Southampton vs Aston Villa pre-match scran

[Smithy]

Looks like Watkins is going to have to start.

And if he's still injured, or rolls his ankle again, who plays up front? Do we play the false nine formation?

[brontebilly]

Looks like Watkins is going to have to start.

And if he's still injured, or rolls his ankle again, who plays up front? Do we play the false nine formation?

He's back fit and training ahead of Saturday anyway. Better option away from home anyway. Cover is light for sure, let's hope he remains a resilient sort. Not ideal having both Archer and Davis out on loan (not exactly sure if Davis is effectively gone). Would be ideal game time for Archer until end of season with us.

[eamonn]

I wonder if Emery regrets allowing Archer out on loan now. Bailey needs to keep chipping-in regularly now with goals and Watkins just needs to start scoring full stop!

[LeeB]

Win and we probably draw level on points with Liverpool or Chelsea (both 3 points ahead and playing each other Saturday). We are then looking at getting past Brentford, Brighton, and Fulham- we play all three in the final 7 games along with turned soft again Tottenham presently sitting 5th.

One of those 6 teams mentioned above will have a good run and we don't get past them unless we have an incredible run of results.

With a fair wind I think we could finish 6th this season - that would represent a return to the MON levels and finally putting to bed a 13 year hangover he left us with.
Maybe I'm being a bit too optimistic ? If we win on Saturday, would you bet against us ?

I do like your optimism, but I fear we are not ready yet and far to inconsistent in our performance to make a play for Europe
Obviously, I hope I’m wrong, but a top half finish is where I think we’ll be

I agree mate

[Small Rodent]

I wonder if Emery regrets allowing Archer out on loan now. Bailey needs to keep chipping-in regularly now with goals and Watkins just needs to start scoring full stop!

I doubt it, I expect the Ings sale was in the planning.

[LeeB]

Maybe Keinan's coming home

[Hookeysmith]

Maybe Keinan's coming home

Yep - the medical staff have really missed him

[Toronto Villa]

Southampton fans have breathed a sigh of relief with Ings not scoring against them on Saturday.

[Hookeysmith]

On line links to Dembele? All I know is he played for Fulham previously

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Looks like Watkins is going to have to start.

It's certainly looking that way. What a miss mess!

[VILLA MOLE]

Maybe we will become the new Man City playing no actual striker 👀

[eamonn]

False numbers 9 and 10. More bang for you buck.

[john e]

Maybe we will become the new Man City playing no actual striker 👀

Let’s face it with Watkins, we’ve been playing that system most of the season

[Clampy]

Maybe we will become the new Man City playing no actual striker 👀

Let’s face it with Watkins, we’ve been playing that system most of the season

You don't like Watkins do you? You could have mentioned it.

[clash city rocker]

Remember years ago Sir Ron played John Robson up front for one game. Fair to say he didn't do it again.