Clash of the Gingers: Moyes v Strachan

By Chris Kirwan
February 21 2003

The Blues face a tough test in Saturday’s televised clash with Southampton. The Saints have, like Everton, exceeded the expectations of pundits and fans alike, and are in a position where a couple of wins will put them back in the race for Europe.

Southampton share the hard work ethic of Moyes’ Everton, and Strachan has matched his compatriot by getting the best out of under-performing players. While Moyes has rejuvenated Unsworth, Pistone, Watson and Campbell, Strachan has done likewise with Marsden, Oakley and Beattie. Fundamental to the Saints’ excellent season has been Strachan’s shrewd signings. Niemi has been sensational in goal for Southampton, Fernandes provides them with an attacking threat from anywhere on the pitch, and Strachan stole a march on the Premiership’s big guns by acquiring Prutton and Higginbotham, two players with genuine England aspirations.

Another parallel between the clubs emerges in that the majority of press coverage is directed towards the England strikers in the respective camps. While Rooney has won deserved acclaim through showing bursts of brilliance, James Beattie has consistently been tormenting defences. He is a strong player, good with his back to goal but equally at home when presented with a one-on-one, and an extremely dangerous aerial threat. But while Beattie has been excellent, so have the midfield duo of Marsden and Oakley.

Oakley has returned to the fold after a couple of disappointing seasons. He looked an excellent prospect when he burst onto the scene at the Dell, but it has taken the management skills of Strachan to get him back on track. Some were even tipping him for England honours, a prospect no doubt aided by Frank Lampard’s display at Upton Park. It must be reassuring for Strachan to know that he has the mature presence of Chris Marsden to aid Oakley. Marsden has been superb for Southampton this season, and fits into the category of players who you never really nominate as threats, but who influence the game throughout.

But while Southampton are an extremely tough prospect at St Mary’s they don’t fare quite so well on their travels. They have won only 3 of their last 18 away games, but the Blues will have to work hard to break down a resolute defence (only the R-S and Middlesbrough have conceded less goals on their travels). They have lost only 3 of their last 17 games in all competitions, although all of their defeats have come in their last 7.

It all promises for an excellent game, which makes me all the more disappointed that David Elleray is in charge. I don’t like to criticise referees to often, but some of Mr Elleray’s performances make it hard not to. His pompous behaviour with players and managers antagonises both them and the crowd, and he makes his plight worse by keeping a book documenting all of the players that he has cautioned throughout his career (he just had to get Rooney in his book before he retired). Not many refs can make you appreciate the likes of Durkin and Rennie, but Elleray manages this quite easily. But providing he doesn’t go over the top it should be an excellent game. It’ll be tight, but I’m going for 2-1 to the Blues.

Team News: Watson and Stubbs could return for us, Rooney likely to be on the bench. Prutton will probably make his first start for them, replacing Delap. Bridge may return, but diving cheat Marian Pahars is out.