Match Day Thread Southampton FC v Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Europa League, Thursday 8th December, KO 8.05pm

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Thursday night sees the chance for Saints to progress through to the last 32 and the knockout stages of the Europa League. This will be a fabulous achievement and mark true progression and a continuation of our rise from League One

V

Southampton FC v Hapoel Be'er Sheva
St Mary's Stadium
Kick Off 8:05pm

UEFA Europa League Table Group K

AC Sparta Praha ..............12 pts ........GD +3
Southampton..................... 7 pts.........GD +2
Hapoel Be'er Sheva.......... 7 pts........ GD 0
Inter Milan ........................ 3 pts........ GD -5

Forget all the connotations, let's just go out there and beat them and get us in the hat for the next round. The boys have played a lot of games this season but have reached the EFL Cup Semi-Finals and are now one win away from the next big stage in Europe.

A game and result like this one will do nicely thanks...

Team:

Forster
Cedric, Van Dijk, Yoshida, Bertand
Pierre, Romeu, Davis
Tadic, Long, Sims

Subs: Austin, Boufal, JWP, Clasie, Fonte, Redmond, Lewis.

My prediction: Southampton 2 Hapoel 0
Virgil Van Dijk
Shane Long

 

Words can't really describe how massive this game is. Biggest of the season so far for me.

When the draw was made I was fully prepared for the fact we might not qualify but we have put ourselves into a position where we should really and it would be so disappointing if we didn't now. Would be a hell of an achievement by us.

Reckon McQueen might start this one.

Hapoel need to score at some point which could suit us, but I still think they will try and keep it tight in the first half before venturing out in the second if it's 0-0. Could be nervy as **** if it's 0-0 going into the last 20

I know people are going to moan... but early goal please!!

The crowd need to stick with the team too as it could be a frustrating night for long periods.

COME ON YOU SAINTS!!!


Bloody hell I'm nervous about this one already

 

I wonder if we are going to try to change the game plan and hit them on the counter - if so, Long could push for a start and I think he will break his duck too.

I never post on new match threads until after the games - superstition always gets the better of me.

The last 3 games I watched on a stream at home we have lost - Norwich 1-0, Hull 2-1 and yesterday, so I thought I'd break that habbit in for the wider cause. Also now realising I could be blamed if we dont go through, although clearly that will be Maya, Davis's or Cuco's fault


I can see a really nervy 2-1 or dare say it, 2-2/2-3...

 

P.S. Mods get this stickied and unsticky the Palace one!

 

I nearly opted for McQueen... something about being fearless. Why I went for Sims.

 

Got a feeling Jay will at least make the bench.

 

I think we will see:

Forster
Cuco
Maya
Virgil
McQueen
Romeu
Davis
Clasie
Sims
Boufal
Long

Actually is Tadic fit?

 

We have to win this one....do not want it to be 0-0 when 5 mins injury-time is signalled. This would be such a missed opportunity if we don't go through....this group was winnable, but our inability to score let us down (as it has in several games). Three or four early goals, please, Saints.

 

I think this will turn out to be comfy, they offered little at home, and thing our boys will be up for this ( a LA Everton), but there again I thought we would smash Palace. Play Sims and Mcqueen, I like the young exuberance and always looking forward rather than sideways like some of our more experienced players

 

I'd take 0-0 now though if it was offered

 

As long as I am unaware until after the game. If you want me I'll be behind the sofa.

 

So would I but I get Frans point... I said in my first post that it will be tense as **** if it's still that score with 15-20 to go

 

Everybody with any connection at all to Southampton FC knows this is the biggest game for years, probably since we got back to the Premier League. The players especially know how much rides on this one game, and after yesterday they will all be knocking on Claude's door begging to be allowed to play. I agree with giving McQueen and Sims a start, and possibly Reed too. I don't want to see Redmond, although he was better in the second half yesterday than he has been for weeks. My team:

Fraser
Cedric, Yoshida, Van Dijk, McQueen
Reed, Romeu
Boufal, Sims, Tadić
Austin

I expect Martina will start though, and probably Clasie, and Tadić may not be fit.

 

Losing this will not be the end of the world.

 

That's 4-2-3-1....we can only dream of going back to that winning formula that has done us well for a number of years. LOL

 

Must win game and the team will be hurting bad after their display yesterday. I reckon ther nerves will be settled really quickly as Saints go rampant in the first half. I reckon we will win 3-0.

 

No, it's more important than that.

 

Anyone know how many they are bringing over? Should be a cracking atmosphere.

Kinda suprised it's not sold out yet though...

 

Apart from when it didn't work for weeks last season and we switched to 5-3-2

 

Well you got the nil part right ... I'm back on the match threads!!!