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Let's Hope We Can Out-Sing 5,500 Tractor Boys - Notes for Southampton
Saturday, 3rd Jan 2015 15:30 by HarryFromBath

HarryfromBath assesses the mood in the opposition camp ahead of Sunday's third round FA Cup tie by delving into their forums.

"Well, we're getting into the business end of the season now. We're in a fantastic position but the big dogs have started to catch up and improve their performances. We have had a sticky patch, but we're still here which is brilliant", "We've done it once. We just need to do it again in the replays."

"We're well and truly out of our poor run of form." Southampton come into Sunday's cup tie on the back of a four game unbeaten run. Belief has been restored after a pre-Christmas wobble with a win at Crystal Palace, a home draw with Chelsea and a home win over Arsenal on New Year's Day.

"It's been a brilliant 2014. Here's hoping we can smash 2015 out of the park", "The way the whole team has responded to the blip has been amazing", "Righty ho — has everyone got their passports to hand?", "Can we start to dream about the Champions League now?"

Southampton 2 — 0 Arsenal

"This win has sent out a message that we are serious European challengers now", "It was a fantastic performance. We were defensively organised and played with great intensity across the pitch", Glad to get the Arsenal monkey off our back", "We were really worth at least another goal."

http://wall.saintsfc.co.uk/Article/953325-GOALS-Southampton-2-0-Arsenal

"I can hardly watch this", "I'm a nervous wreck", "We are just waiting to throw this away." Saints capitalised on poor Arsenal defending to score twice, but supporters' were unduly anxious during a game which in reality was won comfortably. "A great win — we were really that good."

"It speaks volumes that we were able to miss so many chances but still beat Arsenal comfortably", "The commentator said that we should be enjoying this and not worrying. He obviously doesn't know much about the Saints", "Most of us have been scarred from the past."

Southampton 1 — 1 Chelsea

"A good draw and as good as a win, considering the hammering we took in the second half", "At times it was like the Charge of the Light Brigade in the second half", "Chelsea are probably the only team that pass better than us", "Our resiliency was awesome. I love a good old battle like that."

http://wall.saintsfc.co.uk/Article/950350-Goals-Southampton-1-1-Chelsea

"God, Chelsea are good. We're defending really well, but they are still finding little cracks." The Saints' draw last Sunday was very different in character to their win over the Gunners. "Chelsea had only one shot on target all game. That was a team performance and a major test passed."

Press reports focused on the yellow card Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas received for simulation, but Saints were full of praise for the organisation they showed to keep dangerous opponents at bay. "Chelsea are good and create so much movement and options in the final third. We defended so well here."

"We are defending so well here", "This is backs-to-the-wall stuff", "That was great defending and spirit from the Saints", "The gulf is class was scary", "What a fantastic point. We worked so hard all game", "That said, there was a great lack of tackling for their goal, even if Hazard's run was insane."

Ronald Koeman

"I cannot believe the job that Ron has done. He has turned us into real European candidates." The former Feyenoord manager "is a calming confident presence without a hint of arrogance. He's perfect for this club", "He just exudes common-sense and good nature."

"It's a testament to his skill as a manager that he is able to get the best out of the resources available to him, even when he's forced to play people out of position", "His player management has been masterful considering the short rest there was between the Palace and Chelsea games."

"Koeman just comes across as being 110% in calm, complete control and nothing will stress him", "We will never have a better guy than this at the helm so relish him while we have him", "He's level-headed, knows what went right or wrong in matches and has a good balance of strict but friendly."

Formations

Southampton have played two systems in recent games. They either play a 4-3-3 system with two of the midfielders protecting the back four, or alternatively a 3-5-2 system with wing-backs. They set out their starting line-up against the Gunners like this:

ForsterAlderweireldFonte (c)GardosBertrandWard-ProwseWanyamaDavisTadicPelleMane

Injuries and suspensions have prevented the Saints from playing their strongest line-up when deploying three at the back in recent games. To give an idea of their strength in depth, I have constructed a 3-5-2 starting XI which includes a number of players not featured above.

ForsterClyne*AlderweireldFonte (c)GardosBertrandWanyamaSchneiderlinDavisLongPelle

*Nathaniel Clyne was substituted in the Saints' 3-1 win at Crystal Palace with a foot injury and is a major doubt for Sunday's game.

In both systems, the midfield triumvirate is the heartbeat of the team. Fans are quick to attribute their success to the speed, accuracy, incisiveness and quality of both their pressing and passing. Coupling these with a high work-rate and strong team ethic has been at the heart of their success.

Defence

With Clyne injured and Ryan Bertrand unable to play against his parent club, Saints were even more impressed by their defensive show against Chelsea. "So encouraging to see that we were able to cope despite losing both full-backs", "The defensive shape and discipline was excellent all game."

"We defended against Arsenal with our usual steely resolve." While being solid at the back, Saints use their wide defenders as an attacking springboard. "With four at the back we struggle attacking-wise as our full-backs create our width. We struggle getting forward when a centre-back moves out."

"Right-back is a bit of a problem. Toby Alderweireld didn't look comfortable against Arsenal and neither did Yoshida [now at the Asia Cup with Japan] against Chelsea. I'm tempted to blood Jason McCarthy against Ipswich", "We were a bit ragged against Arsenal with Toby at right-back."

Fraser Forster

"The Forster save from Alexis Sanchez before our second goal was huge", "He was immense today. I have heard nothing but praise for him, particularly his shot-stopping and getting down to the ball, something people said he can't do", "We've been defensively sound so he hasn't had a lot to do."


The 26-year-old ex-Celtic keeper has had his critics. "He needs to be more alert and not stood on his blinking goal-line", "His starting position to play as a sweeper is often too deep", "He needs to be more decisive on whether to go for the ball or stay back for the ball over the top."

"Forster has been vulnerable to mid-range grass-cutters." Dealing with low shots has also been highlighted, but many Saints are happy with their keeper. "The defence have much more confidence in him", "His kicking ability has always been good. He just needs to learn how to command his box."

"Jose Fonte is a natural leader, keeping the line as tight as anything. We have one of the best defensive records in European football and he has been the main contributor to that", "He has upped his game and been a worthy captain", "I have no doubts about his attitude."

"Fonte is always capable of a rash challenge, but many centre-backs do too." The 31-year-old ex-Crystal Palace man "had a dodgy few weeks, but so had the whole team", "His awful back-pass led to one of United's goals", "He is such a linchpin underscoring everything our defence does."

"Florin Gardos has had limited game time, but has looked solid enough." The 26-year-old former Steaua Bucharest man was dismissed in the Capital One Cup defeat at Sheffield United and some Saints fear he is a red card risk. "Phew, He was a lucky boy to still be on the pitch [against Arsenal]."

"Bertrand and Clyne out wide are the linchpins of the 3-5-2 system. They have the athleticism and defensive qualities to play as wing-backs." Chelsea loan signing Ryan Bertrand "is our first choice left-back", "He is starting to look like one of the best full-backs in the league."

The 25-year-old "is very one-footed so I am not sure he would do well at right-back", "Bertrand is in the right place here. He plays first team football in the right style of play and is in a good window for international call-ups", "He offers a great attacking threat but wasn't such a threat against Arsenal."

Toby Alderweireld

"Toby is a linchpin of our 3-5-2 system in his role as sweeper", "He was the man-of-the-match against Chelsea. The majority of his work is so efficient that it goes unnoticed", "He's confident on the ball and was not overawed when taking on the likes of Costa, selling him some great dummies."

The 25-year-old Belgium international and Ajax loan signing is "calmness personified", "He's one of the best defenders I have ever seen in a Southampton shirt", "He is by far our best player this season", "If we do sign him permanently, it will be the steal of the summer."

"His natural position is right centre-back, but he has been outstanding as a holding midfielder and his shots are decent", "I thought he lost track of what was behind him at right-back - Cazorla in the first half for his chance and then Sanchez in the second which drew a great save from Forster."

Central Midfield

Several Saints linked their recent poor run with the ineffectiveness of their midfield displays. "There were intricate passing moves which finished with no end-product and us giving the ball away", "The Pochettino syndrome of sideways and backwards passing in the final third was still around."

"James Ward-Prowse should have had a hat-trick against Arsenal. He really, really needs to get better at shooting", "He is a great deep-lying playmaker without doubt, but no goals in 59 games is frankly unacceptable for an attacking midfielder", "Our set-pieces are shocking without the lad."

The 20-year-old youth product "reminds me of a less thuggish Charlie Adam. There is clear technical ability but finding a way to use it is difficult", "JWP's corners are outstanding, but he's not forward-thinking enough to be a number ten or strong enough or much of a tackler to be a holding player."

"Steven Davis has been ropey in recent games. He has been surrendering possession near our box and looked slow in possession", "He was isolated against Chelsea with Schneiderlin and Wanyama tied up on defensive duties, and stuck out of his natural position out wide protecting the right-back."

The 30-year-old Northern Ireland international and ex-Rangers player "has been so much better under Koeman's guidance. He has been the engine of our side", "His touch to set up our second goal against Arsenal was sublime", "His passing however has put team-mates in difficult positions."

"Victor, glorious Victor Wanyama — the man that was criticised last season for poor passing and giving the ball away was a player possessed today. He gave 100% for the team, passed well and flat-out intimidated the Arsenal boys and commitment", "He was immense and the key to our victory."

http://wall.saintsfc.co.uk/Article/953338-Twinkletoes-Wanyama-lights-up-St-Marys

The 23-year-old Kenya international and ex-Celtic player "will be a beast for us this season. The silky skills he has sown and his passive have improved massively", "Wanyama has strength, power, composure, skill, vision and swagger", "He was a colossus on that pitch today. He was phenomenal."

Morgan Schneiderlin

"When you're in trouble as a rule, you just slide the ball to Morgan who sorts it out while making it look as if he has done nothing, because he plays in such a simple way." The 25-year-old France international missed the Arsenal win due to a one-match ban. "We seriously missed him early on."

"Morgan picked up a second yellow card stopping a Chelsea counter-attack", "He can be a car crash waiting to happen with his silly habit of jabbing a foot out when exasperated. He's certainly an accomplished player but needs to be more disciplined to match Fabregas and company."

"Schneiderlin provides us with defensive experience and nous we can draw on", "He won't be staying. He's been pretty clear that he wants out", "He feels he has served his time here and wants to play for a bigger team. If Arsenal let him go to Spurs they are really stupid. He's a perfect fit for them."

Wide Midfield

"We really missed Clyne and Bertrand going forward against Chelsea", "I was worried about the lack of chances we created without them", "I have been a bit worried about the lack of chances we created." Saints invited pressure in the Chelsea game by not offering a sufficient threat out wide.

"We need to stop this experiment of playing strikers out wide. It doesn't provide a goal threat. It just renders them ineffective", "Playing 4-3-3 under Koeman, the wide players occupy more rigid positions which makes interchanging with strikers more difficult."

"What has happened to Dusan Tadic? Early on in the season he demanded the ball all game and now he goes hiding. We need his creative spark." The 26-year-old Serbia international player had been struggling in recent games. "His crossing is poor and he's not the confident player that arrived here."

"Tadic is less of an unknown quantity. Defenders play tighter and more physically with him, not allowing him the time to face them square on." His goal on Thursday against the Gunners raised his confidence and his game. "He was all over Arsenal and looked like the player of two months ago."

Sadio Mane

"What a goal by Mane", "He went for that too. That was not a cross", "How the hell did that go in?" "We're going to miss him at the Africa Cup of Nations." The 22-year-old Senegal international limped off against Arsenal after scoring the opener with a sublime chip and is a doubt for Sunday's Cup game.

Mane had been severely criticised before scoring three goals in three games. "I'm hard pressed to see what he beings to the team. He under or over-hits passes and cannot cross to save his life", "What does he do apart from run fast?" "His end product is League One standard."

"He's going to be a big miss when he goes off to the ACN. I did not think I would be saying that today", "It's hard to believe that it's the same guy who looked so poor against the Blades", "He looked like he didn't play football, and was just very quick."

A change in position has freed him up and transformed his fortunes. "It's great to see Mane being used to play off the striker", "Mane has played well because Koeman has given him a more familiar role to play and he embraced it", "He has been an absolute revelation playing through the middle."

Strikers

"Last season's front three telepathy was built up over time. We can't expect that right away from our new look attack." While there was a lack of chances created against Chelsea, poor finishing was an issue against Arsenal. "We tore Arsenal apart at the back and should have had a hatful."

"We are one goalscorer away from a potential top four. We don't want or need loads of signings to disrupt things", "A decent striker who could provide goals is a must, to offer different options as well as putting pressure on Pelle", "We do need someone to act as an alternative to Pelle."

Shane Long

"Long is a limited player whose work-rate far exceeds his technical ability", "He makes runs to pull centre-backs out of position and stretch them. It is incumbent on midfielders to attack this space through the centre", "He's busy, gets into good positions, but has no touch and can't finish."

"It just looks like an epic waste of money." The 27-year-old Republic of Ireland international and former Hull striker "is a peculiar signing given how Koeman's playing style has emerged", "He is dangerous when we play the ball to his feet in space, but he's not very good at playing football."

"He can't shoot, passes sloppily, can't dribble or take players on." Long has some fans despite the waves of criticism. "He wins more headers than most midgets, never gives opposition defenders a second's breathing space, opens spaces, assists and scores the odd goal", "We all like a trier."

Graziano Pelle

"I'm starting to get a little concerned about Pelle's goalscoring form. He needs one to go in soon to get his confidence back up. He has missed some real sitters recently", "Right on cue — his composure is awful", "The post is like a magnet for his shots. We have zero options when he's not scoring."

"Pelle uses his strength to win the ball and referees are consistently confusing this foul play." The 29-year-old ex-Parma striker "tries too many flicks when he could hold up the ball, allowing others to join in. He lacks composure and snatches at shots far too often", "His initial touch can be poor."

The Italy international is praised for his work-rate. "He battled against two physical centre-backs [against Chelsea] and gave them problems, looking for opportunities to bring in his team-mates. Keep cheering him on with songs and he will grow in self-belief, as he really is a confidence player."

Fringe Players

While we will have half an eye on next week's Derby fixture, Southampton also have an important upcoming Premier League game away to fourth-placed Manchester United. A number of academy products have had recent cameo appearances in the side and might feature against us.

"What is it about our academy and left-backs?" With Bertrand unable to play against his parent club, 19-year-old Matt Targett started against Chelsea. "It was a very composed and mature performance", "There was one run he made in the first half which reminded me of Luke Shaw."

"Targett was clattered early on, but got his breath back, smiled and just got on with the game", "It says a lot that Chelsea went for the other flank after the break", "Matt does need to deliver the ball accurately after defending so well. It's a matter of experience, but he looks a great prospect."

"The boy Jason McCarthy looks quite a prospect. Watch out Nathaniel Clyne." The 19-year-old "has only played a few minutes away to Palace. A start in the Ipswich game is more likely with few other options available to us", "He is a centre-back who is learning his senior trade at right-back."

"Today another player came of age. His name is Harrison Reed", "Arsenal have committed so many fouls on him. They are trying to take him out of the game." The 19-year-old central midfielder replaced the injured Saido Mane just before the break on Thursday.

"Harrison Reed can be very easy to run past, but he offers more of the threat going forward", "He has a great engine and gets up and down the pitch well", "He was impressive and gave us extra bite with his tenacious tackling against Arsenal."

"Lloyd Isgrove looked bright but not outstanding on the wing at Sheffield United [in the Capital One Cup] and might be worth a run in the absence of anyone else." The 21-year-old right-winger hasn't featured in recent league games, but was on the bench on Thursday. "His pace is a weapon and can trouble unwary opponents",

"Jake Hesketh looked lovely with decent runs against Burnley." The 18-year-old attacking midfielder picked up a knee injury in their 1-0 defeat at Turf Moor and is praised for his pace and creativity, running between the lines. "He can pick a pass and isn't afraid to have a dash at defenders."

Saints' Views on ITFC and the Game

"Home to Ipswich", "Yawn", "FFS — utterly dull", "Annoying more than interesting, oh and a bit boring." Some Saints were somewhat underwhelmed when our number came out of the hat when the draw was made. "That'll do - an easily winnable home draw", "A tough but winnable game."

Not everyone agrees we are an easy proposition. "Ipswich are second in the Championship. That is not a soft draw!", "Mick will have them giving it a go to give them a taste of playing in the Premier League", "This is similar to our third round draw with Burnley last season."

There was some praise for Mick. "It will be worth the money to see Mick McCarthy again. He's a great guy who says it as he sees it. He always seems too good for the Championship and not quite good enough for the Premier League."

"If Ipswich get promoted this time let's hope their top management will be a bit more patient and understanding than those dolts he had at Wolves and Sunderland in the past". "You don't get promoted time after time without a reason, like being a bloody good football manager.

"I have a suspicion that McCarthy will make seven or eight changes on Sunday for them. I think they have Derby next which is a big game in the Championship race." Two old boys have been briefly name-checked. "It will be a homecoming for Bialkowski", "And McGoldrick", "Bloody McGoldrick."

"Well chuffed at that price. Well done Saints!", "I'm taking the family to this one thanks to the good value tickets." There has been huge praise both for our take-up of the ticket allocation and to the clubs for setting such reasonable prices for the game.

"Have they sold all those tickets already? That's ridiculously good going!", "Hats off to Ipswich for bringing such good numbers down", "It will comfortably be the biggest away following ever at St Mary's", "That's exceptional support from them. Fair play!"

Websites

The best Southampton forums to visit are The Ugly Inside on FansNetwork and Saintsweb.


Photo: Action Images



Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.



SouperJim added 11:52 - Jan 2
Thank Harry. Really looking forward to the game, I don't care if we field a much-changed side, the atmosphere is going to be leaping and I get the feeling Southampton won't be prepared for the kind of grit and determination we'll show. An upset in the making.
4

yorksblue added 11:55 - Jan 2
Watched them vs Sheff Utd. Hopefully, the same Soton side will turn up on Sun, as they were totally outplayed from start to finish. Will settle for a draw tho, and us to win replay. Don't want to be too greedy.
4

TrabzonBlue added 12:07 - Jan 2
Southampton are a very likeable club and I really hope they edge into the top 4 and show us what they can do in Europe. It is definitely going to be tough afternoon for Town but it ill be interesting to see how some of our players will do against good premier league opposition.
3

ITFC1983 added 12:08 - Jan 2
Great as always Harry. Thanks for all your efforts. :)
1

ParisBlue added 12:09 - Jan 2
The last thing we want is a replay. Win or defeat...
8

Back_The_Boss added 12:42 - Jan 2
The only game we play this season where I will be happy with a loss, albeit a low one. No injuries and a 2-1 defeat would be ideal.
1

Walk_the_Wark added 12:58 - Jan 2
"It will be worth the money to see Mick McCarthy again. He's a great guy who says it as he sees it. He always seems too good for the Championship and not quite good enough for the Premier League."= spot on
-6

irishtim added 14:09 - Jan 2
Walk the Wark. God can you not support the great job Mick is doing on limited funds? You sound like a broken record.
0

warktheline added 14:31 - Jan 2
@irishtim, don't allow negativity to creep in, you've backed the big fella all the way, and rightly so, judging by the last year.
5

BillBlue added 14:39 - Jan 2
That is a really good one Harry so well done, again! I really do not know what to 'feel' about this one, hate to lose to Southampton (I live right among them) but have a strong feeling that this year we would do well to stay away from the Cup. I guess I shall have to just take whatever comes along and feel happy!! Warky, with your 'Spot On' tells me you and I are now in 100% accord.
0

irishtim added 14:40 - Jan 2
@warktheline, we seem to have some supporters who are never happy. Mick building something here. We should be proud. For me Mick doing a fantastic job.
3

warktheline added 14:56 - Jan 2
@irishtim, I guess when some are non stop eating humble pie, it must get sickly. We sit 2nd in the Championship, surely we are all, as Town supporters, extremely happy at present. Happy new year to one and all Town supporters.
3

brian_a_mul added 15:01 - Jan 2
1-0 to Ipswich, S Hunt 90min :)
2

runningout added 21:27 - Jan 2
personally I do give a s*it, and run in the FA cup would be good.. Can't quite get a grip with some views, especially as Southampton are in similar boat
2

TractorBeezer added 00:24 - Jan 3
Thanks a lot Harry...there's some good research here as usual. Sounds like they have some useful forwards that could could cause some problems if we tinker with the defence too much. Having said that our priority is definitely v Derby plus the next 21 league games and we can expect some changes for Sunday.

UTTBs
2

WindsorBlue added 01:12 - Jan 3
@irishtim he irritates me with every comment. It is clearly not welcome. I wonder if WTW has a season ticket, and followed us all over for the last decade of poor football. I have, and can clearly see what MM has achieved at this club, and appreciate every moment of it. COYBs, a cup run would be nice, but I do sence a bit of hesitancy, as I'm sure everyone would prefer a win over derby...but winning breeds winning! Oh how I love this season! If we were to get through this one, we could get a few mediocre draws and see wembley this season...much rather it in the cup than playoffs!!
7

Garv added 14:02 - Jan 3
Buzzing an understatement!
2

paulthebluealien added 18:30 - Jan 3
Good people, don't let this moron walk_the_walk annoy you - he is clearly just a very angry soul. I have been supporting Town for around 11 years now - since I was about 8, and this is by far the best Ipswich have been since Joe Royle.
I for one have nothing but respect for McCarthy and TC for turning a club that was never going forwards but only backwards.

As for the game tomorra, I'll be there and I cannot wait.
4

BluedanW added 19:30 - Jan 3
Ons of their fans called wolves and Sunderland management "dolts" for sacking mccarthy too quickly. Didnt Nigel Adkins get the same teatment from their management?
0

TrumptonBlue added 19:43 - Jan 3
They may well think their own management are dolts as well but, given that Adkins was replaced by Pocchetino and then Koeman and the club have gone from strength to strength, I'd say it was a good call.
0

Vancouver_Blue added 20:46 - Jan 3
Thanks Harry for the, as always, excellent preview.

Will be watching from my bedroom in Vancouver
2

BlueandTruesince82 added 22:25 - Jan 3
I like soton hope the do wenger out of 4th place this year. Biggest away following ever at st marys? Fair play to all 5.5k of you.
1


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