The match against West Brom at the Hawthorns is the first after the international break and follows on from our encouraging win against Norwich. A good result would be welcome with matches against United and Chelsea on the horizon. Possible Saints team (assuming no injuries on international duty): Stekelenburg Soares Fonte VVD Targett Romeu VW Davis Mane Tadic Pelle Results (so far): Southampton: Newcastle (D), Everton (L), Watford (D) and Norwich (W) = 5 points from 12 (GD = 0) West Brom: Stoke (W), Chelsea (L), Watford (D) and Man City (L) = 4 points (GD = -3). Injuries: Southampton: Gardos and Forster (long term); Ramirez (possibly awaiting move); Clasie (aggravated injury again) and Bertrand (due back but not in training yet). West Brom: Foster (ACL, expected back soon); Chester (due back 12/9). Both teams have had traumatic transfer windows and have both stood firm over Wanyama (Saints) and Berahino (WBA). Wanyama has reportedly come to terms with it and is expected to come straight back into the team. Berahino returned to training today (Monday) and is expected to see the wisdom of knuckling down. Please excuse early match thread but I was getting bored by the break.
Am in North Wales with my University so first time for many a year I will not be able to follow the game at all. Draw wouldn't be a bad result but here's hoping for an away win!
An away draw is traditionally a decent result, but we could do with a handy 3 points with some tough games coming up.
No news on Bertrand yet then? He was expected to be back but if he's not back in training yet I assume he's not going to make this game. Still it will be a boost to have Van Dijk and Wanyama in the squad.
No pressure Fran, but I believe you have a 100% win ratio with your match day threads. I'm taking that as an omen.
12.09.2015 15:00 West Brom v Southampton - Referee :- Stuart Attwell - Assistants :- M Scholes & J Collin 4th Official :- M Dean I am sure they will sue later.
So pleased to see the MDT up - have had withdrawal symptoms and, as a consequence, felt uninspired to write any comments since last week. Lets hope the team plays with the same hunger and intensity that we showed against Norwich. Excited and relieved EPL is back.
Lost this one last season and have some points to make up from corresponding fixtures. This is always a tough game, maybe good timing with berahino out, let's hope Mr Lambert is not up for this one. Would like JWP to start but think Fran is pretty close with the starting 11 and Davis will start.
Ok, away game and with a new central defender I would play 5 at the back Cedric, yoshida, fonte, VVD, targett, with romeu and wanyama holding a tight line in front of them. Tumbleweed More controversial than leaving the officials off the match thread. This had better not happen now
I would play Virgil as a rush goalie, with Cedric, Bertrand, Romeu, JWP, Mané, Tadić, Long, Pellè, Rodriguez, and Juanmi in an arrowhead formation in front of him.
I recall we played a back five in this fixture last season and it was quickly aborted after 20 minutes. Think we keep the ball better in a 4-2-3-1
Horrible place to go, if we can nab an early goal, we'll do good, if not, I fear another bout of clear timing wasting frustration!
I am pretty sure we said this last year... I am getting impatient to see Clasie! CLASIE!!!! What's that Clasie? There's a boy trapped down the well? You run back to the homestead and fetch Pa, there's a good boy!