UP FOR THE CUP AGAIN.....

Away to Millwall in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday. With a new manager can we do better in the cups this season....and do we want success in the Cups?

The draw for Round 3 gives Saints a visit to Arsenal. Oh well, a confidence boost if we get through that one......

It would be nice if we could spring a surprise but I think the main hope must be that we avoid injury to any first-teamers and that they will be fit for Saturday. I agree with your post on another thread Matty that it could be a good idea to rest Pelle, the only problem is I think we need him playing if we are to stand a chance of beating Arsenal. Maybe if he needs resting on Saturday, Long, Tadic and Mane up front could be enough to take care of QPR.

I think Long and Tadic could give Arsenal some problems though agree Pelle probably would cause more problems in the air for them. Maybe play him first half only?

It seems we gave a fantastic display to win at Arsenal.   The commentator on Radio5Live and the guy watching the game on Sky both said great things about Saints..... at last we seem to be getting due recognition.

Things said like.....

Terrific game, Arsenal played well but Southampton played better.

All the Southampton team were magnificent, there was no weak link.

The lad Targett was outstanding, where do Southampton keep finding these left backs?

Wenger must wish he had midfield players like Schneiderlin and Wanyama to choose from.

Heaps of praise for the front line of Pelle, Mane and Tadic.

The strength and stature of central defenders Fonte and Gardos will make things difficult for many teams' attacks.

If they continue to play like this regularly, there is not a team in the League that Southampton cannot match.


The only (sort of) criticism was that Saints could and should have won 1-4 or 1-5 and not just 1-2, but our finishing was not clinical enough.

Another top result.

We did allow arsenal a few chances which Forster proved his worth, would like a home draw next, Bournemouth or Fulham

Next round away to Stoke City.

http://uk.soccerway.com/news/2014/October/26/koeman-eyes-league-cup-momentum/

I wouldn't mind too much if Saints go out........what would worry me most about it would be ending the run of wins. Got a feeling that we have much more chance of a win at Hull next weekend if it comes after a win on Wednesday. I'm thinking that the coming week is going to be a story of 2 wins or 2 defeats.

Here's to positivity Mike ... and two wins. But of course, one never knows.

Well said Pete, lets me a bit more positive Mike. Not sure about tonight's game as think Stoke will be all out for a win or their season could be seen as a long struggle, could see going to extra time with just the odd goal separating and genuinely think could go either way.

For Hull think will be a draw, which is not bad result when they drew at Liverpool

Great to get the win, another brace from Pelle and good to see Shane Long's name on the scoresheet.....we seemed to dominate the first half but shouldn't have let them get back to 2-2. Still all's well that end's well.

Next round away to Sheffield United.

Well disappointing another away game but guess rather away to Sheffield than home to Chelsea, get through this and maybe Bournemouth in the semi? Still a few weeks to this game so injuries/suspensions could come into play

did think about going but mid week is a real pain for me with work, still wonder how many will be with me and mate at Burnley!!

whether or not this is a good time to be playing this game. It's a chance to get a good win (even if only against League 1 opposition) and that could give us confidence to get back to winning ways. The trouble is that at the moment I am having problems imagining Saints beating a team of any level.........lose this one and surely the team will be thoroughly demoralised.

No Pelle through suspension, hope Koeman doesn't rely on Mayuka! At least it means Pelle gets his suspension over without missing a league game.

With Pelle out then he must start Long as CF, maybe Mane can do something against lower league opposition but suspect the physical side will scare him to death. Would expect Hesketh to start again if fit but again could be tough game for him. Wonder if Gardos will come in as has played in other games and think he may well try some youngsters so expect

Forster
Cline Gardos Fonte Targett

Mane Davis JWP Hesketh

Long Mayuka

subs Davis Bertrand Toby, Tadic, Yoshida, Reed, Isgrove

Interesting team selection from you Matty..........but I can't see Koeman trusting Davis and JWP as the defensive midfielders.

With apologies to Vera Lynn.....


We'll win again, don't know where don't know when, but I know we'll win again one sunny day

Ipswich on Sunday could be a tough one I think. Hopefully Saints can get through......although I am starting to think we could just possibly finish the season in the top 4, and a busy cup run could hamper that.