Saints go to Dean Court on the back of two straight wins.

What has cost Saints dearly this season has been their inability to put together winning runs, after beating Yeovil and making it two in a row this was only the fourth time that we have achieved even that measly sequance this season, ironically the first was back in October when we beat bournemouthand tranmere in successive games, then a few weeks later came a three game winning run and then finally our best spell of the season over the New year when we won four in a row and there lies the problem, the inability to not only get even a two win spell but a longer stretch, last seasons three promoted clubs all did so, Norwich hit eight wins in a row, Leeds six and Millwall five and all did it alongside long unbeaten spells in double figures as well.

Now Saints have to do the same and make it three in a row at Bournemouth.

But it wont be easy and this is all of Saints own making, the fact is that Nigel Adkins has not addressed problems at the back and although we havent conceded in the last two, and indeed rarely looked like doing so, the fact is defensive frailties remain and it is too late too tackle them now in this important fixture, perhaps the biggest worry being who will partner Fonte, blunt fact is Aaron martin hasnt got enough games under his belt.

But this game could suit Saints, although Bournemouth are strong at home their game is based on pressure and if Saints can handle that then we can go at them on the break and with both lallana and Oxo starting to find form they have a lot more to worry about that us.

For them its a laast chance saloon, after this game they only have four home games remaining and six away and for a team whost Forte is home wins thats not good news as the season starts to head towards the business end, to be frank if they are serious about automatic promotion they have to beat us and put that six point gap back in place and even then we have two games in hand. indeed if we do beat them then its highly likely they will drop down to fifth and could even find MK Dons level & Orient breathing down their necks even for a play off spot.

Its always far better to be chasing down at the end of the season than be hoping that those behind you slip up, Bournemouth have just come off an 11 game unbeaten run and to find that you arent head and shoulders above the rest but in fact they are breathing down your neck with games in hand does not do a lot for morale.

I would expect Nigel Adkins to go pretty much with the side that started on Tuesday, the only change possibly being Jaidi for Martin, again the crucial thing for Saints will be the quality on the bench, and what they are able to bring on to try and change the game, sadly Guly does not look like being fit so this will reduce attacking options, but Adkins does have those that can play up front as well as in midfield so thats not a major problem.

My only worry is that the manager will try to be too clever, this is a tough game, some would say just about our toughest game of the season so far given their great home record, the points at stake and last but not least the fact that there is a local derby element, I hope Adkins sticks to the tried and trusted 4-4-2 rather than adopt a diamond formation as he has done at various times recently, Saturday is not the time for experiment, yes we go into the game having won three out of the last four, but we have not been convincing at times in any of those four, we need to play our way into form not be confused.

Saints are quite capable of winning this game and in most respects its more a must win gaame for the Cherries than us, if we win they suddenly find themselves out of the top two and probably fifth whilst we find ourselves six points behind them with two games in hand, a hard task ahead of us but not impossible, indeed even a draw would be acceptable, but for them its now do or die, if they fail to win or even lose then ourselves, Huddersfield & Peterborough will be going past them, MK Dons will be up with them and even Orient could be eight points behind with two games in hand, the pressure is on them.             

Photo: Action Images

131153 added 10:11 - Mar 11 I'm pretty sure this is going to be a very tough game for us, they will definitley feel this is a game they have to win. There is no doubt this league has been very competitive this year. I felt the game on Tuesday was our poorest performance since NA has been manager, yet the Yeovil manager in his comments following the game felt we were significantly better than them. There has been plenty said by both sets of fans this week including their Chairman at least NC keeps quiet. I really don't see any reason why we shouldn't win, we played Brighton who have stayed the course, and frankly should have won, so there is history in raising our game against the better teams.

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SeafordSaint added 03:32 - Mar 12 I hope the real Saints turn up and that we give the Cherries a real game. I'd love the three points but would be content with one as Bompey are really strong at their place. I love the fact that the Bompey Chairman has started his 'mind' games. So far NC has said nothing which is just the way I like it - 'let's do our talking on the pitch'. I can't go to this game unfortunately but I will be listening-in on the Saints Player. For the fans sake I hope it is an improvement on what I saw on Tuesday evening. COYS. SfS.

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