Southampton

[Fez of Mahrez]

How deliciously ironic that it's their potential failure we're turning to for hope.

Southampton, who we have surrendered meekly to three times this season. The only goal we have scored against them in those three games was a brilliant goal from 30 yards scored by an Academy player who then only made two more starts all season (both in the ill-fated "Kaebi games" at Ipswich and Hull).

These three games sum up the types of defeat we've had this season very neatly;

Firstly, dropped points at home in 2007. Between the infamous Watford game and Christmas, we won just one game at home. The Southampton home game also signalled an early end to the optimism of the early Holloway days when we won at Bristol City and battered Cardiff in an unfortunate 0-0 draw. Starting with the Southampton game. we drew two and lost four before Christmas.

Secondly, the shambolic tactics employed in the FA Cup game at Southampton with Fryatt, Howard and Hayles forming the slowest front three of all time. I remember two other things from this game: 1) how appalling Hume was and thinking all was not quite right with our top scorer; 2) that Andy King came on and we actually started passing the ball around and created a couple of chances towards the end. This defeat symbolises the way our season has been split in half - the shambles pre-transfer window (not just Holloway either - Taggart and Burrows and their 5-4-1 at Colchester? Megson and his 5-2-3 with de Vries and Cort out wide in the first half at home to Stoke? Allen's midfield that started the season with Newton on the left wing and Wesolowski on the right?) and then what came next...

Thirdly, the recent games in which we have had the better chances and still failed to win. Bristol City and Preston at home, Southampton away. Fryatt's missed chance at Southampton in particular summed up our finishing this season. No confidence and no conviction. Howard had missed a similarly easy chance in the first half and went on to score a hat-trick away to the champions-elect four days later but has not impressed in recent weeks.

As I pointed out a few weeks ago and the statistic is virtually identical even now - in their last 30 games, Southampton have won 6 games against Championship opposition. 3 of those were against us.

Even more ironic still that we are relying on WBA and Sheffield United to do us a favour. WBA who we crushed 4-1 at the Hawthorns. Sheffield United who, pre-Blackwell, were as garbage as us but got their appointment and signings right while we got ours wrong. They were in a similar position to us not long ago. Now with one game left, they can reach the play-offs while we are left hoping that they give it everything in that aim - to save ourselves.

[Basingstoke Fox]

How deliciously ironic that it's their potential failure we're turning to for hope.

Southampton, who we have surrendered meekly to three times this season. The only goal we have scored against them in those three games was a brilliant goal from 30 yards scored by an Academy player who then only made two more starts all season (both in the ill-fated "Kaebi games" at Ipswich and Hull).

These three games sum up the types of defeat we've had this season very neatly;

Firstly, dropped points at home in 2007. Between the infamous Watford game and Christmas, we won just one game at home. The Southampton home game also signalled an early end to the optimism of the early Holloway days when we won at Bristol City and battered Cardiff in an unfortunate 0-0 draw. Starting with the Southampton game. we drew two and lost four before Christmas.

Secondly, the shambolic tactics employed in the FA Cup game at Southampton with Fryatt, Howard and Hayles forming the slowest front three of all time. I remember two other things from this game: 1) how appalling Hume was and thinking all was not quite right with our top scorer; 2) that Andy King came on and we actually started passing the ball around and created a couple of chances towards the end. This defeat symbolises the way our season has been split in half - the shambles pre-transfer window (not just Holloway either - Taggart and Burrows and their 5-4-1 at Colchester? Megson and his 5-2-3 with de Vries and Cort out wide in the first half at home to Stoke? Allen's midfield that started the season with Newton on the left wing and Wesolowski on the right?) and then what came next...

Thirdly, the recent games in which we have had the better chances and still failed to win. Bristol City and Preston at home, Southampton away. Fryatt's missed chance at Southampton in particular summed up our finishing this season. No confidence and no conviction. Howard had missed a similarly easy chance in the first half and went on to score a hat-trick away to the champions-elect four days later but has not impressed in recent weeks.

As I pointed out a few weeks ago and the statistic is virtually identical even now - in their last 30 games, Southampton have won 6 games against Championship opposition. 3 of those were against us.

Even more ironic still that we are relying on WBA and Sheffield United to do us a favour. WBA who we crushed 4-1 at the Hawthorns. Sheffield United who, pre-Blackwell, were as garbage as us but got their appointment and signings right while we got ours wrong. They were in a similar position to us not long ago. Now with one game left, they can reach the play-offs while we are left hoping that they give it everything in that aim - to save ourselves.

Please stop it your killing me

But so true

[Matt]

TBH at the end of the day I want Leicester to stay up, but should Southampton end up getting relegated I will feel so sad for them, and as a Leicester fan be so embaressed (Well i'm already embaressed) because fair enough I ain't really seen many Southampton games but surly they can't be as bad as us, We deserve to go down and can't imagine many teams being much worse than us.

Obviously Southampton have been poor to be in this posisition, but it'd just be abit of an injustice should we stay up and Southampton go down, we clearly, honestly do deserve to go down.

I said after the match yesterday and its abit contradictory and doesn't really make sense but its a shame the club and fans can stay up and re-build over the summer but all these ''football players'' we have at our club can get relegated, We all know this won't be the case but I hope every single one of our players football careers are over come 4 o'clock May 5th 2008.

[Tilley]

I just hope to god they fook up. I really do.

We shouldn't have to rely on other teams, & we deserve it if Southampton beat Sheff Utd. We really do, but without sounding heartless, i hope Southampton cock it up, pick up a maximum of one point out of two games & bail us out BIG TIME.

[Basingstoke Fox]

TBH at the end of the day I want Leicester to stay up, but should Southampton end up getting relegated I will feel so sad for them, and as a Leicester fan be so embaressed (Well i'm already embaressed) because fair enough I ain't really seen many Southampton games but surly they can't be as bad as us, We deserve to go down and can't imagine many teams being much worse than us.

Obviously Southampton have been poor to be in this posisition, but it'd just be abit of an injustice should we stay up and Southampton go down, we clearly, honestly do deserve to go down.

I said after the match yesterday and its abit contradictory and doesn't really make sense but its a shame the club and fans can stay up and re-build over the summer but all these ''football players'' we have at our club can get relegated, We all know this won't be the case but I hope every single one of our players football careers are over come 4 o'clock May 5th 2008.

Youd be surprised...

I wish the players would get punished if we get relegated but it wont mean a thing to them if we do

[LeeCovFox]

How has it come to this? How is it that I want West Brom and Sheffield United to beat Southampton more than I want us to beat Stoke? I'm utterly devoid of any confidence in this club right now.

[Tilley]

How has it come to this? How is it that I want West Brom and Sheffield United to beat Southampton more than I want us to beat Stoke? I'm utterly devoid of any confidence in this club right now.

Agree 100%. Its bad when your relying more on another club to do badly than your own club to do well.

[Ultra]

I just hope to god they fook up. I really do.

We shouldn't have to rely on other teams, & we deserve it if Southampton beat Sheff Utd. We really do, but without sounding heartless, i hope Southampton cock it up, pick up a maximum of one point out of two games & bail us out BIG TIME.

It ain't gonna happen.

Their fans would love nothing more than seeing their side survive at our (and especially Mandaric's) expense.

Their players will rise to the occasion and beat the blunts next week.

Don't even think of clutching at straws - there are none.

[Tilley]

It ain't gonna happen.

Their fans would love nothing more than seeing their side survive at our (and especially Mandaric's) expense.

Their players will rise to the occasion and beat the blunts next week.

Don't even think of clutching at straws - there are none.

I think they will lose against West Brom but beat Sheff Utd at home, this puts us in a position where we need to beat Stoke.

[LeeCovFox]

It ain't gonna happen.

Their fans would love nothing more than seeing their side survive at our (and especially Mandaric's) expense.

Their players will rise to the occasion and beat the blunts next week.

Don't even think of clutching at straws - there are none.

Their fans have nothing to do with it. The days when the players rise to the occasion for the sake of fans are long gone. The current playing staff and management at Southampton will not give a toss about sending Mandaric down, as much as the fans would love them to. If they stay up, it will be because they manage to win a game and we don't. Its as simple as that. I think we may get very lucky. I hope we do.

[howlinmadmurfdoc]

TBH at the end of the day I want Leicester to stay up, but should Southampton end up getting relegated I will feel so sad for them, and as a Leicester fan be so embaressed (Well i'm already embaressed) because fair enough I ain't really seen many Southampton games but surly they can't be as bad as us, We deserve to go down and can't imagine many teams being much worse than us.

Obviously Southampton have been poor to be in this posisition, but it'd just be abit of an injustice should we stay up and Southampton go down, we clearly, honestly do deserve to go down.

I said after the match yesterday and its abit contradictory and doesn't really make sense but its a shame the club and fans can stay up and re-build over the summer but all these ''football players'' we have at our club can get relegated, We all know this won't be the case but I hope every single one of our players football careers are over come 4 o'clock May 5th 2008.

If we finish with more points than then they deserve to go down and not us. End of.

[SussexFox]

I have a funny feeling that IF they lose to West Brom tomorrow, they may only get a point against Sheff Utd

- Because Sheff Utd are on a roll and don't really have any pressure on them because noone really expects them to make sixth but they will still try because they have an outside chance

I also have a funny feeling we may nick it against Stoke because noone really expects us to win there and i think they may bottle it

Heres to hoping

FOXES NEVER QUIT

[LeeCovFox]

Is West Brom vs Southampton live on Sky by the way? If so there will be an honorary Baggies fan down the pub tomorrow night.

I can't see Saints getting anything from tomorrow night's match. But I'm slightly concerned to have been told that James Beattie will not be fit to play against them on Sunday.

[Tilley]

Is West Brom vs Southampton live on Sky by the way? If so there will be an honorary Baggies fan down the pub tomorrow night.

I can't see Saints getting anything from tomorrow night's match. But I'm slightly concerned to have been told that James Beattie will not be fit to play against them on Sunday.

Sky Sports One.

[Darkzzz_]

Do i think Southampton can get a win from these last two...?? No i dont think so... i think a point at the most....

BUt if we do stay up with help from southampton fooking up i certainly wont be doing cartwheels down the street....

I am ashamed.... but why should i be....?? Its those idiots in blue that should hang there heads in shame....

[LeeCovFox]

In fairness, I want Forest to come up providing we survive. Would be good to have all three of the major East Midlands clubs in the same division. Its been a while.

[shell-shocker]

yeah it would. if we stay down i hope you lot come down. if we go up i hope you do as well, but i would mind you staying up as much!

[LeeCovFox]

I fancy you to do it through the play offs to be honest. I think you have a good manager and should probably stick with him either way. And I honestly think we are going to be very lucky and that Southampton will screw this up.

[Mark]

I have a funny feeling that IF they lose to West Brom tomorrow, they may only get a point against Sheff Utd

- Because Sheff Utd are on a roll and don't really have any pressure on them because noone really expects them to make sixth but they will still try because they have an outside chance

I also have a funny feeling we may nick it against Stoke because noone really expects us to win there and i think they may bottle it

Heres to hoping

FOXES NEVER QUIT

They have to win away from home and hope Ipswich, Wolves and Palace all lose their final home game of the season, I'd be amazed if it happens.

Beattie won't want to send his old club down.

If we don't get anything at Stoke it's game over, the manager and players can hope all they like, it just shows how unprofessional they are hoping other teams do us a favour, it's time for us to make the difference.

[AoWW]

My boss is a Saint's fan. We don't like each other much at the best of times. This week ain't gonna be pretty!

[filbertboy]

How deliciously ironic that it's their potential failure we're turning to for hope.

Southampton, who we have surrendered meekly to three times this season. The only goal we have scored against them in those three games was a brilliant goal from 30 yards scored by an Academy player who then only made two more starts all season (both in the ill-fated "Kaebi games" at Ipswich and Hull).

These three games sum up the types of defeat we've had this season very neatly;

Firstly, dropped points at home in 2007. Between the infamous Watford game and Christmas, we won just one game at home. The Southampton home game also signalled an early end to the optimism of the early Holloway days when we won at Bristol City and battered Cardiff in an unfortunate 0-0 draw. Starting with the Southampton game. we drew two and lost four before Christmas.

Secondly, the shambolic tactics employed in the FA Cup game at Southampton with Fryatt, Howard and Hayles forming the slowest front three of all time. I remember two other things from this game: 1) how appalling Hume was and thinking all was not quite right with our top scorer; 2) that Andy King came on and we actually started passing the ball around and created a couple of chances towards the end. This defeat symbolises the way our season has been split in half - the shambles pre-transfer window (not just Holloway either - Taggart and Burrows and their 5-4-1 at Colchester? Megson and his 5-2-3 with de Vries and Cort out wide in the first half at home to Stoke? Allen's midfield that started the season with Newton on the left wing and Wesolowski on the right?) and then what came next...

Thirdly, the recent games in which we have had the better chances and still failed to win. Bristol City and Preston at home, Southampton away. Fryatt's missed chance at Southampton in particular summed up our finishing this season. No confidence and no conviction. Howard had missed a similarly easy chance in the first half and went on to score a hat-trick away to the champions-elect four days later but has not impressed in recent weeks.

As I pointed out a few weeks ago and the statistic is virtually identical even now - in their last 30 games, Southampton have won 6 games against Championship opposition. 3 of those were against us.

Even more ironic still that we are relying on WBA and Sheffield United to do us a favour. WBA who we crushed 4-1 at the Hawthorns. Sheffield United who, pre-Blackwell, were as garbage as us but got their appointment and signings right while we got ours wrong. They were in a similar position to us not long ago. Now with one game left, they can reach the play-offs while we are left hoping that they give it everything in that aim - to save ourselves.

Great post and pretty much says it all

[Webbo]

Fact; Soton need 2 points from their last 2 games to send us down (assuming we don't beat Stoke).

WBA will definitely be trying to beat them tomorrow and according to form should.

All this rubbish about Sheff Utd not being bothered or deliberately throwing the game is rubbish. They were in an equally unlikely position to get into the play offs yesterday but beat high flying Bristol City.

You can say I'm clutching at straws, and maybe I am but all this wailing and moaning is achieving nothing. Stay positive and keep your fingers crossed.

[Kilworthfox]

Fact; Soton need 2 points from their last 2 games to send us down (assuming we don't beat Stoke).

WBA will definitely be trying to beat them tomorrow and according to form should.

All this rubbish about Sheff Utd not being bothered or deliberately throwing the game is rubbish. They were in an equally unlikely position to get into the play offs yesterday but beat high flying Bristol City.

You can say I'm clutching at straws, and maybe I am but all this wailing and moaning is achieving nothing. Stay positive and keep your fingers crossed.

[eldiablo]

i would be embarressed if southampton go down instead of leicester as they have been a better side this season having beat leicester 3 times and city most the city palyers have been a disgrace to the club!

[LeeCovFox]

i would be embarressed if southampton go down instead of leicester as they have been a better side this season having beat leicester 3 times and city most the city palyers have been a disgrace to the club!

I'm embarrassed whether we stay up or not. I'd just rather be embarrassed and stay up.