McNeil a significant doubt for Saints trip

Dwight McNeil could miss this weekend’s match against Southampton having not trained all week after sustaining an injury that forced him off against Fulham last Saturday.

Sean Dyche says that the winger “has a chance” of being involved as the club’s medical staff work with him ahead of the trip south to St Mary’s but the manager was merely “hopeful” rather than confident he could be involved.

Meanwhile, James Garner is facing a further month on the sidelines as he recovers from a stress fracture in his back.

The Blues are looking to extend their recent unbeaten run to six matches when they take on the Premier League’s bottom club.

Reader Comments (17)

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Si Pulford

1 Posted
31/10/2024 at
15:03:43

Dyche isnt the greatest manager by any measure…:::: but my god he has to put with a lot. The injuries are constant. And they hit us harder than most due to an already small, limited and unbalanced squad. If he fell into a barrel of tits hed come out sucking his thumb.

Steve Brown

2 Posted
31/10/2024 at
15:13:50

Dyche should play Ndiaye there, move Harrison to his preferred position on the left and put Lindstrom on the right.

He will put Docoure there, and play Harrison on the right with Ndiaye on the left.

Jay Harris

3 Posted
31/10/2024 at
15:24:32

Or bring Mangala in and play Ndiaye there and give Harrison/ Lindstrom half a game each.

The big question is who to leave out for Jarrad.

Steve Brown

4 Posted
31/10/2024 at
15:32:10

Jay, he will never drop Tarks no matter how he plays.

Dale Self

5 Posted
31/10/2024 at
15:50:34

How did you do the double layer ellipsis Si?

Ah, maybe some clever colon reference to the live forum pun keyword from the Ipswich match.

Niall McIlhone

6 Posted
31/10/2024 at
15:54:53

What Steve(#2) said makes sense, but yes, it will be Doucs in the No 10 role. Shame about McNeil, he is still learning the role and gets injured after a few games.
Another option may be to bring Coleman in at RB and play Young in RM -that axis-with Harrison on the left in front of Myko would, at least, offer additional cover on the flanks.
Apart from that great victory down there when we wore our “one off” army green strip, with Lukaku as CF, we’ve had very little joy down at St Mary’s in recent years so here’s hoping!

Neil Lawson

7 Posted
31/10/2024 at
16:09:34

Steve is probably correct. Might as well choose a no. 10 who can’t pass, dribble or control but can around tirelessly in circles. No room for strategic thinking with this manager.

Neil Tyrrell

8 Posted
31/10/2024 at
16:13:25

Give Lindstrom a start there, by all accounts he prefers/is better playing in the middle. Saints like passing it out from the back, could be some golden opportunities for someone who can shoot from outside the box when they inevitably give it away.

As mentioned above, it will probably be Doucoure.

Colin Callaghan

9 Posted
31/10/2024 at
16:23:56

If Beto starts, Jack should be considered through the middle because they both press well.

If it’s DCL than give Lindstrom a go. Jack’s pressing is wasted if Dom doesn’t help.

Still feel for Mangala losing his place. Wouldn’t mind Doucoure in the 10 if it meant getting Mangala back into midfield. He’s far tidier than Gana.

They want to play and we can punish them.

Steve Brown

10 Posted
31/10/2024 at
16:31:59

Jack Harrison is really inefficient on the ball.

He may press at No.10 but he can contribute little else.

Raymond Fox

11 Posted
31/10/2024 at
16:35:27

Dyche cant pick the same team for 5 minutes because of injuries, McNeil gives us a goal threat and will be missed.

We have had 2 wins and 3 draws in the last 5 games but the manager still cant please everyone.

John Raftery

12 Posted
31/10/2024 at
17:06:33

Niall (6) Weve actually had two wins there since Lukaku left. Under Silva in 2019 we won 2-1 and with the same score line under Lampard two years ago when Coady and McNeil scored.

Jay Harris

13 Posted
31/10/2024 at
17:47:24

We owe them one for the recent cup exit so hopefully its payback time.

Colin Malone

14 Posted
31/10/2024 at
17:51:55

In Dyches eyes, it will be Douc. In my eyes, I would rather have my granny in the side. I’m fed up with watching this shite. Any player or team who havent won or scored, the best team to play is Everton.

Les Moorcroft

15 Posted
31/10/2024 at
18:21:04

Nice one Colin. Take it you won’t be watching. UTFT.

Christy Ring

16 Posted
31/10/2024 at
18:44:50

McNeill looks a different player in the 10 role, he has a superb left foot, hopefully he’s fit for Saturday, if not he can’t put Doucoure into that role because his first touch is so poor, but Dyche doesn’t see that, Lindstrom likes the 10 role and a better option, but for me the first name on the team sheet has to be Branthwaite, and that’s not me being anti Keane.

Eddie Dunn

17 Posted
31/10/2024 at
19:11:28

Steve, spot on.