At today's press conference the Gaffer said, "Everyone is available." Derby hit a blip, dropping from 2nd spot, causing boss Gary Rowett to have a fundamental shake up and key to that was opting for a 3-4-3 formation. Since then they won three on the bounce and got themselves into this play off. Only by the skin of their teeth perhaps but with good form nonetheless, evidenced by an impressive 4-1 over battling to win Barnsley last weekend. The new system has allowed players like Olsson and especially Wisdom to attack down the wings. And in turn enabled their front three freedom to really attack - all of them having pace and dribbling ability. A surprise in some ways is the impact made by the returning Cameron Jerome - oft linked to us in the transfer rumour mongering. In those last three games he's scored 4 and had 1 assist. So clearly a real threat. At the back, the change in style arguably leaves them a tad vulnerable but this is countered by the experience of Keogh, Johnson and the 'old warhorse' Huddleston. And of course in Plan B they have the League's 'Golden Boot' , and leading scorer, champing at the bit to come off the bench. For us, you could say a shake up would be good after last weekend. Fredericks, Odoi and Cairney to put it kindly were off the pace. Johansen with his wildness was sailing close to the wind (as he has been for a couple of games now). Targett didn't appear to have fully recovered from his ankle injury although, apparently, came off at half time against B'Ham because he'd been ill on the pitch a couple of times. So, should some or all be rested for Monday and a side put out tomorrow simply to thwart Derby? Well, in the past (before the undefeated run) Jokanovic tried different formats like 3 at the back or Norwood partnering McDonald in defensive midfieled. And none of them worked. Also, we know to our cost how we've fared when trying to sit back and defend. So, no this is not the time to shuffle either our formation or the players. In that marvellous run we've had our backs to the wall more than once - Sunderland being the most recent instance - and come out the other side. Targett has said on social media that's he's fully fit. Others, like Cairney, have been uncommonly quiet. All good things in my book. When Kamara came on against Brum on the right he was fired up (perhaps a little too much so) but lost his way when Ayite came on as well. Piazon has disappointed in recent games. Not sure if I truly believe the Gaffer about Kebano and Ojo "being available". You've guessed it - the only question is who plays on the right !! .........................Bettinelli............. ..Fredericks..Odoi...Ream...Targett... ........................McDonald.. ...............Cairney.......Johansen... ......Ayite........Mitrovic....Sessegnon.. Did seriously consider bring in Christie for Fredericks but at the back of my mind is an image of that goal which Ryan is desperate to get. That apart, one thing for sure if we're to get a result up there is that players need to get closer to Mitrovic.
I fully agree with everything you say there. Now is not the time to change things and hey we lost one match. It's not the reason we lost on Sunday but the Birmingham pitch did not suit us at all. Grass looked bit longer and dry. I watched some of our passes and they being over hit I think to compensate. I feel daft writing it but I thought it was a small factor. I shall be there again for the game and I think we need to be patient, not put too much pressure on the players even if things don't go to plan to start with. It's all about confidence. If Ollson is out then that must help us but I am reminded of the playoff last year when one of the Reading players got injured. I think I put too much significance on that and today can't even remember who it was.
As I said after the Birmingham game if we play to our potential Derby are going to have to find their best form over the two legs to beat us. C58's line up seems to be the way Jokanovic will set up. I'm hoping we play counter-attacking style rather than the slow possession build up that Jokanovic seems to favour. Our home form stands us in good stead if we can carry a lead or draw into the second leg, but these games are only enjoyed by neutral fans, Derby and our own fans will be nervous as hell with every attack. The one worrying point is again if players can't handle the pressure that comes in a tie like this. COYW
It's another of the 'big guns' taking the middle tonight, in the shape of Roger East. We haven't seen the Wiltshire Whistler for an awful long while. Not since season 2013/14 in fact when he had a bit of a stinker in a 1-0 win over Stoke at the Cottage. The stats show he booked 5, Amorebieta, Richardson and Senderos for us, but that doesn't tell the real story. Anyway, word on the street says he continues to be consistently inconsistent. His forte being penalty decisions, or not. There's also a story going the rounds that VAR will be in play for this game. If true, it could be an interesting and long night at Pride Park. For the record in his 28 matches so far this season, East has dolled out 92 yellows and 3 reds.
This has been a very frustrating game... we should have scored in this second half, but Derby probably should have scored again too. We need to stay in this; I hate the playoffs!
Where would we be without SuperMac? And how unlucky was he with the cracker against the bar? As ever, will quote a couple of stats: * Fulham possession 74% * 703 Fulham passes to 183 by Derby Away from home that's impressive in anyone's book. For once though I'll get my retaliation in first - the bulk of our possession and passes happened in the middle third of the pitch. Patience is fine but to win games when a goal down it has it's boundaries. There was little urgency or play that would force Derby to panic/make mistakes. And little variation, again making it easy for them. For instance why so many passes on the floor to Mitrovic with his back to the goal when it was clear he wasn't getting any change out of Curtis Davies? And as for every corner being played short and to no effect; other than allowing Derby to break .... !!! Final groan. Didn't agree with the Gaffer's subs. But, but ........ it's still GAME ON.
On what I saw we were worth at least a draw last night. The press highlight we only had 2 shots on target, Derby had 1 ........ Either Target was pushed for the goal or he was trying to give the impression he had, and not for the first time recently. Fredericks looks very reluctant to sprint which is a concern, perhaps a niggling injury. Davis got MoM for holding and pushing all the game. Lots of if and buts, we are where we are. With the Fulham fans roaring us on come Monday I believe we will succeed, I'll be there with Mrs 2 to help as much as possible! It's only half time, and we are good in the second half!!!!
Despite the one nil loss I'm positive about Monday. We dominated the game last night, guilty of not being direct enough, but Derby put a lot of effort into game and that was a good defensive shift from them. Can their older squad do it again on Monday, we'll see. I thought it was a good second half response last night, no signs that the defeat at Birmingham had affected the players and we should be confident of turning this around. There were quite a few negatives in the game but I'm concentrating on the positives. Derby played out of their skins and are going to have to do so again on our turf, An early goal to us will make things interesting.
You have nothing to lose. Good luck in the return, and if not, keep strong and go again next season!!! Next year´s champions will have a lower total than you got this year. Wolves set the bar very high, and I think we are all very surprised at how Cardiff dug in to hold on to second.
