Saints head into tonight's game against FC Midtjylland knowing that they need to play the European way if they want to progress to the group stages.

In the last round against Vitesse Saints played in a controlled manner and on reflection played the perfect two legged European tie, they kept things tight at the back, took their chances when they had them and in the second half did not get over excited and give Vitesse a chance to get back in the game.

Now they need to repeat that performance against an FC Midtjylland side who are experienced European campaigners.

That means getting control of the tie early but again not over stretching themselves, the Dames are a different prospect to Vitesse who played an open style and gave Saints the chance to score, FC Midtjylland will keep things tight at the back and will be prepared to wait for the chance to get an away goal, they will not try and math Saints firepower, they will sit patiently.

Even if Saints do get an early goal they will not chase the game they will stick to their game plan and this is where Saints need to be coy, they as they did against Vitesse need to keep their own concentration, something that has been lacking in the two Premier League games so far.

Concentration is the difference between winning and losing in the Premier and its the same in the Europa League.

I would expect at least two changes to the starting line up tonight, I think Steven Caulker will come in for Yoshida and that Oriol Romeu will come into the midfield, although Im not sure whom he will replace, it could be one of three players with Davis, Tadic & Long all at risk here.

Personally I would go for a line up that combines a holding midfield with firepower and I would sacrifice Steven Davis and play Long & Tadic wide with Mane sat behind Pelle in a free role with Romeu and Wanyama holding.

Although FC Midtjylland are experienced European campaigners it should also not be forgotten, with respect to them that they are not in a strong league and they were knocked out by Apoel Nicosia a Cypriot team in the group stages of the Champions League, although its important to realise what they are capable of, we do not want to be too wary of them, we are a better side we have to prove it.

This is a very important game for Saints and its good to see ticket sales have picked up in the last day or so and that they will have good backing, qualifying for the Europa League is important if we are to keep moving forward and not only sign quality players but retain tose we have.

Photo: Action Images

ExiledSupporter added 14:13 - Aug 20 If we are keeping Tadic and Long then I would play them on the opposite flanks to Saturday's selection. I would also be tempted to play Juanmi instead of Long, the latter usually seems more effective off the bench after the 60th minute
2

halftimeorange added 14:45 - Aug 20 Do you not think that Yoshida will play left back instead of the Lukaku-battered Targett? Caulker could come in at CB. Agree Romeau should start but with Davis and Wanyama alongside plus another. I'd give Juanmi a go. We can always bring on Long or Tadic if he's too lightweight but neither of them played well on Saturday. I think 4-4-2 would suit Saints better until the new guys gel.

0

Olley added 15:09 - Aug 20 I feel we should revert to last season ball control line up, 2 DM {Wanyama & Romeu], with Davis being the link and playing Mane & Tadic wide with Pelle in the middle, I also agree have Long for 60 min impact to add pace when, if we keep the ball & them chasing, they will get tired legs. I would play Caulker in place of Yoshida but would play Yoshida at LB, as this team is tall and Yoshida has good ability against taller defenders, than Target. Either way we need to play to our strength and not have long balls a feature of the tie, COYRS!!

0

aceofthebase added 20:59 - Aug 20 Well thats the first half over! Why are we playing Targett? Why Yoshida right back? Why can't we control midfield and the game? Why are we going out of this competition? Wish I could answer my own questions
-1

TissLeGod added 22:08 - Aug 20 Well based on that mediocre performance I feel that priority must be given to the Watford and Norwich games and forget this brief journey. We need a win and its not going to be in this competition, and I am starting to be worried. This run of performances is not a blip it's a worry and we don' t have the depth and we have no confidence. Their goal was down to our poor defending not closing down but our goalie is not getting anywhere near - is anyone else concerned with him? He is not coming off the line and closing the angles- basic stuff. We obviously have selection problems with Yoshida playing right back. This was a game we had to win 2-0. Second half we were better but we are just not firing, and they looked more dangerous and we were fortunate with 1-1.

-1

palmsaint added 22:26 - Aug 20 2 prem games and this game 6 goals against 3 for but two of them penalty spot .... Thought we would have hard job this year defense wise but thought ok but we will score more opps wrong Left hand defense not good needs sorted and all the guys need a good kick up the ass
1

SaintBrock added 23:33 - Aug 20 Perhaps (aceofthebase) we are not very good. Certainly not a top ten side at the moment. Caulker looks to be a plodder of Championship standard only. Romeu gave us a ray of hope. We could be good by Christmas and possibly end in the top half, just. Dogfight until then for sure and wouldn't be a surprise if we are near the bottom at the turn of the year.
0

Blogs 32 bloggers

Swindon Town Polls