Southampton v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread - Friday 5th November 8pm

[Smithy]

There seems to be a lot of optimism about Sanson. Has he improved that much whilst hardly playing this season? It's always possible, although he's had fewer than 45 minutes in the first team this season (and OK, he was OK).

I think much of that optimism comes from the fact that when he did play - against Chelsea in the cup - he looked the best player on the pitch for the 35 or so minutes until he got injured.  That, for me, is reason enough to be optimistic about what he can bring to the side.  The optimism might ultimately be mistplaced, but it's not based on 'nothing'.

[Ian.]

There seems to be a lot of optimism about Sanson. Has he improved that much whilst hardly playing this season? It's always possible, although he's had fewer than 45 minutes in the first team this season (and OK, he was OK).

I think much of that optimism comes from the fact that when he did play - against Chelsea in the cup - he looked the best player on the pitch for the 35 or so minutes until he got injured.  That, for me, is reason enough to be optimistic about what he can bring to the side.  The optimism might ultimately be mistplaced, but it's not based on 'nothing'.

Also he’s proven his ability elsewhere before signing for us.

[john e]

There seems to be a lot of optimism about Sanson. Has he improved that much whilst hardly playing this season? It's always possible, although he's had fewer than 45 minutes in the first team this season (and OK, he was OK).

He played fine at Chelsea after 6 months out. I know it wasn't their strongest team but was still probably better in some areas than what Southampton will put out.

If he's not happy then give him a chance to show he's as good as he thinks he is. We have to anyway, guy cost 15m so don't think the owners will approve if we're signing players for those prices and move them on without barely starting a game. You can get away with doing that to likes of Engels and Gulibert as 5-7m is hardly anything in modern football. Both also had plenty of starts in first half of 19/20 season aswell.

He looked a proper player that night
it Was his best performance in the few games he’s in played so far
So based solely on this I’m still hopeful that after all his setbacks we have a good midfield option in him

[Steve67]

Whatever midfield we select, it isn't strong enough.  Attack is the way to go until January, when Smith realises all along that the key thing missing is a unit, like Romeu.  I'm going bold, 0-0. 

[PaulWinch again]

I think Sanson might be a good player. I hope he can stay injury free now.

[ozzjim]

He was being looked at by Moyes at West Ham the summer before for £28-£30m. There is a player in him, it is finding some fitness and getting him out there consistently. Trouble is he is too similar to McGinn and Ramsey in stature. I hope he gets on the pitch and saves Smith's job for him with a string of excellent displays.

[OzVilla]

I don't think it's an exaggeration to say, on a personal level at least,  this is the most important game in DS's managerial career. I think if he loses he'll be given his cards and he'd struggle to have too many complaints.

So an entertaining 2-2 draw that leaves a 'will they or wont they' scenario.

[Drummond]

Happy Matchday everyone. At least I really, really hope it is!

[algy]

I don't think this is quite the decisive game that others do for Smith, but he needs to get something from the next three games (Soton, Brighton, Palace). To me, a 4 game losing streak is par for the course for any team even in to the European places ... an 8-9 game losing streak, however, going to get you the sack at any club, bar one expecting to be anchored to the bottom of the table.

[Nunkin1965]

I was told once that the magic figure for getting the boot was eight with win so Deano has a few more games to go yet!

[wince]

To me this is a must win. Need to recover our season

[Hookeysmith]

IF everyone was fit (and i know they are not) but i would be dropping the seemingly undroppable McGinn

His losing of the ball with sloppy passing is costing us every game

I would like to see a 3 of Luiz / Nakamba / Sanson given a go with Nakamba holding

[Bad English]

Where is the poll please?

[sickbeggar]

I don't think this is quite the decisive game that others do for Smith, but he needs to get something from the next three games (Soton, Brighton, Palace). To me, a 4 game losing streak is par for the course for any team even in to the European places ... an 8-9 game losing streak, however, going to get you the sack at any club, bar one expecting to be anchored to the bottom of the table.

yeah its still pretty close at this point with us being 6 points off 7th and a win puts us roughly where we ended last season. Hardly an insurmountable gap. I think its more the manner of the defeats and the 11 goals conceded in 4 games that's getting people twitchy.

[Hookeysmith]

I think McGinn is one card away from a suspension so i assume that will be tonights game to collect it.

Sometimes change is driven by thin gs like this for the better