Now Its back To Business
Wednesday, 16th Oct 2013 08:56

Saints fans have enjoyed a fortnight where they have looked down at 16 clubs in the Premier league below them, now with the International break over its time to get back to business.

Rising to the sublime heights of 4th in the Premier league was a treat that not even the most fanatical Saints supporter would have honestly predicted at the start of the season, the timing could not have been better in terms of being able to enjoy it, with a two week international break giving us all ample opportunity to rub it in with our non Saints supporting mates, well at least those who don't support Liverpool, Arsenal or Chelsea.

But we have to make sure that the two week hiatus doesn't affect our continuity, the downside of this break could be that it see's us losing a bit of momentum, when you are winning games you just want to keep winning them and time off isn't always conducive.

Our return to league action could not be tougher, a trip to Manchester United is never easy at any stage of the season and the Salford Reds will be keen to get their season started, add to that a buoyant Wayne Rooney chomping at the bit and its clear that we shouldn't underestimate United's poor start to the campaign.

However we should go there with confidence, they are not the side they were last season, at least not just yet, some would say that our trip to Anfield given Liverpool's start was a much tougher proposition and to some degree they have a point, but United are a wounded animal and they are always dangerous so we shouldn't take them for granted.

Mauricio Pochetinno's job now will to get everyone re focussed on the League, we will have had a lot away on International duty including those with the U21 squad, Poch will have to get their minds back on the important things in life and that's Saints picking up points in the league.

The manager himself will also need to have used his time well and get into his mind just what he is going to do at Old Trafford, it would be a brave manager who would go with the same formation employed against Swansea, perhaps he will, after all it worked against Liverpool on the road, but I feel that we need a more robust line up for when we are on the back foot than we have employed in previous weeks.

So back to business this week and if Saints can get a point at Old Trafford it will show we can compete in the top half of the league, if we can win then it will not only make the Premier League sit up and notice but will send a ripple across the World of football and Manchester United's global following.

Photo: Action Images

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halftimeorange added 11:44 - Oct 16

I do wonder what effect the dawning realisation that he is unlikely ever again to appear in an England shirt will have on Ricky Lambert. Hodgson will guess that another bright young striker will appear on his horizon before Brazil. Will the shattering of his England dream demotivate Ricky when he's playing for Saints? I personally thing Ricky's days with Saints are numbered at least as a striker but, maybe he has a place as a playmaker if Ramirez goes. Another potential problem at Old Trafford will be the high's that Rooney and Welbeck (subject to fitness) will undoubtedly be on. For the life of me I can't understand why Clyne wasn't given a chance by Hodgson at right-back. He is patently better than any of the usual favourites.

bstokesaint added 12:30 - Oct 16

Personally I don't think Rickie will be too disappointed about his omission from the England team. His appearances will be the pinnacle of his career (other than two promotions with us obviously..) and would have been a bonus at this stage in his life. He always knew that. He'll continue to give his all for us over the next couple of seasons, whilst J Rod finds his feet.

It's going to be hard to work out what Man U team we'll face. Will they be on a high after a scrappy 2-1 win against poor opposition, or be lulled into thinking that win was better than it was and their problems are over? Hopefully it was the latter. Either way there's no doubt Ronney will be up for it. I thought Welbeck was poor last night. Queue a Welbeck hat-trick..!!