Match Day Thread Saints vs Man City Jan 22 17.30

Don’t want us to go with 3 CBs for this one, as I think they would use the width, and space behind the wing backs, too well. Also, certainly when Tella started as WB against Brentford, Prowsey was doing a lot of covering behind him, which meant that there was a lot of room in the centre that players like De Bruyne would utilise if the same thing happens Saturday.
Need to keep JWP and Romeu close together to stop them playing through the centre.
Be happy with a 4-4-2 or 4-3-2-1 shape.

 

So have the players, if they can't get up for this they belong elsehere.

 

What was it?

 

I’m guessing we lost, that narrows it down a bit…

 

I don’t remember …. But Chilcs is quite correct

 

I've got a feeling we'll get something too, but not in a good way. City have almost a full squad to choose from.


Just done a check on how often we've "got something" from our games with City since getting back into the PL in 2012.

Played 19 Won 3 Drawn 3 Lost 13

We've also played one League Cup match since 2012, which we lost.

BUT the 3 wins we achieved were all at St Mary's, so the omens for a fourth are good.

BUT ALSO the last 10 league games: Won 1 Drawn 1 Lost 8, so maybe the omens for a fourth aren't quite so good when you look at it like that.

Interesting fact 1: The last time we beat City away was in 2004 and as that was the only time I've been there, I've never seen us lose at the Etihad.

Interesting fact 2: The previous season's game was City's last at Main Road and because they wanted to get as many City fans in as possible, they gave Saints fans either none or very few tickets. Their punishment from the PL was that in 2004 they had to give Saints more than the usual allocation and at a reduced price. At the end the Saints fans were singing (to the tune of Blue Moon) "12 quid, we only paid 12 quid, we only paid 12 quid". Memories.

 

You’ve just got to enjoy the challenge of a game like this. A win or a draw is unlikely but will feel awful good if it happens

Let’s at least play well and make them work for their millions!

COYR

 

I quite like Man City. I know they are extremely wealthy but they are far more tolerable than the likes of Liverpool, Utd or Arsenal. Not sure we will get anything tomorrow so just hoping we can see some excellent football.

 

Its a free hit for us - 1-1 - COYS!
My son`s girlfriend is going to her first ever Saints game - she`ll bring us some luck.
(she`s moving down permanently from Aberdeen in March - she`s a midwife, so if you are having a baby, she might meet you!)

 

Lawro says 0 - 2 and his oppo says 0 - 3.

 

I can assure you I have no intention of having a baby so will miss the chance to meet your son's girlfriend.

 

You’re welcome. Though I fear I may just win a bet for once.

 

It's like stepping up to take a penalty in a cup final. I admire your bravery Sir!

 

Pep being very complimentary about us.

 

You know what, I'm really buzzing for this game already. It's a sell out under the lights, the champions are in town and it could be a really good game in front of the Sky cameras. Or I could be completely wrong and City will cruise to a 3-0 win.

 

Any GK I don’t care
KWP - Bednarek - Salisu - Perraud
Romeu
Armstrong - JWP - Diallo - Redders
Broja

4-1-4-1 like last time pls. Could swap Bednarek for Lyanco but not sure if he’s played in many 4 at the backs.

 

#RalphOut

 

Ralph out - for a walk, or a bit of shopping, or out for a win?

 

My old boss, many moons ago, who played a lot of tennis, used to say he’d never lost to Boris Becker.

 

Am going to enjoy the whole experience, thought the crowd was really good for the Brentford game, hope we have the same atmosphere whatever the result. And, Saturday afternoon drinking before, what could be better? (a good result of course and the wife picking me up after the game!).

Edit - its confirmed, wife is picking me up from the game. Now the small matter of a win or draw over to you Ralph!