In todayâs lunchtime press conference, Rene confirmed that beating Swansea is more important than beating Sheffield Utd, so he will utilise his squad across the two games as best he can. [Sidenote: still canât believe that the Swansea game is going ahead only two days after the Cup game - we are the only Premiership team facing this situation!!] Rene also confirmed that Amorebietta is the only injury worry. Although I heard that Dembele was ruled out of the U21 game last Thursday with an ankle injury. Well, thereâs not a lot of choice for this game really. A mix of fringe players and U21s: â¦â¦â¦â¦â¦..Stockdaleâ¦â¦â¦â¦â¦ ..Zveroticâ¦Senderos..Hughesâ¦.Riise.. â¦â¦..Kasamiâ¦â¦..Davidâ¦.. â¦â¦â¦â¦â¦Taarabtâ¦â¦ ..Duffâ¦â¦â¦Hugoâ¦â¦â¦Plumain..
It will be interesting to see if Freddie Plumain plays as there have been some good reports, and on the value analysis rating ,he has been quoted at 800.000.
I would continue with the hangeland and burn combo, brede needs games and burn looks a great player. Zverotic has looked didgy every time he plays. Stekers Riether Burn Hangers Riise David Kara Kasami Kaka Dj Dembele if fit or rodders Be good to get some confidence ahead of swansea. Hopefully some early goals and make changes after an hour.
"If they're good enough, they're old enough", says Rene. And quite a few youngsters training with the main squad at Motspur Park in the clips on Rene's internal video interview: [video=youtube;ojxUbL9UdTs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojxUbL9UdTs&feature=player_embedded[/video]
I agree with that - look at the youngsters that United have brought through in the last 25 years, and Everton as well to be fair. Made a complete monkey of Hansen that year they all came into the team together - never win anything with kids, wasn't it? I have never understood why we were holding back some very talented kids. Although I guess that was Jol, to be honest.
I've got a cheeky feeling that the majority of Rene's starting eleven will senior players - most probably a similar or slightly weaker team that faced Norwich in the 2nd leg. On the basis that Sheffield Utd are sitting near the bottom of Div 1, I can't believe the bookies have us and them as 13/8 joint favourites to win the match on Sunday. If we put out a strong squad, I'll be having a few quid in us to win. Failing that, I reckon we'll take the draw and beat them at the Cottage.
Well if ever there was a game to start a couple of youngsters, this is it. You could argue that 13/8 is a decent price for either team (depending on the line up), which suggests that the prices are fair. Sheffield United did knock Villa out in the last round, at Villa Park so they're not to be taken for granted.
Although Sheffield Utd are near the bottom of league 1 I believe up until recently they were actually deep in trouble near the very bottom but have since turned a corner and are slowly moving away from relegation! Think I read somewhere they are unbeaten in there last 11 games including beating Villa.
Beat me to it, Cookie. They've actually lost two and drawn one of the last three league games, but before that they were flying - unbeaten in December. I've always rated Nigel Clough, and he seems to have had an impact since arriving a couple of months ago. He's improved every team he's managed, leaving both Burton and Derby in a better state than he found them and he's got 15 years of experience as a manager. If he ever turned up as the new Fulham manager, I'd be optimistic about the appointment. I don't think this is going to be a walkover.
In terms of starting 11 I don't think I would start Hangeland I know he needs games but with another big game two days later I would rest him ............,.... Stockdale..................... Zverotic......Hughes....Senderos.....Riise ....................Karagounis.................. ...........Kasami...........David............. .....Taarabt.......................Dempsey .....................Bent.................. Subs Stekelenberg, Burn, Richardson, Christiansen, Plumain, Dembele, Kacanicklic
Judging from what Rene said in the video I think he intends to use the squad at his disposal so I am sure the team will be a mix of experience and youth. I think Berba, Hangeland, Reither, Parker & Sidwell will almost certainly be missing. He may play Burn, who is young enough to face up to the rigours of two games in a few days - and is probably used to it what with playing in the championship and Div 1 for a season and a half. If Amorebietta is fit I would put him in in place of Blunderbus.
I've noticed on twitter young keeper Magnus Norman replying to numerous tweets which were saying 'good luck in Sheffield tomorrow' so expect to see him in the squad. Strange choice really as I thought Etheridge, Joronen and Rodak were all ahead of him.
The man in the middle is our old 'friend', Mr Marriner. please log in to view this image The West Midlands official has taken charge of 23 games so far this season showing 78 yellow cards and 5 reds. Marriner has already taken charge of Fulham on three occasions this season. We have lost all three games. Chelsea and Southampton both beat us 2-0 on the road and Swansea 2-1 at home. We have only won five of our twenty-one games when Marriner has been in charge. Mind, Sheffield United have won only one of their ten games when Marriner was referee.
Game is on following a couple of pitch inspections apparently it's raining cats and dogs up in Sheffield
Starting XI: Stockdale; Passley, Hughes, Senderos, Riise; Duff, David, Karagounis, Kasami; Tankovic; Rodallega Bench: Stekelenburg, Pritchard, Christensen, Plumain, Taarabt, Bent and Kacaniklic Very much a case of squad rotation. Great to see some youngsters in there! COYW!
Anyone got a quick update on Passley and Pritchard???? Great to see more youth debuts there is only one way of finding out if they are going to be good enough and that is to play them
Indeed good to see the mix of young and old. No Dembele. Hopefully, Sendeross will stay calm. COYW !!!!
Watching on BT sport and nice first 5mins. Passley caught out for pace and gave away a foul. David and tank just combined nicely to create a chance we won a corner from.
