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Saints At Feyenoord The Preview
Sunday, 28th Jul 2019 11:30

The result of this game is not the priority for Ralph Hasenhuttl, but he will look to learn a little bit more about his squad as he enters the last two weeks before the Premier League season starts.

Ralph Hasenhuttl's squad for the trip to Rotterdam has a few surprises and it is clear that it is still a little way from being the one he would like for season's start having already spoken about his hope for a new signing or two before the transfer window shuts.

Indeed it shows how bloated the squad had become 23 travel to Holland yet there are still half a dozen or so who for varying reasons are not in the party.

The first surprise is that Cedric, Wesley Hoedt and Sofiane Boufal travel in that only Cedric played any part for Hasenhuttl last season and it had been assumed that all three would leave this summer.

That could well still be the case, but in the meantime it seems that Ralph is prepared to give them a chance should either he not land the targeted new signings or they not find the right move.

One sign though is the omission of Jack Stephens , if Wesley Hoedt is going to leave the club then surely it would be better for him to be omitted and Stephens travel, but this seems not to be the case here.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has said that this game will see an initial first half XI then multiple changes in the second half, not all at once but the idea is to give most in the squad a game.

This means that little can be taken from the result, but like Ralph we can look at the individual performances and which players are used and when as a clue to what the manager's thinking will be going forward.

So far pre season has gone well, but this will be the hardest test yet although still a long way from the intensity of the Premier League and from this perspective we can take little from the actual result itself.

In the past decade or so the nature of pre season friendlies has changed, up to the 1990's many were played at a high tempo and competitiveness, much of that has now gone out of the window and emphasis has changed.

Therefore a good win is no more an indication of how we will shape up than a bad defeat, so lets save the righteous indignation after this game and indeed the one at St Mary's against Koln till the transfer window is shut and the real action gets underway at Burnley

Photo: Action Images



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WoolstonSaint2 added 11:49 - Jul 28
Wonder why Romeu is not in the Feyenoord squad? Also, is Elyonoussi out of favour? Maybe we should sell him if not in Ralph's masterplan
1

SaintBrock added 15:37 - Jul 28
Not fit enough yet after knock last week.
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