Looks like the 3 new guys won't be considered to start according to Parker as he's set to find out what condition they are in. Steven Sessegnon has recovered from an injury but has done light training only. I'd expect the same team as v Barnsley but Knockaert to start instead of Kamara. Bettinelli ; Odoi Mawson Le Marchand Bryan ; McDonald Johansen ; Cairney Cavaleiro Knockaert Mitrovic Keith Stroud is the Ref (any news need C58 back with his analysis)
I wouldn't be surprised to see Arter in the starting line up, but other than that I agree with SuperBri. I'd rather see Fossey (or S.Sess, but it sounds like he's not match fit) at right back, but part of me would like Christie to start, if only as a show of support over the racist abuse incident. I'm coming to this one, really looking forward to it.
What are the chances of Ream coming back into the team? My preferred CB pairing going forward would be Ream and Mawson. Betts, Odoi, Mawson, Ream, Bryan, Arter, StefJo, TC, Cav, Knockaert, Mitro If all are fit and ready to go this would be my team.
I suspect Arter will replace Johansen, other wise as you have it SB. No news on C58, I tried contacting but no response, quite worrying, he held this board together very well. We must soldier on until he returns eh.
On holiday so did not attend but all the reports I’ve seen around the inter web suggest we won playing ok but not amazingly... though there were particular praise for Arter, Ream and Knockeart which is good to hear, after last week 3 points was the main thing! Inknow it’s still early but we now have a run of 6 games 5 of which are against teams the bookies have to be up in around the top 10 for me it’s an important fun which could set the season we need at least 3 wins
I listened to JG so can't go into too much detail, better from those who attended. As you mention Cookie, Arter, Ream and Knockeart, playrd well, but so did Mitro, Cairney, Odoi, Mawson and Bryan. As for our suspect defence when we have midfield cover, Blackburn didn't get a shot on target and unlike Burnley last season, we didn't score 2 for them. Sounded like a deserved win rather than spectacular.
Signs today that we would be very good once the team has a bit more time together. First half we allowed Blackburn to put us under a bit of pressure but luckily it came to nothing. Crowd was getting a bit restless with us playing out from the back and sometimes giving away the ball too easy. The goal however settles nerves and what a goal it was. Classic Cairney left foor strike. I thought we were comfortable second half but at one nil we've seen it all before. Great persistence from Joe Bryan to get across and drive a low ball across the box for Mitro to score a confidence boosting first goal of the season. All new signings had good games - so much potential and just love the attitude and skill of Knockheart. The team played reasonably well - but there will be sterner tests to come.
First thing to say is that it was VERY windy, which effected play a lot. Second thing to say is my Blood Pressure is not going to be very good if we try to keep playing out from goalkicks and trying to pass the ball across our penalty area. We will come a cropper. Blackburn started the better team, but we slowly crept into the game. Second half Fulham controlled the game but the second goal gave us some breathing space. The Arter Johansen proved a good combo, and with a lenient Ref they got away with a few snappy tackles. Arter was my MOTM, he lasted the pace, and he controlled the defensive midfield, but he does need to curb his temper and less retaliation. I love the way Knockaert gets angry with himself when he misses the target, he had a good game. A Cairney special for the first goal, but he needs to do that more often, there were two occasions before that he could have had a shot but he shyed away from it. Cavaleiro had a quiet game for me and didn't take on and win many of his duels until just before he was taken off. When Reed came on he slotted really well in Arter's Defensive Midfield role and seems a good passer of the ball, Arter then moved forward into a more attacking role. De Cordova-Reid was energetic when he came on and with a bit more composure he could have had a debut goal when Mitrovic put him through one on one with their keeper. Definitely a improvement in performance but not as clinical as they should be.
I thought we played well against a poor Blackburn team - we'll have to play better against a lot of teams in this division, but we've got the potential to be better, so that's okay. I didn't mind the Man City-style playing out from the keeper so much, but the problem (initially - we improved as the game went on) was that when the chance to move forward came, we tended to turn back again rather than take the progressive option (sounds familiar!). In fairness, our best attacking moments in the early stages came as a result from the extended playing around at the back - we drew Blackburn onto us, creating the space for Knockeart to chase through balls behind their exposed defence. That said, I preferred it when we were a bit brisker in the second half. As for individuals, I didn't think anyone had a bad game. Arter was the standout for me, with Knockeart and Mitro also superb. Mawson and Ream looked solid, and Bryan the better of two decent full backs. Cavaleiro had flashes that suggested there's better to come from him, but didn't shine anything like as much as Knockeart on the opposite wing. Similarly, Bobby Reid when he came on looked like there's more to come while not quite delivering on this occasion. I'm not convinced by him and Cairney both playing in the centre of midfield together, though he'd be a good back-up or a more natural fit on the wings (or maybe, shudder at the thought, a back up if Mitro gets injured). Harrison Reed was the most impressive of the subs, looking like he'll be another good option for the holding midfield role. Stefjo didn't do much wrong, but looks the most vulnerable to losing his place once Onomah is match-ready - I get the impression that Scotty is a big fan and will want to get him involved sooner rather than later. I wouldn't be surprised if Arter-Onomah-Cairney becomes the regular midfield trio. Finally, a word on Mitro. Every time I see him, I'm amazed all over again at what a beast he is, taking the ball on his chest when surrounded by opponents and consistently keeping possession and enabling us to move forward. As much as his goal scoring ability, this is the most valuable thing he brings to the side. Off the top of my head I can't think of another centre forward who I'd put ahead of him for that aspect of his game. I think I'm in love.
In true Fulhamish style Tom Cairney won player of the weekend in the Championship from the EFL but wasn’t even good enough to win man of the match in the Fulham game as voted by Fulham fans that honour went to Harry Arter! To be fair from the reports I read - Cairney, Ream, Arter and Knockeart all could have won it
Have you seen Tim Ream's new season beard? It is very impressive! It was a solid performance on Saturday and we grew into the game. The likes of Arter & Reed brought an important energy to our midfield, as well as a combativeness that was needed. Mitrovic was great at bringing other players into play, but he needs to trust in their ability and get further forward; I'm sure that will come in time. Cavaleiro needs a confidence boost, Knockaert looks like the same player who has previously dominated in this league. I'm still worried about our paper-thin CB group (with MLM & Odoi our only cover options), but Ream & Mawson looked solid. Bobby Reid looks like a real handful and I think he'll chip in several goals this year.