A delayed press conference from the Gaffer today, presumably while news of Mr Khan's attempt to purchase Wembley Stadium sinks in. Something Jokanovic says he knew about 18 months ago. On the team front Ayite and Ojo are still out and Kebano is very doubtful. Sunderland's fate is already sealed but Chris Coleman says, he won't risk playing youngsters and will put out the strongest side possible. Well, he's going to have to do without Aiden McGready and Brian Oviedo through injury, while Billy Jones is doubtful. And of course Jack Rodwell is AWOL. He does have Lamine Kone and Josh Maja available however. That said there will be a number of youngsters travelling with the team, including 16 year old Bali Mumba, and a mix of experience and youth is possible. Despite their ties to Fulham neither Cookie or Kit will be heading to the Cottage intending to dish out favours and many of his team will either be playing for their future at the club or putting themselves in the shop window. So it's worth remembering that Sunderland are the only club who can 'do the double' over us this season. For us, no change despite Kalas doing his 'Beckenbauer' against Millwall : .........................Bettinelli............. ..Fredericks...Odoi.....Ream...Targett.. ........................McDonald... ..............Cairney..........Johansen.. ....Piazon..........Mitrovic.....Sessegnon.. .
That was a lovely run by Kalas, Cottager. I'd agree with your selection, or should I say SJ's, Piazon played better last time out, but then everyone did us proud. The game will be a tough one, just hope we can continue to keep our nerve.
The man on show tonight is Peter Bankes. please log in to view this image So, it's back to a 2nd tier ref for this one. Still it is on TV and who else could it be therefore, other than Banksey. The last time we saw the Scouse Whistler was the 2-0 home win against Leeds earlier this month. He booked 5; three of ours - Bettinelli, McDonald and Johansen. Before that it was the 2-0 win over Wolves in February when a meagre 3 were booked; Targett for us. You have to go all the way back to September for the third match he ref'd us this season. The 2-1 victory at Loftus Road. 6 got booked; ours being Button, Norwood and Fredericks. All those matches were on TV of course. Bankes has apparently tempered his card flashing this season, although you'd be hard pushed to believe that. In his 40 games so far, there have been 144 yellows and 8 reds. Those reds put him second top of the 'bad boys' table.
I was meant to be at this one, before it was rescheduled. My boys and I are nervously watching this one on telly instead. Come on you whites!
Another 3 points for the 14 men of Fulham. Must be great knowing a referee will always side with your team.
Definitely annoying Captain. Damp and at times tense night but your boys would have loved the atmosphere at the end. And one crazy thing in particular. While the rest were doing what players do in a 'last game at home parade', Abou Kamara came and sat down with the stewards - not too far from where I think you normally are in the JH - and then had a hug with them. The guy is absolutely bonkers but what a game he had when he came on. Made the difference in my book. A difficult game in many ways. Our tight passing was shaky at times, scary on occasion yet often breathtaking. We also let ourselves down a tad with the final ball in front of goal. But nobody could doubt the passion shown by all 14 who played. Every one of them fought for the Club and their Gaffer. And of course, came home with 3 points.
I'm hoping that Targett is not too badly injured and will be OK for Birmingham game, think he twisted his ankle and that allowed the Sunderland guy to get away to score. Cairney took a few knocks and I was worried when he went down early on, he didn't move so well after getting kicked on the leg. Thought Ream and Odoi were outstanding, but I'd rather have Sessegnon playing forward, so want Targett back for Brum. Pace of Kamara worried them and he was buzzing everywhere. From where I was sitting it looked like the Sunderland player had slipped, but I've seen the TV replay now and it looks like a penalty. Still that's what you get for Colin saying how ****e the championship Refs after every Cardiff game, and what they got wrong. Even when they beat Burton the other week he said how the Ref had a poor game.
Kamara (or, 'The Aboubanater') is a bit of a favourite with my boys. I love his attitude but I'm not always convinced by his skill levels. Tonight though, I agree: he was fantastic and made a real difference once he came on. Fredericks was the star for me, though as you say, it looked like a fantastic team effort. I feel sorry for Coleman and the situation he's inherited, but I'm delighted that last night didn't go well for him, obviously.
Quite relieved on the win. Even when we went 1 down and felt we would come back and win it. I saw Target had a brace on during his lap of the pitch at the end, hope that was just precaution. Have to give credit to those Sunderland fans that attended. Takes some dedication to come down, a very long way, when you are already relegated. It did sort of feel that they had gate crashed a party but hats off to them. Over to Cardiff now - come on Hull city !!
A great atmosphere somewhat reminiscent when we stayed up under Roy,and the game that got us into the europa cup final .Not their best last night but a great team performance. As previously said well done to you Sunderland fans who attended,you are to big a club to be where you are,a complete sort out and you will be back up there.
I had a similar thought about the Sunderland fans although it was pointed out this was probably some of their London branch, to those that travelled, I'd say that goes beyond fandom and into masochism. I felt quite calm through the game, missed a lot of the first half but got there in time for the equaliser. I'm comfortable putting trust in this team, where before I might have always hoped now its more expectation, of course we are going to score and hold the lead, we've dropped it before this season and no doubt none of the players want a repeat bollocking from Slavisa. If he gets in your face and starts shouting it's not something that goes away, those mad eyes and square jaw would imprint on your consciousness, even Mitro has fallen into line and is thriving just getting on with the business of scoring and not having to worry about being the hardest Serb in the stadium. Even bloody Warnock is standing on his doorstep now awaiting a delivery of new underwear after having to bin the ones he was wearing when watching Slavs post match interview, and in about 20 mins he'll be chasing the courier down his gravel driveway demanding a handshake before heading off to Hull wearing yet another set of pants that won't make it through the day. I'm beyond cautious hope, we're only going to win the Europa League 2020! . I can see it already, Mitro holding up the trophy in one hand, Sess in the other, with Slavisa doing his Pardew impersonation behind
Can anybody throw a bit of light on a wee mystery for me? When there was the fracas near the end with Johansen, suitably being body guarded by 'The Aboubanater', someone kicked the ball towards the dugout. Where it disappeared and we then had a hilarious period with the Cardiff goalie gesturing to his team mates to give him the ball. To a man they all turned to each other with bemused shrugs. The ball eventually re-appeared from the bench. But who kicked it over there in the first place? At the game was sort of focused on the Stefjo shenanigans but out of the corner of my eye saw Rui Fonte move towards the ball. Was it him?
I still believe. For once it was Fulham who were being thoroughly professional at then with cramp, ahem, etc. Not that I condone that sort of behaviour you understand. Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
A bad omen. During our game on Friday I heard our supporters singing "We're coming after you" The last time I heard that was from Spurs fans when they were behind Leicester 2015/2016 season. Spurs then ended up third in a 2 horse race.
