JJB
New member
Truely, one of the worst footballing teams i've seen at st mary's. I have never seen a team play so direct. Everytime the full backs got the ball it was long to Carew, the midfield for all their prowess, never touched the ball. Individually they are very very good and you could see that on occasion, however Fonte and Hooiveld had 90% of the long balls under control, and West Ham rarely threatend. You will be able to pass it around them and keep possesion, however how will you fair against their style of play?
I don't know much about the ability of your defenders, however at the back end of last season the ones that played against us seemed to struggle when we put balls through the air and big powerful players.
This is what is behind their tactics. They are a very big side and made us look small (we're no small side). Their CB's are both very strong and physical, Papa Bouba Diop is a tank, Nolan isn't small same with Lansbury. Piquionne and Carew are both well over 6ft and the latter very strong with his hold up play.
If your back four are able to deal with the constant barrage of long balls and your players can deal with their very physical style of play and not get intimidated by them, I think you could sneak a result here.
However, like I said, it all hinges on your defence and your ability to deal with long balls and set pieces. How do you think you will get on?
Genuine post, not looking to incite anything.
I don't know much about the ability of your defenders, however at the back end of last season the ones that played against us seemed to struggle when we put balls through the air and big powerful players.
This is what is behind their tactics. They are a very big side and made us look small (we're no small side). Their CB's are both very strong and physical, Papa Bouba Diop is a tank, Nolan isn't small same with Lansbury. Piquionne and Carew are both well over 6ft and the latter very strong with his hold up play.
If your back four are able to deal with the constant barrage of long balls and your players can deal with their very physical style of play and not get intimidated by them, I think you could sneak a result here.
However, like I said, it all hinges on your defence and your ability to deal with long balls and set pieces. How do you think you will get on?
Genuine post, not looking to incite anything.