Ralph Hasenhuttl has been speaking ahead of the game against Brighton & Hove Albion and his concern is not injuries but fatigue as we face our fourth game in ten days.

After playing the same side three games running Ralph Hasenhuttl is aware that he may need to freshen things up for the visit of Brighton .

Speaking at today's press conference he had this to say.

"it's important for players to keep momentum and keep quality of games high. We must benefit from our fantastic physique we have - we ran 120km on Monday - 7km more than the opponent and that was necessary."

"The more games come the more tired the guys are but we will find a good mixture of players who can handle this."

"I think we travelled enough in the last days. It was quite a long journey, coming home very late."

"But it's ok. We have three more games, we are still very motivated to win every game and take as much points as possible."

"I always said we need every player possible and in this period now it's possible that players will get a chance."

"No injury news. We have some tired players now, that's an issue. We had a very intense game."

"We must have a look with Kyle. He's not used to playing that much games in short term. He didn't play for nearly a year then so many games in such a short moment"

So the good news is that Ralph has a full squad to choose from, however he realises that it might be folly to play the same team four games running, the players worked their socks off at Old Trafford and need a rest.

The problem he has though is that with Kyle Walker Peter's he doesn't have much option, Jan Valery might be risked or the other choice is JWP, but he is vital to the team in midfield at the moment and I would think the manager would be loathe to upset the rhythm of the side too much.

But I would expect a change or two in the midfield and perhaps up front Che Adams has played three games in quick succession and put a shift in, so I would expect a start for either Shane Long or Michael Obafemi with perhaps Moussa Djenepo getting a run out at some point off the bench.

Pierre Emile Hojbjerg could also feature in the starting line up if the manager feels that Stuart Armstrong might be a little overstretched to play another game in a short period of time.

Overall we have to try and get the right balance between keeping a successful run going and making sure we are not too jaded, especially with another big game coming up. .

Photo: Action Images

halftimeorange added 13:38 - Jul 15 Think I'd play JWP at RB at some time in the game if KWP starts and tires and replace JWP with Smallbone who has done nothing wrong in his few appearances. Brighton are out of sorts but, Saints don't want to give them wriggle room. If Murray comes on he needs to be firmly handled as he's just the type to bully our central defence.
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TimSaint added 13:39 - Jul 15 I think Valery, Djenepo and Boufal will probably be out injured for the rest of the season - albeit only another 3 games. Not worth the risk bringing them back too soon. JWP for KWP at right back ? I doubt it, as it would mean having to bring PEH in. If Armstrong needs a rest, then I'd start him and take him off on the hour. Long or Oba can play down the right instead, or JWP can move out. Ings looks as fit as we have ever seen him, but he may be thankful for a rest on the hour, especially if we are leading. We have options in Adams, Long and Oba. Obviously Brighton have had much longer to prepare for this game than us, but there is no reason why we can't do a City on them and score a good few goals. Be good to do the double over them and keep them looking over their shoulders at the chasing pack.

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TimSaint added 13:42 - Jul 15 ...oh and remember guys, it is OK to grab Maupay by the throat - you won't get booked and VAR and the FA will overlook it. :-)
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Scrappy2020 added 15:48 - Jul 15 Ings on the bench till needed needed a break,Obafeni and Adams up front like at Chelsea ,Smalbone in midfield and JWP fullback
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allsaint54 added 18:50 - Jul 15 Just rest JWP for the next 3 games. But oh no he's guaranteed a start irrespective of how he performs or not as is usually the case.
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Ronnie added 19:03 - Jul 15 The limited changes available to Ralph show just how thin are squad is - our bench in the last few games has needed to include two or three youngsters who hardly have any first team experience. If we get injuries next season then I think we will be stretched, especially in midfield and at full back. It will be difficult to keep good form going if we have to rely on youngsters untested at this level.

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davidargyll added 07:36 - Jul 16 Isn’t this exactly the time when you can test youngsters...?
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Santos added 13:34 - Jul 16 Ralph has to look at the fringe players now! Unless from training he has made his mind up. So to me if Danso does not start he won't be here next season. Smallbone would be good to see him starting to get a real opportunity to see what he is like. Djenpo what is happening with him never in squad?? The front lot can rotate. As for Vesty & Hojberg if they are off then unlikely to see them on pitch unless injuries dictate. So what about trying Danso in the centre and put Stephens at right back.Just a thought!!

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