Ahead of the Premier League match with Arsenal on Sunday, Saints fan Ally McCoist, 26, places himself In the Dugout.
How long have you supported Saints?
I’ve Supported Saints since I was in junior school after attending my first game against Newcastle through the Saints Study Support Centre. I have a season ticket located in Kingsland north.
What are your pre-match thoughts heading into the match with Arsenal?
My pre-match thoughts are still upbeat - even in light of the Cardiff loss.
We seem to always cause Arsenal difficult games with goals always being scored for both and usually a goal of will separate the tie.
The fact they had a loss out in Belarus also gives me hope!
The only thing worrying me is that Saints will be without Danny Ings, which means our goal threat will have to come from our midfielders.
However, Arsenal’s defence at the moment is shocking for a side with the players they have at their disposal.
Because of this, I think Charlie Austin can cause them more problems than Shane Long would.
What did you make of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s decision to take the squad to Tenerife?
I feel that taking the squad to Tenerife is only going to benefit us.
From what I’ve read, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s plan for the squad was intense training every day, followed by one-to-ones with every player to discuss the pros and cons in their game, which can only be a good thing.
After losing to Cardiff I think this trip couldn’t have come at a better time!
How would you set the side up this weekend?
I’d set the side up against Arsenal as a 5-4-1 formation:
Gunn, Valery, Bednarek, Yoshida, Vestergaard, Bertrand; Redmond, Hojbjerg, Romeu, Ward-Prowse; Austin.
Which Saints player is it a big game for and why?
I think it could be a big game for a few players but mainly Angus Gunn. He needs to show why we bought him and cement his place in the side!
I do think he’s our best goalkeeper and I understand that Hasenhuttl is trying different things, but I feel saints are in better hands with Gunn between the sticks.
If you would like to take part in this feature, send an email to dan.sheldon@dailyecho.co.uk.
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