x

Saints At Huddersfield Town The Preview

Can Saints poop the Town Terriers promotion party perfect start to the season and condemn them to their first defeat of the season.

Mauricio Pellegrino will look to put the ebacle against Wolves behind him and continue to good work done in the opening two games, which have by Saints standards at the start of a season been outstanding.

One positive not is the fact that against Wolves only Oriol Romeu played in the same role as he has played in the first two games with all other starting outfield players on Wednesday either not in the side against West Ham or in a different role.

It is likely on Saturday that only Romeu again in the outfield ten will be in situ from the Wolves game although several others may play in a different formation.

Pellegrino is likely to revert to a more familiar 4- 2 -3 -1 line up and Saints fans will not only be relieved to see that but also the big guns back in the side.

The big question is in the back four, Cedric and Ryan Bertrand will likely be back and the major decision is whether Wesley Hoedt comes straight into the side probably at the expense of Jack Stephens.

Personally I think Hoedt has to come in, the number of chances gifted in the opening three games has been way below the standards expected of Premier League players, we cant keep getting away with leaving players unmarked and presenting them with free headers or shots on goal unchallenged

The holding two will hopefully be Mario Lemina and Romeu and that will give us a good foundation. Steven Davis is likely to fill the third central role.

Wide will be Nathan Redmond on one side and then the manager has to decide who to play wide on the other side, does he go for Dusan Tadic of James Ward Prowse, neither have yet to truly make themselves an automatic choice.

Pellegrino could throw in a surprise or two though, he could play a front two with both Austin or Gabbiadin or one in a deeper lying role, although I think it likely it will be Gabbiadini on his own up front.

What could make the difference though is the bench, Saints will have plenty of options to change things whichever way the game is going, but the Yorkshire side will not have that luxury.

Saints job is to quieten a crowd buoyed by two straight wins, something they did not dream of, but they have to get bac to reality and we could be the team to do that.

I am hopeful of at least a pont in this game, but I do think we can do so much better and take all three points.

What to read next:

Dale Swoop For Beckwith
I've missed the 5pm Friday signings but today we got one in the form of a left back.
Uchegbulam Signs for Latics
In a bizarre transfer move, Dale winger Jesurun Uchegbulam has left Rochdale to join one of our biggest rivals.
Cameron Gone
Jim McNulty confirmed in his latest video interview that the last of the out of contract players has now left the club.
Aidan Barlow Becomes Fifth Summer Signing
After an initial busy period, it's been quiet on the transfer front recently but today, out of nowhere, Dale made their fifth summer signing.
Jimmy Keohane Goes Home
News has come out of the club that Swiss Army Jimmy has rejected his contract offer from Dale and left the club.
Rodney Signs New Deal
Somewhat surprisingly you could say, Devante Rodney has signed a new 2-year contract at Dale!
Nevett Linked With Posh Move
Dale centre half George Nevett is now being linked with a big move to Peterborough United.
Three Scholars Offered New Deals
The club have now released their retained list for the Academy Scholars with three players offered new deals.
Brad Kelly Signs New Contract
Dale goalkeeper Brad Kelly has signed a new one-year deal to stay at Spotland.
Hendo Signs For Another Year
Dale striker Ian Henderson has signed a new one year contract to stay at Spotland, [insert goat emoji here]