I wouldn't disagree with your recent form, but your reading of our post-Euro form is debatable. Here are the four games immediately after our first four group matches: Spurs at home: Lost 3-1, but as some of you (and Dalglish) have pointed out, we stormed the second half and could very easily have got more Everton at home: Lost 3-1, but it was 1-1 with a couple of minutes to go and Zamora missed a sitter before Everton got two goals at the death. We played well overall and were excellent in spell. 9 times out of 10 Zamora would have buried the chance - he'd done the hard bit - and we would have won. I thought Everton narrowly edged the first half but we were the better team over 90 minutes. QPR at home: Won 6-0. Yeah, Europe really hit us hard that time Man City at home: Drew 2-2. We were awful (and losing 2-0) in the first half, then stormed the second half. This remains the only points City have dropped this season. Judged just on results I'd call that mixed rather than poor (1 emphatic win, one draw with the league leaders and two defeats). Judged on the games themselves, there was one half where we were outclassed (first half against City), one where we were narrowly bettered (Everton) and the rest were as good or better than the opposition. It's helped that all four games have been at home, as we are on Monday. And this time we get an extra rest day compared to all of the above. I'm not saying we'll beat you (though I've got a sneaky feeling we might), just pointing out that your dismissal of our post-Europe form is flawed. Mind you, last time I was indignant about Liverpool fans predicting a goal-fest against us and we all know how that turned out! I don't see it happening again this time though.
You sure about that? http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/15809406.stm Also - if it wasn't for Hart being on top form we could of easily won 4-1.
I stand corrected - it was the only point they dropped until they played you! I am sure that our second half display was pretty impressive against a team that most in the league have struggled against. My main point remains: our post-Europa League form is a lot better than the poster I was replying to thought when he described it as 'poor'. Monday might not be the walk-over that some of the posters on here are calling for.
Fair enough, I don't watch Fulham too much so wouldn't be able to comment on the performances. You did also draw 0-0 with Villa at home, lost 2-0 to Wolves away and lost 2-1 to Newcastle away immediately after Europa games as well? I know they were after qualifying games, but it's still a midweek European game so they need to be counted. The point I was trying to make is the demands of 2 games a week seem to be taking their toll on you and looking at the late goals you conceeded against Everton & Spurs kind of backs that up?
Bellamy must play, Hangeland hates pace but loves playin against the big 6ft 3 striker. The only position Im not sure about is left wing Downing or Maxi , for me the rst picks itself Reina Johnson Skrtel Agger Jose Dirk Jay Adam ?? Bellamy Suarez
Fair call on my just taking the group stages. Pure laziness in researching on my part! Home and away is perhaps the really significant factor in this. I think we're much better at home after Europa matches than we are away (but then again, we're much better at home than away when we've NOT had a Europa match). The Villa game - the only home one of the three I didn't mention - was another where we could easily have taken the points. Even with the aways, I seem to recall that against Newcastle we were peppering their goal before they went ahead. The late goal against Spurs came when we were throwing men forward to try for an equaliser. The first late goal against Everton came just after Bobby Zamora missed a sitter, which felt like a body blow that our players hadn't got over yet. The second late one was, as with Spurs, when we were chasing. I don't think either had to do with tiredness. That said, one or two players - particularly Murphy - are looking tired towards the end of matches these days.
Chris On paper, things don't look good for Fulham, but what's missing from the numbers is this: Fulham's defense has solidified, giving up two goals in three games, all in away matches, which includes our draw at Arsenal. But, more importantly, Fulham has its shape and confidence back. A well earned draw away against Arsenal last week is the proof. Several key players were rested this week, so I expect Fulham to win the game. I'm guessing 2-1 (Zamora and Ruiz).
Murphy is still one of my favourite prem players, very likeable guy and great player, hasnt lost much with age. Looking forward to seeing him play, still think we sold him too early
I'm really hoping for a dominant game in terms of possession and us keeping the set peices to a minimum for them. we really need to start picking up even more points even though we'd been unbeaten as the top 4 is getting tougher, we need to put in a very good shift of work tonight and i for on e hope suarez is itching for a game, bellamy brings his form along and we see spearing relaise this is his one chance to stakc a claim and really work hard for it.
This next month of fixtures is very similar to that of Tottenham's recent run of form, we need to show that we can keep up with the likes of them if we are to seriously consider ourselves for a top 4 challenge.
I'll add to that the work rate to win the ball back as well. Show why we think they are a lesser team and put them under at all times, make them play quick. I believe we have the capabilities to do that, them, not so sure.
Agreed, it's all well and good doing it to the top teams but I never understood why we don't do it against the lessser ones. Look at Spuds on the weekend, Parker was really good at closing Bolton down high up the pitch and it even got Cahill to make a mistake leading to his sending off.
I think Spurs are good at that as well, being a bit more ruthless and pressing the team into mistakes ( look at our game! ) I also want to see us finish, I don't care who, it can be Carroll who needs a goal, Suarez who needs to end his little drought as well or Pepe Reina for all I care! I think the biggest problem will be that I am watching the game today !
