Saturday 19 March 2016

PREVIEW: Southampton v Liverpool

Unavailable: Southampton – Gardoş, Rodriguez, Austin
                       Liverpool – Lucas, Stewart, Ings, Gomez, Milner


Shortly after the ball skimmed off Divock Origi’s head to nestle into the back of Maarten Stekelenburg’s net in early December to confirm that Liverpool had ravaged Southampton, referee Bobby Madley concluded affairs at St Mary’s. Long-time resident of the PA room Justin then had a tough decision. Oh, what to bang on after your side has just been mauled? Gallows humour? Maybe “Beautiful Day” would’ve fit the bill. No, Justin opted for “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke – a bizarre finish to a bizarre game.

It was an outlier and an anomaly. While Saints have had an up-and-down campaign, this game would be represented by a cross far off the beaten track on the scatter graph. This is because it goes down as one of the few occasions when Ronald Koeman has well and truly misjudged a situation to catastrophic effect, as the Dutchman later admitted. It had been heralded as an evening when Jürgen Klopp’s tactics were the deciding factor in such a scoreline. Yet while his men were incisive in the second half, the home defence was more porous than a crumpet with a vast array of Saints attackers stranded upfield as Koeman elected to adopt a gung-ho approach. One of the centre-backs that evening was in fact Steven Caulker whose display rivalled that of Alan Bennett’s against Palace in 2007. Although Klopp was evidently so enthralled that he made that sure that the Reds acquired the defender in what has to be one of the more curious calls that the German has made during his brief tenure at Anfield.

Once again, all eyes will be fixed on another ex-Saint though – Adam Lallana. In last season’s encounter at St Mary’s, he was hounded due to the misguided manner in which he departed – and it evidently surprised the midfielder. Perhaps it finally dawned on him that a goodbye should not be said with a photo of a celebration in which he pointed to the back of his shirt. It lacked class. It lacked that personal touch that Rickie Lambert found so effortlessly with a mere letter – not buying a page in the Echo. Nevertheless, the taunting became more vociferous in December. Lallana discovered a way to thrive on it during that game, and it may be time to merely treat him as any other visiting player. The witch hunt distracts people from the game, and after all, it should be quite a spectacle.

The win at Stoke was particularly pleasing and sets Koeman’s men up perfectly for this encounter. They carved out a multitude of chances – two of which Graziano Pellè gleefully tucked away – and then showed admirable resolve, led by Virgil van Dijk who was a mature leader in the absence of José Fonte in the backline. With Victor Wanyama back with a definite point to prove, and Dušan Tadić and Shane Long flanking Pellè, Liverpool’s often shaky defence can be breached. The race for Europa League seems to be a free-for-all with many clubs still vying for qualification. The Reds have games in hand, and Saints need to edge ahead of the chasing pack. Seventh place may not be enough this time round…


Key Battles


Pellè v Sakho: That age-old saying regarding the frequency of buses wouldn’t be adequate to describe the end to Graziano Pellè’s goal drought last Saturday. It was not just the two goals which were impressive though – one of which Jack Butland really should have saved – it was the general impact the Italian had on the game. He thrived on battling against Ryan Shawcross et al, and proved that he could be the man to lead the Saints attack with his hold-up play that allowed his side to break promptly and smoothly. He is often criticised for a lack of running, and of course, his tantrums that can go for several minutes when his arms are thrown up, coupled with a look of anguish that would not be out of place in the theatre. Yet he should not need to run (within reason). If the service into his feet or head is satisfactory, the Italian will bring others into play or finish chances. If this is done correctly on Sunday, he could have a field day against Mamadou Sakho whose playing career has regressed significantly since moving from PSG where he was a promising young player. He is often weak, and lackadaisical in his positioning. The Saints striker should tussle with Liverpool’s centre-backs – they are undoubtedly Klopp’s biggest concern.

Wanyama v Firmino: Victor Wanyama finally returns this Sunday after being sat on the naughty step once again for failing to contain his frustration. Oriol Romeu has impressed in his absence, and has been consistent – something that the Kenyan has not been able to find throughout this season. If both were playing at their peak, Wanyama would get the nod as he has the ability to be a force of nature. But how often does this actually occur? Not nearly enough. Nevertheless, Ronald Koeman will inevitably bring him back in again for this one, as he has done in the past. He will have to control Roberto Firmino who has impressed since arriving from Hoffenheim last summer. The Brazilian is not gifted with pace, but has excellent positional sense, and quick feet, therefore Wanyama has to remain calm and diligent. The time has come for him to prove his worth.

Possible Line-ups


Southampton: Forster – Soares, Fonte (C), Van Dijk, Bertrand – Wanyama, Clasie, S. Davis – Long, Tadić – Pellè

Stekelenburg, Yoshida, Mané, Romeu, Martina, Ward-Prowse, Juanmi

Liverpool: Mignolet – Flanagan, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno – Lallana, Henderson (C), Can, Coutinho – Firmino – Origi

Ward, Clyne, Touré, Benteke, Sturridge, Allen, Ibe

Thursday 10 March 2016

PREVIEW: Stoke v Southampton

Unavailable: Stoke – Bardsley, Johnson, Wilson
                       Southampton – Gardoş, Rodriguez, Wanyama, Austin, Fonte

Low on confidence. Check. Missing key players. Check. Only firing on about one cylinder. Check. Yes, it is just about the worst time that Southampton could rock up to the Britannia. In another turn this season (in fact a rather predictable one as Saints’ form has yo-yoed like West Brom in the 2000s), Ronald Koeman’s men are now struggling once again. Within the space of a week after a narrow and unlucky loss to Chelsea, Saints suffered from a lack of fight at Bournemouth, and a lack of ingenuity against Sunderland.

Of course, one does not simply tiptoe through a Sam Allardyce side – that privilege has to be earned through doing the hard graft. That part was achieved successfully. With Jordy Clasie back in the team alongside Oriol Romeu with Steven Davis in front, there was plenty of hustle and bustle in the engine room, but when it came down to it, the necessary spark deserted Saints. The home fans only woke up after Fraser Forster misjudged a free-kick that rattled the post such was the lack of anything at all happening on the pitch in the first half. In fact, their side only really stirred in the final five minutes after José Fonte had been dismissed, and Jermain Defoe had ever so predictably knicked a goal. The equaliser was actually of a very high standard. Stoppage time levellers are usually of poor quality – a ball lumped long and someone prodding it home (à la Papa Waigo’s effort in the dying embers of the JPT Area semi-final), but the build-up was intricate, and it was an extremely satisfactory moment when Virgil van Dijk leathered the ball past Vito Mannone.

So what were these newfound problems? To start with, after an excellent return, Forster has suffered from a lack of confidence with regards to indecision after Chelsea’s equaliser a fortnight ago. The invincibility he felt running through his veins for a month or so has left him. But that will return – with time – the England international has endured a real ordeal over the last year, and it was remarkable in the manner that he came back to create a club record.

The main issue last Saturday was the lopsided nature of the formation. Koeman had evidently put his side into a 4-2-3-1, but while Dušan Tadić operated effectively on the left touchline, Sadio Mané often stood just to the right of Davis who was in the No 10 role. In the first-half, the Senegalese was also extremely languid (but at least he perked up in the second period). This meant that little came from that wing, while Ryan Bertrand and Tadić were the only players who were having any sort of joy. Davis playing in the hole also poses problems. While he is an accomplished, tidy player who is superb as the third central-midfielder (and is only behind Van Dijk for Player of the Season currently); he lacks the driving, incisive presence which is required. Meanwhile, Graziano Pellè put in a decent shift, but still couldn’t link up sufficiently with his team-mates on a number of occasions. Unfortunately, you just get the feeling that his Saints career is fizzling out…

So. Much to be fixed before this Saturday, and a trip to the Potteries. Stoke have been impressive this season if not pretty inconsistent. While their spine remains strong and durable, their attacking flair is entrancing. Saints will have to be firm, and clever when breaking. A pacey counter attack could unlock the home defence – especially with Shane Long running in behind.

Key Battles


Diouf v Yoshida: Maya Yoshida is more than capable of being a solid enough replacement centre-back. If Florin Gardoş comes back with some accomplished performances, then the two can battle it out to be centre-back no 3, but the criticism fired at the Japanese is far too harsh. Slow on the turn he may be, but he is a lot more competent than most give him credit for. He is just simply not a full-back, and should never, ever be played there – unless in a complete emergency. On Saturday, he will have an opportunity in his natural position with José Fonte suspended. Mame Biram Diouf is an awkward customer blessed with pace and power, but Yoshida just needs to track his movement carefully, and if caught out over the top, then his communication with Virgil van Dijk will need to be on point.

Imbula v Clasie: Saints were heavily linked with Giannelli Imbula as a potential Morgan Schneiderlin replacement in the summer, but Ronald Koeman opted for compatriot Jordy Clasie, while Imbula went to Porto, and flopped – badly. Stoke snapped him up quickly at an affordable price before his stock rose again, and it was smart recruiting from the Potters. The Frenchman is incisive and powerful, and has the ability to dominate the midfield. This Saturday, Clasie will have to vindicate Koeman’s decision. The Dutchman is improving gradually, and has now shown that he is tough in the tackle, yet he is still not picking the ball up and dictating play. Stoke will be a harsh acid test of how far he has come in adjusting to the rigours of the Premier League.

Possible Line-ups


Stoke: Butland – Cameron, Shawcross (C), Wollscheid, Pieters – Imbula, Adam – Shaqiri, Bojan, Arnautović – Diouf

Haugaard, Muniesa, Whelan, Joselu, Afellay, Walters, Crouch

Southampton: Forster – Martina, Van Dijk, Yoshida, Bertrand – Romeu, Clasie, S. Davis (C) – Long, Mané – Pellè

Stekelenburg, Soares, Tadić, Ward-Prowse, Reed, Juanmi, Olomola

Thursday 3 March 2016

PREVIEW: Southampton v Sunderland

Unavailable: Southampton – Gardoş, Rodriguez, Wanyama, Austin, Long
                       Sunderland – Cattermole, Watmore, Lens

When asked about last season’s 8-0 mauling of Sunderland at St Mary’s by the club’s in-house media, Ronald Koeman responded by stating that his side will face a sterner test on Saturday. Well, you’re not wrong Ronald. That implosion from the Black Cats on the South Coast was as lacklustre a display as you’re going to see in the Premier League – from anyone. Even the Sunderland side of 2005-06, who grabbed an embarrassing tally of 15 points would have given that side a run for its money – poor Kelvin Davis is still probably reaching for a nightlight every time he thinks about that season in the wee hours, given that he was tasked with unenviable challenge of trying to save that team.

No, this will be a very different occasion. There will be no Gus Poyet in the away dugout. No Dick Advocaat who also departed after a mere six months or so in the North East. It will be Sam Allardyce stood in his technical area, barking out orders so vociferously that he may well spit his chewing gum into the Kingsland. When Southampton narrowly edged Sunderland out at the Stadium of Light in early November, the former Bolton boss’ work had only just commenced. Four months down the line and the Black Cats are a different outfit – professional and primed to escape the drop once again. More than anything else, they seem to have discovered a key element of bite in their game – not the illegal kind that Lee Cattermole seems so delighted to unapologetically administer, but the type that asks a question of the often higher-placed opposition that knocks off them off their perch, and onto a level playing field with the Black Cats.

It is a fate that Southampton know about all too well after an evening of trauma at Dean Court, leading to a witty retort from the home crowd that Saints resembled Pompey. While it was certainly not that bad, it heavily echoed the Midtjylland defeat, and Koeman freely acknowledged that he had wrongly placed his faith in a style that was too gung-ho. The midfield was simply flattened by Harry Arter and Andrew Surman, leaving Bournemouth with ample opportunity to fire the ball into the box. Even when Steven Davis came on, Saints struggled to get their foot on the ball with James Ward-Prowse having one of his ineffective days, and the front three wandering aimlessly due to a distinct lack of service.

It was a disappointing, disjointed display, and Koeman will have to consider that midfield battle once more. Jordy Clasie should return to the fold to partner Oriol Romeu to reprise his role as little terrier in the engine room, while Steven Davis will also probably get the nod to restore some fluidity to the team. Whoever triumphs in the centre of the park could well emerge as the victor, and it may be as much a battle of steel as anything else.

Key Battles


Soares v Khazri: Wahbi Khazri will not be the man to continuously dust his studs with chalk, as he is most certainly not a traditional winger. While Cédric Soares was continuously bombarded by left-back Charlie Daniels who would race to the byline at any opportunity the other night, the Tunisian is a different proposition. He will jink, and attempt every trick in the book to bamboozle the right-back to his core, and the Portuguese will have to be prepared as the attacker has a keen eye for a clever reverse pass. While at Bordeaux, he was a shining light in a distinctly average side, and he should be watched carefully by Soares. He must be cautious if he embarks on his trademark lung busting runs up the right channel.

Pellè v Koné: Another import from Ligue 1, the centre-back has performed well in spite of naysayers’ doubt regarding a lack of Premier League nous in a relegation scrap. Since he has sat alongside John O’Shea, his new side have not haemorrhaged goals as they did previously. He should have an interesting clash with the returning Graziano Pellè who will have an opportunity due to the absence of both Charlie Austin and Shane Long. The Italian’s hold-up play has not been of the required standard in recent appearances, and he will need to spearhead the side well if Saints are to regain momentum in the battle for a Europa League spot.

Possible Line-ups


Southampton: Forster – Soares, Van Dijk, Fonte (C), Bertrand, Targett – Romeu, Clasie, S. Davis – Tadić – Pellè

Stekelenburg, Yoshida, Mané, Martina, Ward-Prowse, Reed, Juanmi

Sunderland: Mannone – Yedlin, Koné, Kaboul, Van Aanholt – Kirchoff – N’Doye, M’Vila, Rodwell, Khazri – Defoe

Pickford, Jones, Larsson, Borini, Matthews, O’Shea, Toivonen