The initial instinct is to stick with the players that lined-up on Monday night, for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the team spirit that group showed right from the start - even to the extent of ignoring the attempt by Mr Pardew (a Fulham fan so he should know) to unsettle us by having to attack the Hammy end in the first half. (The last time I can remember this happening was two years ago when a certain Mr Redknapp pulled the same trick.) Secondly, there was a balance to the side that had been missing in recent weeks. The attacking ’arrow’ of Kaca, Hugo and Duff with Berba in the middle prodding them forward should have the pace to threaten the QPR backs. I supppose midfield, because they will stack players in there, needs to be thought about. However I’ve not been convinced about Diarra since he came back from injury (and he missed two days of training again last week with his ’nagging’ knee). Probably more important, both Baird and Sidwell (thank goodness he avoided his 5th yellow on Monday - just) know exactly what a derby match is about. So I see no reason for change and go for - ………….Schwarzer……… ..Riether…Hughes..Hangeland…Riise.. …………...Baird…Sidwell ..Duff………Berbatov………Kaca.. ……………...Hugo………………….
Yep, I'll agree with that. If it doesn't work we still have plenty of options on the bench in Petric, Dejagah and Diarra.
I'm going to screen cap that comment, print it off, frame it, and hang it up in the bog - an opposing supporter rating Sidwell!
Jol confirmed today that Diarra is not fit enough to play at the weekend. I reckon we might be lucky to get some time out of him over the heavy Christmas programme before he's off to the ACON in January.
Better yet, if we can string the injury out a bit more, he might not go to the ACON at all, then be fit to play for us in January.
Aye, he's been treading the wire since the Arsenal game. Would be awful ironic though, as Jol spent most of this week's video interview ruefully talking about players he hasn't been able to play and how wonderful Sidwell has been. Suffice to say losing him now to a 5th yellow would be a calamity. As said Jol spent most of the video in reflection mode. So far as the QPR game is concerned, he seemed to favour not changing the starting line-up because it was a balanced side and he seemed to favour Hugo's pace over Petric's scoring record. But....? Also he seemed to be talking himself into replacing Kaca with Richardson. So still room for a wee bit of speculation as to which eleven will start. Here is the video - http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/december/13/manager-video
Only change is Richardson for Kaca. Can understand the thinking (experience v youth) but would personally have stuck with Kaca given that Richardson hasn't played since his 20 minute cameo at Arsenal. Talking about experience - this is Duffer's 100th PL game for Fulaham COYW
We desperately need some new central midfielders in January. We have absolutely no presence in the middle of the park and whilst the QPR goal was very lucky (massive deflection), that can happen when you give someone that much room in front of our centre backs. Does Baird ever pass to anyone other that Berbatov? Regardless of where Berba is on the pitch or whether the pass is appropriate, Baird always seems to try and pass to him.
And again, we concede by someone just running straight at our centre backs. It's getting hard to watch games with Sidwell/Baird in the middle.
To be fair nobody has had a good game today, it's been as bad a team performance as I can remember this season.
That's true, Bidley. But it was the same on Monday and has been numerous times over the past few weeks. We are all aware that we need a new midfielder so it gets overlooked, but I am seeing the same issues over and over again. Fortunately, I am 100% sure that Jol can see the issue and has plans in place to resolve it. Just frustrating to see the same issue over and over again!
