Before I begin I would like to say 'Yes, it will be cold' but this is a must win match so everyone turn up and lets roar on the team back to winning ways! Last Time Round Burnley 1-1 SAINTS (Schneiderlin scored in the 80th minute to rescue Saints a point after Charlie Austin gave Burnley the lead. Saints had the better chances but failed to convert on the day.) Team News: Saints are close to have a fully fit squad. - Jos Hooiveld is close to a return but this weekend could come to soon for him. - Richard Chaplow returned on Tuesday in the defeat against Millwall having played 90minutes but with other players looking for a recall the bench may be the best chance for him. - Danny Fox returns from suspension having served his one game ban. My Prediction: Team: Davis Richardson, Fonte, Hooiveld, Fox Puncheon, Hammond, Cork, Lallana Sharp, Lambert Subs: Bialkowski, Harding, Schneidrlin, Chaplow, Guly It really could be anyone to partner Lambert up front. Here's hoping Bully Sharp makes his full debut as he will be fresh. I think Cork will return but Hammond was inspirational and solid on Tuesday so think he will keep his place. Schneiderlin will be a game changer as will Chaplow. We also have players like Falque, Barnard, Connolly etc plus some youngsters so places really are up for grabs now. My Prediction: Score: SAINTS 3-1 Burnley (Lambert 2, Puncheon) I really think (hope) Saints go back to their winning ways with a bang as we need this now more than ever! Most other rivals are playing at home too so this really is a must win. Get behind the team! Come On You Saints! More to follow...
First time I've felt it to be a 'must win' and I will be surprised (and dissapointed) if Saints didn't put in a really good performance. I don't think there is any problem with unity, just confidence, but they all need to be big enough and try to play with some freedom. Sharp with a goal would be great. Come on Saints you can do this. 2 - 0 Sharp, lambert
Can see why you think Hammond might deserve a place but i'm sure Morgan and Cork will start particularly given how they controlled the game for us vs Birmingham. I can however see Hammond starting vs West Ham with Schneiderlin on the right to make sure Nolan doesn't bully us into submission. Agree with the XI apart from that. Hooiveld can't come back soon enough, and even in light of his return i'd like us to bring in an experienced CB from a Premiership side on loan, so as to avoid having to ever see Aaron ****ing Martin pull on the shirt again.
Nolan will be suspended 3 game ban after being sent off last week. When we play it'll be his second match ban.
Very very tough game. Burnley have amazing away stats this season. With Austin & Rodriguez up top and Wallace down Fox's wing I can't see a clean sheet. 1-1.
Gone for a draw on predictor game, because I'm trying some reverse psychology. Unlike some people think, we haven't suddenly become the worst team in the league. Sure we will win by 2 goals,
If we are missing Hooiveld we may struggle defensively. I always remember the cracking 3-2 games we had with Burnley before we were relegated from the Championship last time.
Austin will score for Burnley. If he only scores one more goal this season it will be against us this Saturday. Glad to finally have a KO at 3 on a Saturday again. Can the players step up and perform? I ruddy well hope so, although I have been saying to myself that we are sure to beat ..... and regain our form for each of the last 5 games and it hasn't happened yet. Three points is all that matters, a good performance would be the cherry. 2-1 Lambert and Lallana COYR
I quite agree, and they should be as follows, in no particular order 1. a powerful header 2. a perfectly executed scissor kick 3. a dipping volley to the top right giving the keeper no chance. That'll do.
Must win game. Fonte probably owes us a top class performance. I like Martin but I hope Hooieveld plays. Whilst Martin has looked capable. I don't think the team quite have the trust element with him yet and that's worked it's way through midfield. Central defence is a position that you have be 100% confident in your players ability because mistakes breed mistakes. We're capable of winning but other teams are now playing us with a confidence in themselves and a belief that we are beatable. This means we are going to have to add an extra 10% to our performance even from when we were at our best and playing teams that were expecting to be beat because our early form. It's a time of the season where everyone looks at the finish line and has an extra push. We all know we can win. Tactics are extra critical now, this is where Adkins earns his corn. Our finishing needs to improve and the players need to believe that we can win this league, not just finish second and ease off. I think Sharp and T Lee will become massive players for us. Our over reliance on Lambert and Lallana has become a weakness that's been exploited. Let's get behind the lads every step of the way. The Crowd need to sing like they've never sung before, clap every effort on goal, applaud when a player shows effort, let's get to the premier league where we all believe we belong ! No excuses. All for one, one for all. FIN
I don't think Hooiveld will be fit, as he only returned to full training today I think we will lose 2-1 personally, and I would also play Butterfield at RB (if fit), but Adkins will see it as follows I reckon: Davis Richardson Fonte Martin Fox Puncheon Cork Schneiderlin Lallana Lambert Sharp Subs: Bart, Harding, Hammond, Guly, Lee
There's no point in risking Hooiveld then but we are capable all the same. They score 1, we score 2. Simples!