please log in to view this image V please log in to view this image Saints take on the Danish champions know as Ulvene (the wolves) in a must win game for a place in the group stage of the Europa League. This is quite possibly the biggest one off game since the 2003 FA cup final. I'm confident Ron will play our strongest fittest 11 so am expecting a positive performance and predict a 2-0 victory. Match officials Referee Liran Liany (ISR) Assistant referee David Elias Biton (ISR) , Oren Borneshtain (ISR) Fourth official Roi Reinshreiber (ISR) UEFA Delegate Volodymyr Geninson (UKR) UEFA Referee observer Elmir Pilav (BIH)
I agree Saints will win this and I think comfortably. It's not a must win though; 2-2 sends us through
If only should-win and must-win equalled will-win. I may have to remain incommunicado until the final whistle on Thursday. Please score early, Saints.
Any news on Sadio? Is he going to be fit? We need to get at them with pace and turn them. They were all over the place when we did that. When we lumped it up to Graziano (who, in my opinion - sorry, Fats - didn't play badly, but didn't get support alongside him) they were very comfortable. That's probably the style they're used to. PLEASE win, Saints. 1-0 with an early goal by either Steven Davis or Maya Yoshida
Its going to be a nervous opening 20 minutes. If we don't get the win or the 2-2 draw, (fats) then i think it will be one of the biggest missed opportunites in Southampton's history. Having said that i am confident that Ron and the players will be at it 100% from the first minute till the last and i don't believe for one second that the management at the club will allow anything but qualification.
We need to run at them. They looked very uncomfortable if anyone took them on and I really thought we'd get at least another penalty Thurs night if we had continued that pressure a little longer. If Sadio is fit it will obviously help. I also wonder if a start for Juanmi could provide that pressure.
Pelle was excellent in the second half of the first leg - his best performance for ages. . *sits down*
I am not so sure. I have not been so unimpressed with Southampton for ages as after the home leg of this tie. This seems to have carried over to the Watford game, although i wasnt there. At least v Watford Koeman set the team up to avoid defeat and at least that aspect worked. General passing game and effective attempts on the opposition goal has been woeful thus far this season. Still only way is up - maybe they will surprise me on Thursday night. Hope so !
If we get a goal in the first half an hour, agreed. If its still 0-0 at HT the nerves are going to start kicking in for us. I think we'll win regardless, the only thing that worries me is how much Saints are going to make us sweat!
Can't remember the last time I was this nervous for a game... possibly that one in Yorkshire last year that won't be mentioned...