Hola, Might as well keep all the formation-guessing/clairvoyant patter to the one thread. Our bould bhoys are off to the home of social exclusion on Sunday for a rammy. Formation. I don't think Izzy will start but Wanyama is a "pretty likely" so I'm gonna guess ==========Forster========== Matthews=Rogne=Wilson=Mulgrew Forrest=Broony=Wanyama=Ledley ===Stokes================= ============Hooper======== I'm a shocker for keeping up to date with injuries and suspensions so I'm sure someone will point out if I've included someone who's gone over on their ankle in training or that. As far as I know, Forrest has shaken off his knock from the LC Final, if not, I'd move Broony to the right and stick Ki in the middle. I'd prefer to see Ki to start to be honest but I reckon Lennon will go with Big Victor in the middle to break up the Huns teenage midfielders and Ki would probably end up wearing McCulloch's studs in any case. The usual selection dilemma will revolve around a certain Greek fairy. I'd rather he didn't start (although he would've been better in the cup final) as I'm hoping we'll see a lot of the ball on the deck and Hooper/Stokes keep this going better than anyone. Similarly, I'd like to see Commons start but not at the expense of Ledley (so for Forrest basically) although I suspect Kris will be given a 15 minute cameo runout. As for predictions for the game itself, I'm not as confident as everyone else seems to be. Regardless of how dreadful Rangers are, this game is all they have left and it could easily become a bit of a battle and very nasty. If we score first and early, shootie in. I reckon we'll dance all over them. If we don't score early, though, I can see a repeat of the first game at Ibrox this season (i.e getting beat) with someone like Mulgrew being sent off for two bookable tackles and the Huns treating it like some sort of World Cup win. Really, really hope not, though. I'm taking nothing for granted - need everyone to be up for this and not take it for granted - Rangers will try to play at a pace, I reckon, but, if we have too much of the ball, it'll get really, really ugly. Mon the good ghuys.
Samaras will be a different starter which means either Stokes or Hooper will be dropped to the bench. Think Hooper will get the nod as he does tend to score against Rangers. Has Forrest recovered? To be honest, the way he's been playing recently I wouldn't start him even if he is fit. He's looked tired the past few games. Score prediction? Reckon it will be a draw.
I was just talking about it with a guy in work there. If Killie get a result on Saturday and if scenario A plays out and we take an early lead, it will be utter, utter carnage. Huns on the pitch, tatties and lighter hail, Lennon surrounded by polis etc etc etc.
...and another point. If we get beat, it'll keep them happy and paper over the McCoist-shaped gaping crack. Maybe we should let them win and we'll get another couple of years of the rent-a-quote loser guiding them down the ravine
I see it being a draw in all honesty. I don't really care if we do win the title at their midden as long as we win it is all that matters.
If the sunny weather continues, I'll probably make a big Greek salad for lunch and down a chilled bottle of rosé with it. Probably some pasta in a spicy tomato sauce in the evening.
How do you make your Greek salad? I use a bed of sliced tomatoes with feta and olives and chopped cucumber, topped off with onion rings which have been marinated in Olive Oil and Cider Vinegar.
Similar to yours, but I use sliced yellow pepper instead of olives (you could therefore argue it's not a true Greek salad). I tend to use a squeeze of lemon juice instead of the vinegar (if I have one handy) and I don't marinade the onion rings separately. I just drizzle the oil and juice over the whole thing. I also sprinkle some oregano over it.
Kilkenny 3-21 Cork 1-16 I think such a stern test might have come a little early for JBM's new look side. Even in defeat last week, there were real positive signs for the Rebels. Conor Lehane impresses me more and more each week. It'll be interesting to see how he gets on against the KK half back line, Tommy Walsh especially. I'd be delighted if we were still in it with 10 minutes to go.
Hmm, not sure about the Oregano but I do like to marinade the onion so it's soft to bite into. Give it a try.
I would use (fresh) thyme myself, Dev, as it gives a nice earthy taste. I'd also be ditching the vinegar for lemon juice (as Tarquin suggested) and using green peppers instead of yellow. Olives go perfectly well with all of this. Making the onions soft feels like it may be a bit of a crime. It's all in the crunch..... Nigella xx
