For the second match in succession, we find ourselves up against a team that has had the upper hand in recent meetings, so time to turn it around. In the last 9 Premier League meetings with the Hammers, Saints record is decidedly poor with just 1 win and 1 draw, so WHU will be coming to SMS feeling full of confidence, despite their having dropped 2 points at home to Palace, last time out. David Moyes, a manager I have never taken to, blamed the state of the pitch for his team’s performance, but then he would. It’s never his fault. Last season the corresponding fixture ended 0-0, Saints having a first half goal disallowed for offside in the build up, and I only know that because I looked back at a match report on what seemed to have been a game of little enjoyment. The Hammers’ most obvious danger man is Michail Antonio, who is everything that our CBs tend to struggle against, with his pace and power. The best way to keep him quiet is to cut off the supply, but that could be difficult with WHU having some strong and physical players who will try and muscle us out of the game. With their muscular approach and our high press, the ref may be tempted to get his yellow card out early, probably for Romeu. Set pieces will be an issue for us as we still don’t know how to defend them with confidence and WHU have been known to score a few from corners. The following link, from the early part of last season, gives an interesting insight into how they make their corners work. https://totalfootballanalysis.com/c...-piece-analysis-tactical-tactics-scout-report If someone can show this to Ralph...... Match officials courtesy of tomw24 Referee: David Coote. Assistants: Harry Lennard, Nick Hopton. Fourth official: Michael Salisbury. VAR: Martin Atkinson. Assistant VAR: Derek Eaton.
My first home game in more than 8 years having gone to Middle East and l came back last month. Every time l came home, there was never a home fixture (other than last March when l delayed a flight back to Dubai to go to the Arsenal game, only for C19 to kick off instead and the game was cancelled!). So missed the Man Utd game as we were away for the weekend and when l got back there was an envelope from Saints FC. My wife, as a welcome home present had bought me a Season Ticket - such an amazing surprise!! So am obviously so excited about the game and being a Season Ticket holder for the first time!
I really, really, really want us to win this one. Partly because I hate West Ham but mainly because our next game takes us to the Etihad. If we could go there with 5 points on the board that would just give everyone a boost ahead of what is the most daunting away trip of the season.
Got my ticket, just need to work out what time to get to the ground to get in, in time for kick off. I will aim for 12
What a magic experience that will be! Have fun. I will never forget my first game at the Dell. Im sure he’s going to love it
Thanks. I hope so, although I’m not convinced it’s really his thing. I was 6 when I first went and don’t think I paid that much notice of the football!
My son's first game was v United....he supported ManU at the time (I subsequently had him exorcised!), but even then he scarcely watched. Youngsters are more interested in their stomachs and their friends.
My nipper's first at the Dell was a 4-0 defeat by Arsenal. His big moment was a giant hot dog wider than his shoulders.
I hope he came round to Saints in the end? Yes I’ll probably end up buying him one of those plastic hot dogs. Will be my first match since my dad died, always wanted to take my son with my dad but it was not to be.
Thanks. Will be my first match since coronavirus. So much has changed, I’ve lost a dad but gained a daughter.
Be nice if even a paper version of my dad's season ticket (in my name) arrived before the game.... Pretty poor is an understatement.
Well got through to ticket office at the 9th attempt (just rang and rang) and a very friendly guy not only completely placated me, but he whilst i was on the phone emailed me the ticket So piss poor, but good customer service at the same time