Who Should Replace Fonte Against Liverpool ?
Tuesday, 1st Dec 2015 16:05

The big question amongst Saints supporters is who should replace the injured Jose Fonte for the important cup tie against Liverpool.

Jose Fonte has been an integral part of the Saints central defence since their return to the Premier league in 2012, he has had many partners, but he has been a constant in the side.

Now he is set to miss the important Capital One Cup game against Liverpool and the big question is who does Ronald Koeman bring in to replace him.

A week ago it might have been more clear cut, Yoshida would have been the obvious choice from the point of view he has had game time, but at Manchester City the forgotten man of St Mary's came in and put in a display that must surely put him in line for a place in the starting line up.

That man is Steven Caulker who strangely has rarely played since joining on loan from QPR in the summer, Caulker had spent the previous 3 seasons as a regular in the Premier League for Swansea on loan, Cardiff and then QPR, in the last two seasons he was a virtual ever present.

That form had earned him an England cap and he looked to be continuing that form at St Mary's, but strangely it didn't happen and despite some promising performances early in the campaign he disappeared from view for two months before returning in the last round of the Capital One Cup against Aston Villa.

Since then he had 1 minute up at Sunderland before coming on at Manchester City ten minutes before half time for Fonte, he put in a strong performance and perhaps now is the time to let him show what he can do.

There must have been an off the field reason for his absence, but Yoshida for all his loyalty is not the answer and Saints need a strong defence on Wednesday night.

Caulker can provide that as he showed in the previous 3 seasons in the Premier League.

Ronald Koeman will have to change the back four against Liverpool, the first change from Saturday should be Caulker for Fonte, the second change should be Cedric Soares for Yoshida, I don't think there are many Saints fans who would disagree with that assessment, even before Saturday's game I think most could not see why Koeman keeps preferring Yoshida to Soares.

Photo: Action Images

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saint68 added 16:40 - Dec 1 Back four hopefully Cedric Caulker VVD Bertrand. Anything less than that is at least a 1 goal advantage for the scousers.
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DPeps added 16:58 - Dec 1 Nothing would surprise me given some of Koeman's bizarre defensive selections this season - including one game where we had left-footed CB Yoshida at RB and RB Martina at LB, when there were other options available. Saint68 is right though. Anything other than our strongest available defence could be a disaster.
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Del_Bianco added 17:11 - Dec 1 Has to be Caulker, Yoshida would get absolutely bullied by Benteke.
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uaesaint added 17:47 - Dec 1 100% agree with that back four nick
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sirbazzer added 19:23 - Dec 1 Once again, this is our biggest game of the season so far, an opportunity to win some silverware and a door into Europe. I hope that RK will wish to fulfill his dream and play his best back four. I totally agree with previous posts, Bertrand, Caulker, VVD and Cedric. Sorry Yosh this isn't the game for you. COYR
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aceofthebase added 19:41 - Dec 1 Caulker to replace Fonte. Cedric to replace Yoshida, but not much of an improvement unless he can tie down Sterling and prevent the crosses coming in. S'pose Pelle is back. Knowing RK he will have Clasie(I would prefer Romeu), hope he turns up. Come on you guys this is a game worth winning.
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aceofthebase added 19:43 - Dec 1 PS come on Nick spill the beans, what was the Caulker off field incident you have mentioned twice?
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aceofthebase added 20:02 - Dec 1 Oops did I really say Sterling!
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SaintNick added 20:29 - Dec 1 I havent heard any specific incidents, just that his lifestyle off the pitch wasnt in keeping with what the club wanted, he was fined a few months back for an indiscretion whilst at QPR last season and a few stories emerging now. Nothing worse that being a bit lively after a few drinks though
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perazi added 22:04 - Dec 1 Yep, Caulker and Soares in for Yoshida and Fonte - although it wouldn't surprise me if RK started Yoshi at CB believing him to be more mobile than Caulker against Pool's nippy attackers. I think JWP should make way for Clasie and Pelle, of course, back for Long.
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