Nothing to surprise us... But what left me laughing is that Utd are awful everywhere. His statement that Utd front four are great who ever the play is absolutely Bollocks!! "Manchester United have had some difficult times of late but Fulham are having an absolute nightmare of a season. Fulham head coach Rene Meulensteen Meulensteen has won three out of 11 Premier League games as Fulham boss, losing eight Cottagers boss Rene Meulensteen took over a mess when he got the job at the start of December, and he has made it a bigger mess. I know Meulensteen signed players at the end of January so you think he will be given a chance to play the likes of Konstantinos Mitroglou and Johnny Heitinga before a decision is made on his future, but the next few games really are the last throw of the dice for him. Defensively, Manchester United are miles away from where they need to be. It is not a secret anymore because teams know they can get at them, and United know it too. United's front four is great, whoever they play, but the problem is they are built on a crumbling foundation. They did not strengthen at the back during January so it is up to David Moyes to decide his strongest back four. Defensively, Manchester United are miles away from where they need to be In the centre, I would always play Nemanja Vidic if he is fit because he is a warrior. I would play Jonny Evans alongside him, although I am not totally convinced by him, because I would put Phil Jones in midfield. As far as full-backs go, anyone but Rafael at right-back because he is a liability. As for Patrice Evra, I would say to him that even if he leaves at the end of the season then he needs to put in some performances for his own sake as much as the team. He is still a very good full-back, especially going forward, but part of the reason United are struggling at the back is because their full-backs are fine going forward but do not offer much protection to their centre-backs. From their point of view, thank goodness goalkeeper David De Gea is having such a good season. Lawro's prediction: 3-0 Josh's prediction: Again, I think there is a bit of an upset on the cards. United's form has been so hit and miss this season so far. 1-2"
Know what you mean Craving. We hold the "record" of being the first team in Premier League history to only draw 1 of our first 24 Premier League games.
True, but every little helps. Like it did a season or so ago with Villa when they had the fewest wins of any team but their 17 draws kept them up.
I remember during the Hodgson era we were the best defensive team in the league, outside the big four, and we ended up with many, many draws. We were the kings of the draw, squeaking out 0-0 and 1-1 games quite frequently on the road. But now our defense could be used to strain pasta, so it's hard to see us getting many of those precious draws. p.s. After England hopelessly underachieve at the upcoming WC in Brazil and Hodgeson is, inevitably, slow-roasted over an open fire by the UK media, then sacked, perhaps we'll be able to get him back as a manager. I'd welcome him in a minute.
Bugger, that's put the mockers on us getting a draw.... Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen has to decide how to approach this game after getting a very good draw at Old Trafford on Sunday. The Cottagers are at home but I don't think Meulensteen will go gung-ho - two points from those two games would be a very decent return, and he will know what will happen if he gives Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling any space. The home fans will understand that too. Lawro's prediction: 1-1
I've got a draw for this one. Everyone is writing us off. Apparently we are certs for relegation according to Talkshite and they couldn't decide who the other 2 would be!
To be honest I have written us off. Booked my tickets to Cardiff and Villa and hopefully will be something more than an excursion!!
I'm more hopeful in this game for a draw than I was Liverpool or Utd. I feel like Chelsea aren't the finished article yet and we might be able to hold out and snatch a goal - depends on Eto'o and his reaction to Mourinho (his old girlfriend came out and said she thought he was actually 39). Magath has a great record and I think this game we might see the first signs of his changes, particularly with regard to structure and defending. We should stay deep, pack the centre and break quickly.
Mitroglou is great on taking people on and if he is given some space will do the damage... Fingers crossed that we can get something.
I've not seen enough to know what his pace is like, but I'd say the Chelsea centre back pairing can be exposed by speed. If Mitro isn't having any joy a late sub for Tankovic might pose them a few problems. Should be a good day regardless, I'm hoping Magath takes us back to the Hodgson days when we rarely won or lost by more than a goal.
Well we now know that Mitroglou is out for this game. In his press conference today when he said that Kostas wasn't ready, Felix added that Greek football isn't like the Premiership, which is rather ironic given the Olympiakos result midweek. That aside, Kostas doesn't have pace. And if you see him when he runs, he's neither graceful or athletic. Not to say he can't take on and beat people or score goals but don't expect blistering breaks of speed.
Good old Lawro, back to his old tricks. No reasoning of any sort, just a few stats and passing comments.
The Bollock is lost for words this week - "I feel a bit sorry for Fulham manager Felix Magath. He has been brought in to try to keep them up, and is trying to improve his players' fitness, but he does not know the Premier League. His track record in Germany suggests he will pick up some points, but I am not sure whether it will be enough. I am not really sure of what to expect from the Cottagers on Saturday but I don't think Newcastle will just roll over without their manager Alan Pardew, who is serving a stadium ban for his headbutt on Hull's David Meyler." Lawro's prediction: 1-1
