Southampton Banter Archive August 23 2013

23 Aug 2013 15:22:34
Just a few thoughts about the defense for our first home game of the season. Prior to last week, I think most Saints fans would have wanted Yoshida to partner Lovren, but obviously due to the International friendlies, Maya was away - crazy!

So going into the game this week who do you want to partner Lovren? Also given Callum Chambers remarkable debut, would you want him to start ahead of Clyne?

My own feelings on these matters? Statistically Jose Fonte was the best central defender in the Premier League (according to Squawka), so while I prefer Maya, how can he be replaced?
As for Chambers, he has a huge advantage over Clyne with regards to his height, and feel that again, he has earned the right to start due to his excellent performance.

Potentially with both of these players being replaced on Saturday, I think it highlights how strong a squad we now have, and vindicates the position not to buy another RB.

Think Squawka may have this a little bit wrong. I watched every game last season and as much as I admire Jose I don't really see how he could possibly be in front of several other centre backs. I am sure you know he is not the complete package but still sounds good.

Can't see MP changing his CBs from last week (Fonte was MOTM by many "experts"). MP has already stated Chambers will need to be managed to avoid over playing but I think he will play another game or two and then Clyne can take over for a while and ease Chambers back in as necessary.

Saint Martin

Think he means just last week not season

I was surprised too! lol but he had more defensive actions than any other player with 22.

Think same starting XI from WBA with osvaldo on bench

I think he will play Osvaldo from the start and leave J Rod on the bench. I think Poch thinks that Osvaldo will scare a few of them. Fear of the unknown from Sunderland's point of view if you know what I mean. Still tickets available can't believe it.

23 Aug 2013 09:52:27
I've just a got a sneaky suspicion that we might end up with another signing before the transfer window is out.

Nothing to substantiate this but it wouldn't surprise me if Poch and Mourinho have put something together already so that Lukaku joins us if Rooney heads to Chelski. Lukaku has continually stated that he wants first team football during this world cup year.

Very very wishful thinking on my behalf but stranger things have happened but here's hoping because that front three would be awesome.

We Don't need Lukaku now.

I guess the MoPo presser has left room for more speculation. While saying that he was happy with his squad, and that there were no more planned signings. He did imply that they were watching the market closely.

I presume that this means one of Saints targets could become available dependent upon signings, and Saints are prepared to jump.

As Saints fans we shouldn't expect any more players in this window, but one thing is for certain, Saints are already scouting players for next summer.

No disrespect but have you been drinking?

No way will it be Lukaku-he would have no more chance of 1st team football at Saints than Chelsea.

I believe there will be at least one more signing but more likely to be AM or left sided CB.

Saint Martin

Mourinho: 'I want a 22-player squad. If somebody comes, somebody leaves. We don't need to sell, loan probably yes. "
If Wilian comes in that will mean its pretty unlikely Lukaku would get first team football.
I think he would be a great fit and would be bale to play out on the right.
He destroyed us last year.
Like I said earlier it only wishful thinking. The squad is great at the moment and there have been no links to him anywhere that I can find. Would be a great signing though.

Sorry cyprussaint, but the fact is Lukaku would now struggle to play each week at Saints-the same as at Chelsea-so what is in it for him? Chelsea will have more rotational need for him, so a no brainer for him to stay-or to leave and join a team where he would be 1st choice.

Saint Martin

No worries saint martin, just my thoughts and this is what this page is about. Will wait and see what happens over the coming weeks.

Well, what has happened (according to comments from Chelsea in the press today) is that Lukaku has been told he will be staying at Chelsea this season. I feel they have hopes he will become a new Drogba, but he needs to improve his finishing to get anywhere near that comparison.

Saint Martin

23 Aug 2013 00:45:58
Big Victor Waynama will be a standout in premiership, Southampton fans enjoy him this year, next year he be at 1 of the top four guaranteed

Glad to see other fans realising that Saints will be top 4 next year - Thanks

Guys, let's not get ahead of ourselves, and look at what is in front of us. Man City, Man Utd, and Chelski all have exceptional squads. Tottenham are now getting close, then you have Arsenal, who have qualified for the Champ League since before the dawn of mankind.

That's an extremely strong top 6, and I'm ignoring both LiverPuddle, and the Toffees. I think that potentially this is where we will be sitting in the league, from 7th to 8th, but from there next year to get into the top 4, when there will be 6 teams challenging will be a really tough ask.

Either way, it will be an hugely exciting ride.

I agree St Chris, its going to be hard to break into that group. Think Everton might drop away a little and Liverpool/Spurs get stronger. That said we have a first 11 to scare most teams now and would expect to take points of every team at home.

Think the 'top 4' post was just responsive banter to the OP. Wonder if the OP was one of those Celtic fans who, like Ed016, said Wanyame would never join us.