6:10am Friday 6th November 2009
By Gordon Simpson
SAINTS are likely to stick with a 4-5-1 formation from the start against Bristol Rovers tonight.
Alan Pardew has found success with the system, which has played a big part in the club’s unbeaten six-match run.
However, they have also found a lot of joy when switching to 4-4-2 late on in games. Notably, that change has led to the comebacks against MK Dons, when they won 3-1, and the 2-2 draw at Orient.
But Pardew said he is likely to stick with just one up front for the FA Cup first round tie.
That means David Connolly would remain on the bench, with Rickie Lambert ploughing a lone furrow in attack.
When asked if he would be making a change to 4-4-2 from the start, Pardew said: “No, I won’t make that decision until I feel it’s necessary or right to.
“Both systems have done brilliant for us. I thought the 4-5-1 Saturday was very unfortunate not to seal the game. We had so much of the game and dominated such long spells, but the goals just didn’t appear in that system.
“We changed it and it worked, but that doesn’t mean to say that’s the way forward for us.”
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