LEYTON ORIENT NEXT VICTIMS?

Can we keep this superb run of ours going? With injuries again likely to change the squad selected for this game how will we start? Do we now have enough to steam roller all but the very best teams?

Someone, somewhere, is due a real thrashing from Saints and I reckon Orient are going to the be the unfortunate recipients on Saturday. Confidence is high - it must be after recent results and coming back from a bad first half and a goal down on Saturday - and Orient aren't that great.

Ihope you are right. Don't want to underestimate Orient.

We will win

one of our lot could bag a hatrick in the next few games

lambert, lallana, conolly and papa all seem likely to score every game

Think with the atmosphere we will generate with over 3000 fans there they will treat like a cup match so I think it might be closer than we might think but still see saints winning, 2-0 with a professional performance. Will be interesting if AP sticks with 4 5 1 or go 4 4 2. I like 4 4 2 but Connolly and Antonio look like being great impact players so wont be to worried about starting formation

Got a feeling we will surprise you

L J, you may well surprise us. However the way we are playing at the moment we will be scared of nobody. I have fond memories of Orient and their various other names by which they have been known. Unfortunately I don't make many away games nowadays so shall miss the atmosphere that you can sometimes get there. Could be a good gate with our lot and hopefully a good game.
I still expect us to win and probably by 2 goals which seems to be our norm.

Orient may will give us a good game but I really think we'll be far too strong for them, even without Connolly and Hammond, who are both injury doubts, according to the Echo.

I'm a little bit wary that we are now expecting to win rather than just hoping. Shows how things have changed I suppose but I hope the players aren't thinking in that way - we all know what over confidence and underestimating opponents has done in the past!

I do hope that Hammond can play. He seems to be an essential cog in our machine.

We are going to win this game

Clint Westwood wrote:I'm a little bit wary that we are now expecting to win rather than just hoping. Shows how things have changed I suppose but I hope the players aren't thinking in that way - we all know what over confidence and underestimating opponents has done in the past!

It would be just like Saints to go there and get turned over just when we all think that we're on a roll, but something tells me that things have changed and this isn't like the Saints of old. However, that doesn't alter the fact that I never feel safe until the final whistle, even if we were 5-0 up with 2 minutes to go...
If the team go there and stick to the game plan of recent weeks (forgetting the first half of the MK Dons game) we'll be another three points better off.

Even the MK Dons were wondering how they led at half time. We dominated in a way but the second half was all about our strengths and not weaknesses. The ever improving performances is the reason we are expectantly waiting for more good news.

This could be a test this weekend of the squad and the resolve of the players. If Hammond doesnt play think he will be missed but that gives others a chance. I would bring in Thomas at RB and plays James in midfield if no Hammond. Alternative would still have Lallana, Scheneiderlin, Wotton and Mellis for midfield with Papa or Antonio probably used as wide player to start. Can probably take a risk with Connolly on the bench as would only need to use if we were behind.

Comfortable win if Hammond plays, a closer game if he doesnt which will be typical as will be there! I'd love an easy win but not many of those around and Orient players will want to make amends for last weeks defeat and seem to have a number of their better players coming back to fitness.

Lot of sense there Matty. Some of us may be getting a bit carried away. I still think that we will beat the O's but that we may have to fight for it. We do seem better prepared for a fight now though,than we have been over the last few seasons. All in all I wouldn't be at all surprised if we do a number on them but will be just as happy with a single goal hard fought win..

Yep its the three points that matter , above all else.

Off to catch the train to London, Orient here we come!!

There's going to be over 3000 Saints fans there. Should be a good atmosphere for those going. Hopefully it'll mean that the team are lifted by them like they were at Saafend the other week.

Connolly is definitely out, with a thigh strain, but Hammond is fit.

I wish Solent would make their minds up, Connolly is on the subs bench. Team is unchanged. Good times...

Slightly Very dodgy start. We are 1-0 down. Bang goes the clean sheet a couple of minutes in.

WAKE UP SAINTS FFS!!

We are doing all the attacking now as we look for the equaliser.

I still think we'll get a point or three from this, we sound totally dominant. I'm not (that) worried about the outcome, although it's annoying to concede at least a goal every game. According to Dave Merrington, on Solent, Saints just don't look bothered about conceding these days, which is good to hear.

All action game with both teams having chances. Saints edging it.