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Saints Could Pull Out Of Relegation Zone On Wednesday
Sunday, 1st Dec 2019 20:58

Truth is despite the fact that it has been an awful season, if we had held on at Arsenal and Manchester City and not gifted them goals we would already been out, however a win against Norwich could see us pull clear.

Although the results did not go completely Saints way today, Everton conceding a late winner means that we have the opportunity to get out of the drop zone by defeating Norwich City at St Mary's on Wednesday evening, Saints fans should note here that the game kicks off at the earlier than usual time of 7.30pm.

A win against the Canaries on it's own would not be enough, we would also need Everton to go down to a defeat to their local rivals Liverpool at Anfield and the Red side of Merseyside would love to beat the Blues and send them into the bottom three.

If Everton lost and we beat Norwich then we would leapfrog above them, indeed as their game kicks off at 8.15, a win for us would send up above them temporarily at least and that would filter through to the Liverpool fans.

We could also draw level with both Aston Villa and Brighton if they both lose, The Seagulls face a trip to Arsenal on Thursday whilst Villa travel to Chelsea on Wednesday, Newcastle go to Sheffield United on Thursday and defeat for the Toon there and a win for us would make Sunday's game have an extra edge.

So there is all to play for on Wednesday, the win over Watford showed that we are not dead and buried just yet, indeed we are three points better off that at this stage last year and we could make that six given that we were still stuck on 9 points after 15 games last term.

So it's a big big game and it doesn't just deserve the same sort of support that the Saints fans gave on Saturday, but it will hopefully stir a few more up to attend.

Photo: Action Images



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A1079 added 21:59 - Dec 1
Nick, as bad as our defence is, by and large the reason we failed to beat Arsenal, when we had a great opportunity to do so, was because of the glaring gilt edged misses in front of the Arsenal goal. We all know the defence is a liability, but at Arsenal we had 21 shots and only scored one from open play and had at least one more of those been converted that late error would not have mattered. It isn't the only game where we have had numerous chances and not taken them and without Ings, where would we be goal wise?

All that aside, Norwich is a big game no matter what the other sides do.
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SaintNick added 22:59 - Dec 1
The defence lets us down in every game, getting two goals in a game is above average,
1

Saintsforeverj added 00:09 - Dec 2
The defence certainly does let us down in every game but you have to ask why they didn't address the situation in the summer. They must realise that surely Danso, Vestegared, Hoedt hasn't worked. They are all young players, so scrap the Southampton way and buy some experienced defenders! Nick is right that the defence needs sorting. I don't therefore understand why he doesn't slate the club for not sorting it!
2

Peterx added 04:30 - Dec 2
We missed Armstrong's work rate against Watford from the Arsenal starting line-up and rode our luck. We could have been chasing 3 if Watford were more clinical. As a result I would consider playing more of a defensive effort to start Wednesday. I'm thinking get Romeu in there somehow. I would rather start Long than Obafemi as well.
3

saintmark1976 added 05:12 - Dec 2
It's the hope that kills you. Please, let's not get too carried away.It was only Watford after all. There is still every chance that the manager will pick another ridiculous starting eleven which I suspect will include the serial underachiever Redmond once again. How many more opportunities is Redmond to be given? Whilst he has pace and good close ball control he has no football brain what so ever nor does he like the physical side of the game. Add in the fact that he spends large amounts of time arguing with the ref and there is every reason to drop him.
2

1970 added 09:08 - Dec 2
We will never pull clear of relegation so long as we have the defenders that we have the squad is in desperate need of a clear out and some quality replacements bought in any one that thinks different is a dreamer.coyr
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halftimeorange added 10:10 - Dec 2
I hope the psychologists are doing their stuff right now as, first and foremost, the side needs to believe they can beat Norwich. Second, Ralph must fill that gap in front of defence with a player (or two) who have the confidence to drive forward with the ball or at least try and play it through the opposition. To my mind Boufal has to start. He might lose the ball from time to time but, it will generally be in the opposition's half and not around our penalty area. Another thing about Boufal and Djenepo is that they, unlike JWP, play the ball on the ground which gives us more chances. Redmond should sit on the bench. That might concentrate his mind on attacking rather than arguing. Lastly, give Danny Ings the captain's armband. He's the one player who thoroughly deserves to wear it.
1

SaintPaulVW added 10:31 - Dec 2
I think Redmond and Boufal have the same issue both can make chances in their different way but their final balls can be poor. I think you start with one and then sub the other on if it's not working.

Given our squad, 2 CBS seems just as poor as 3cbs, so at least you free up a space for an extra player. Stephens just seems to take every mistake in his stride so at least his head doesn't go down when he makes a balls-up.

Shout out for McCarthy, he kept us in the game with a few great saves in the first half.

JWP seemed poor for most of the game but the freekick was a potential goal of the month. Go figure.

Ings Djenepo absolute stars. Just hope they can stay fit. Obafemi was ineffective.

Cedric seemed fairly useless, Bertrand had some good touches but wasn't as good as he has been.

RH picked a straightforward team and made the right subs.

Hopefully we now have something to build on as we face sides that we must be looking to take points off.

COYS!
2

Saint4Life247 added 14:35 - Dec 2
Whilst 4pts from a possible 6 is a great return over the last 2 games I am still not feeling any more confident than usual. The Norwich game will be hard, very hard. I hope I'm wrong but having seen Norwich play this year they are better than us in all departments because they are confident, play as a team and all bust a gut to help each other out. I rarely see that with us.
I see most people would like us to start with the team that finished against Watford on Saturday. For the most part I agree. However, if we go 2 down by half time what do we do? bring on the players that were dropped to the bench for not being good enough?? It would effectively negate our current 'Plan B'. I think RH knows this and that's why he is continuing to pick the same starters.
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