gloucester Saint]

13 minutes ago, sockeye said:

A Jander-less midfield and THB-less defense is not good enough to win against these guys

Hopefully the new CB might be able to start, sounds like the sort of character who might. Put Wood in alongside him.

[SouthWalesSaints]

Massive game. Let's get back on track.

[Pamplemousse]

Have a feeling Millwall will be last year's Coventry, very stable team and just get a bit better each season.

If we can win it would be huge; a draw wouldn't be a terrible result.

[Jack]

Massive performance needed. They’re strong and move the ball fast so we need a big step up in effort and tempo which I’m not sure we’re capable of. Assuming Jander is still out, Akachukwu to partner Downes in the middle? Need some physicality in there. 
 

Peretz 

Bree Wood Stephens Manning

Downes Akachukwu

Fellows Azaz Scienza 

Larin

I absolutely detest that back four and can’t believe we’re going into this “autos chasing season” with that as our best option. No chance that lot keep a clean sheet at this level 

[Football Special]

25 minutes ago, Pamplemousse said:

Have a feeling Millwall will be last year's Coventry, very stable team and just get a bit better each season.

If we can win it would be huge; a draw wouldn't be a terrible result.

They are one of those annoying clubs who seem very good at picking up players for little or no transfer fee, bet Dobbin cost more than any of their players.

No doubt they'll be another side who will leave a few challenges on Scienza early on. 

Femi Azeez always looks an exciting player when I've seen him. 

Fans need to do our bit, Millwall will make plenty of noise. 

Edited 2 hours ago by Football Special

[Charlie Wayman]

15 hours ago, die Mannyschaft said:

I dont think we can adapt to changes in games when teams counter or run direct rather than play the Saints slow build up predictable football. Our players are not physical enough or win enough headers, 50/50s dont get ein enough in midfield. A draw will be a great result as I think a win is out of our reach. 

We dont have a reliable defence we all agree about that so we need goals tgd other end but haven't brought in a natural goal scorer or even two. Where are the 18 to 25 goal a season forwards there not at Saints. We rely on 7 ot 9 goals from 8 different players at this. rate.

Tonda's tactics are too predictable. 

We still scored more goals than most other teams in the league last season

[Toussaint]

33 minutes ago, Pamplemousse said:

Have a feeling Millwall will be last year's Coventry, very stable team and just get a bit better each season.

If we can win it would be huge; a draw wouldn't be a terrible result.

I think West Ham will, by all accounts they dominated Charlton and Blackburn but couldn't get the win. I would caveat that by saying they retain the players they have. Millwall will be up there. 

[Toussaint]

7 hours ago, Fabrice29 said:

We’ve lost two games mate. Listen to yourself 😂

Lost 2 games, lost 2 key players (3), appear to have lost fitness, appear to have lost team spirit, were unconvincing against Colchester and laboured against Stoke. And amongst those losses we were humiliated by a second string West Ham team. I'm worried about this season as things stand currently.  

[Charlie Wayman]

6 hours ago, spyinthesky said:

Millwall are a strong team, quite physical, fit and well organised.
They have a decent strong running striker and Cooper at the back organises his defence well and wins every ball in the air and will be a real threat at corners.
A successive home defeat if we dont up our game big style from last night.

Have you been spying on them?

[Fabrice29]

49 minutes ago, Toussaint said:

Lost 2 games, lost 2 key players (3), appear to have lost fitness, appear to have lost team spirit, were unconvincing against Colchester and laboured against Stoke. And amongst those losses we were humiliated by a second string West Ham team. I'm worried about this season as things stand currently.  

This really is not the time to worry about it. It’s August 😂 We bumbled our way through to December didn’t we last season and still went close? Give it until the end of September at the earliest. Right now time to improve both the squad and results is on our side. Let the new signings lose a couple and make you shit the bed instead. 

[Toussaint]

2 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

This really is not the time to worry about it. It’s August 😂 We bumbled our way through to December didn’t we last season and still went close? Give it until the end of September at the earliest. Right now time to improve both the squad and results is on our side. Let the new signings lose a couple and make you shit the bed instead. 

So yo can't hold different view to Fabrice without Fabrice resorting to insults? You are such a condescending, gaslighting chap. 

[Barton Saint]

Good time to play them I think last night was a wake up call but hopefully a few have got a bad game/ unusual mistakes out of their system 

Millwall are probably 3/4 this season so a good test and a game to make us speed up in movement and thought