Ralph Hasenhuttl hasn't got the coaching staff to play weird and wonderful formations so he needs to keep it simple at the Emirates.

On Saturday at Arsenal a ground that in the Premier League at least has been the graveyard of Saints teams since our return to the top flight and indeed Highbury was for many years before that, we need to get back to basics.

When teams are in disarray and their is no leadership on the pitch, then keep it simple, play a formation that players are used to playing so they all know their job and how to do it.

That being the case I would go with a back four, I would throw in Kevin Danso in that here is a player that hasn't done much wrong as he has not had much of a chance to do so, what is the point in keeping him at the club if we are not going to play him, so I would play him in the centre of defence alongside Jan Bednarek, inexperienced yes, but I have seen what the so called experienced players have done and these two as a partnership can do no worse and might just prove to be compatible.

At full back play Yan Valery on the right and Ryan Bertrand on the left, good steady players who can do a job.

Play a holding duo of Hojbjerg and Romeu flanked by Redmond and Djenepo on either wing.

Danny Ings up front leaves just one place left and that is either a third man in the centre of the midfield and for me that means James Ward Prowse to try and get the ball and get it out wide or Ings through the channels, or go for a second attacker either Shane Long or Che Adams.

This is a solid side and to be blunt as good as any starting XI last season so we have to ask the question why are we doing worse ?

The answer is we need to get back to basics and a solid 4 at the back will do just that with every player in the side familiar with their role and what they have to do.

Photo: Action Images

allsaint54 added 19:01 - Nov 20 Agree with most of your article until you included JWP In your lineup. Surely he's had more than enough chances. Enough is enough.
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1970 added 19:30 - Nov 20 Arsenal fans are expecting a cricket score but it would be typical of saints to get a result even a stubborn draw will do, that would be emery's last game for sure coyr
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underweststand added 19:47 - Nov 20 Three points on Saturday ..or even one would be the death knell for Emery, but we never know what will happen. If we can defend as we did at Man City, and create a few more chances... then anything might happen . Arsenal defence is a bit leaky as well. Didn't think I'd get to see Pochettino get the sack before Ralph.
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saintlee added 20:08 - Nov 20 Got to be 4-2-3-1 in my opinion. It's a formation the players know and gives a bit more solidity in midfield. My team for Saturday would be. McCarthy Cedric Bednarek Danso Bertrand Romeo Hojberg Redmond Boufal Djenepo Ings
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I_would added 23:40 - Nov 20 Pacy Prowsey plays = we lose FACT. Get yer ins bets on.
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Saintaxidriver added 12:13 - Nov 21 Agree we need some sort of settled side with Bertrand back in, but can't agree with your asessment of Danso as someone who hasn't done much wrong. Of his appearences I would say he had one game at left back he payed well, one game at left back he played OKish and the rest of the time he has looked like a donkey wearing roller skates! I blame none of this on him as he has been played out of position and his confidence is shot. I would go for Stephens and Yoshida in the middle as at least they have a positive 100% attitude and have been known to occasionally score. Bertrand on left and Soares on right. Hjoiberg and Romeu in middle, Dnepro or Boufal and Redmond out wide and up front Ings and Long to harry and hassle.

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bstokesaint added 12:36 - Nov 21 I'd agree with that team selection Nick. Although I'd have Long over JWP as he's guaranteed to pull the defence around to create chances for Ings.
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