Everyone appears to be okay. Derby's Curtis Davies, in an interview today, summed up their approach to the game saying, "It's not about Wembley. I't about getting promoted. We won't park the bus but will be trying for a clean sheet. We played some good stuff when in their half on Friday night and will look to [nicking] that second goal". So, we won't see changes, although expect them to start with only Jerome and hold Vydra back. For us, you could argue that this is one game too far for Fredericks, Johansen and young Sessegnon who have all been very lacklustre in the last two games. Even Cairney, although he did show signs of life in the second half at Derby. I'd be tempted but Jokanovic won't be. So here we are again with the fateful right wing spot. None of the usual culprits has impressed enough to make an outright claim on the place, except Kamara when he came on against Sunderland. [Beggars belief why he didn't feature at some point on Friday night.] His blockbusting style doesn't seem to sit with the Gaffer's preference for a patient start however, and to be fair we've never seen whether it might work. Case of trusting Slavi (?). Would like Kebano get a start but he's really a left sided player and suspect it's going to be ... as you were: ..........................Bettinelli...... ..Fredericks....Odoi......Ream....Targett.. .........................McDonald.. .............Cairney............Johansen.... ......Ayite...........Mitrovic.....sessegnon..
I couldn't be having Ayite starting tomorrow after his non performance on Friday. Brought nothing to the game and looked very clumsy on the ball, seemed to lose possession more often than not. Of course this won't happen, but ever since January when we signed Christie I've been having thoughts of Christie playing right back and pushing Fredericks up into the troublesome right wing spot. Fredericks spends most of his time in the opposition half anyway so why not just give him that more attacking role?
Tempting Fab. However, when the pair of them did play (against Brentford) neither seemed to know who should be the right back and we know the outcome. Case of not trying anything new at this time? Fred has been disappointing against Brum and Derby though so a straight swap could be argued.
I thought Christie may have been an option for the 1st leg. When Fredericks has a good game he is the key to so many of our goals. I remember Jokanovic saying the Championship is a long season, key is to use the full squad to prevent tiredness at the end of the season but this does not seem to have happened.
Let's not forget that he missed our second best chance on goal, after the lofted through ball from Johansen.
I'd like to see the revolving door of right wingers spin again, though I'm not sure who would be my first choice to take Ayite's place. I'm torn on Sess. Part of me wants to see him given the chance to put things right, not least because of the way he links up so well with Mitrovic most of the time. Another part of me is tempted to use him as a sub when he can come on with fresh legs against tired defenders. I think I'm leaning towards starting him, but I'm really not sure. Other than that, I'd stick with the team that started the first leg, although I did think about Christie for Fredericks as well. Perhaps if Fredericks doesn't seem to be on form again that's a change to make during the game. Still standing, still believing.
A big tactical game for both managers, they need to get it right. Substitutes could play a big part, with the possibility of extra time as away goals don't count. Start with or bring on Kamara with his speed to tire their players out. Derby have a larger squad compared to us, could they drop Jerome, bring him on as sub and play Vdyra from the start as the lone striker. Is Anya fit enough to last 90 minutes for them as he has the speed to coup with Fredericks. Another big factor will be the Ref. So fingers crossed we don't get one who ruins the game.
Well, it's Chris Kavanagh. The Manchester Whistler went up to the Premiership for the first time this season. He has had two forays into the Championship however - both QPR games. One against Leeds last December and the other, our 2-2 draw with them at the Cottage in March. He booked 5 altogether that day; four of them in the last 10 minutes (Targett and Mitrovic for us). We did have a run in with Kavanagh back in the Kit days when we were finding our feet (or not) in the Championship and he was very much a rookie. As it happens that was against Leeds at the Cottage and after he'd sent off Stafylidis, some ours (mainly Parker, McCormack and Bettinelli) got a little over excited in their protests to him. For the record, in his 28 games so far this season he's booked 96 and given 4 red cards.
What a night. Time seemed to stand still with that header from Denis Odoi. Couldn't believe it. And from a corner ... first we've scored since Boxing Day 2016. Too breathless to say more. Except .. We're On Our Way To Wembley please log in to view this image
What a game, what a team, what a club. I love Fulham FC! Unbelievable goal from Odoi. Derby didn't really have too many chances. What was the 6 minutes of added time all about? Feel better about Pride Park, 30 odd years ago now. [emoji6] One game away from the Prem. COYW Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
The atmosphere was electric last night. My MOTM THE WHOLE BLOODY TEAM There's going to be a lot of prosecutions for running on the pitch. One game to go confidence high, let's hope it's a victory, getting to Wembley is the strawberries now let's have the cream. Fulham will have the East End of the Wembley ground (the old tunnel end I think). Sun tan lotion required if sunny 5 tickets per STH & member is a bit over the top and might create the problems we had for Hamburg Ticketing and £4.80 booking fees (not the fault of Fulham).
What a night, what an atmosphere. Well deserves win over the two legs and cannot believe I'm going to Wembley to see Fulham. Derby defended well but a goal had to come. I was nervous only when 6 mins of extra time came up on the board after past experiences but even then I thought we'd just do them in extra time. Total team performance, Kamara made a difference, except was disappointed with his dive. Nice rest now and get ready for Villa. COYW
A brilliant night gentlemen, I'd surprised Mr Foxy aka 2WhiteStripes with tickets for the match and we nervously travelled over yesterday. Needless to say he was delighted, the atmosphere and result were fantastic. (obviously as a Leicester fan I'm always happy with a Derby defeat ). The best game I've ever been to at the Cottage. Looking forward to you beating Villa (don't like them either ) in the Final. Although gutted that the ticket allocation means the availability will not reach my eligibility level, 5 per season ticket holder! That's excessive surely? Obviously if any of you are STH holders and would like to get 2 extra for us I'll call it a grand idea, promote you to my favourite Fulham fan and throw in Regardless, one game to the Premier League, COME ON FULHAM!
What a brilliant night we had, players, management and fans alike, massive. One more step now against Villa, tough but can be done. Their keeper should have gone off tonight but hopefully we will make his next game the pay back. Any help for the 606 ers would be will be appreciated and rewarded, but Mrs 2 will be trying hard to get us to Wembley come what may.
I could try to get you two tickets 2whites. They're going fast and it looks like only the top tier (level 5) is left. Do you want to DM me if you're still interested.
