In his lunchtime press conference today Felix said that “we have a good schedule for the last few weeks, everybody knows that and is sleeping well with this knowledge”. Well I hope that doesn’t add up to ‘complacency’, cos we’ve seen too much of that already this season. He said Kostas will need to be assessed by the Club doctors when he gets back from Greece, adding “if he’s not fit, he willl be fit the next week or the week after”. Don’t hold your breath! Hangeland he said is fit and will “lead the team against Cardiff”. Kvist has a slight hamstring. Alarmingly, Felix repeated his comment about Holtby not being a fighter although it’s not clear if he was harking back to his decision to drop him for the Chelsea game or whether he just doesn’t rate him in any battle. Like just about everybody I haven’t a clue what the full team selection (or what his strategy) will be for this game. Kostas played for 60 minutes for Greece yesterday - which may or may not have been pre-agreed with the Club - but didn't exactly do anything and is apparently a ‘little bit stiff‘. Kara played for the last half hour and was his usual effervescent self. Kaca played the full 90 for Sweden and the Tank got 35 minutes in his debut game at the senior level, which is great for him. Mitroglou really has to be doubtful and whether any of the other three did enough to influence Felix…who knows. Brede got through his game with Norway okay and as Felix said is a definite starter. Ashkhan also came through his game for Iran, getting an assist. Kvist had a decent game for Denmark against England - not outstanding but pretty competent and I particularly liked the way he organised the back group; communicating all the time and issuing instructions. He really should be in our line-up, subject to that possible injury problem. So, at best can only plot in the probable certainties (a conjointment of a statement in itself) that Felix will opt for - ……………..Stekelenburg…………. ..Riether…Heitinga….Hangeland…….(?).... ……….(?)…… …..Sidwell…. …..Dejagah….(?)………(?) ……………(?)……….. Footnote: Originally I had Holtby in as a certainty but after the comments by Felix I just don't know what to think anymore.
No special messages for the fans this week, just the press conference on video - or most of it anyway. Seems like a cop out not doing the internal one when Sarah Brookes asks obviously prepared but at least direct questions. And especially on Holtby (some of which has been 'edited' here). The strategy Cardiff against appears to be, defend for 80 minutes and hope for a breakaway goal. Deja Vu anyone? [video=youtube;MidNd024VSM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MidNd024VSM&feature=player_embedded[/video]
Why is Holtby not playing? This is the only thing that I disagree with in terms of team selection. Why did we buy a player who was never going to give us a decent run of games when arrived? If Parker plays alongside Sidwell I'll write to the club and post my silk scarf from 1979 back to them!
Injury Update * Damien Duff is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, which is likely to require surgery * Scotty Parker also picked up a knee injury in training this afternoon and is out of the Cardiff game * Fernando Amorebietta hasn't recovered from his injury and isn't in Saturday's squad * William Kvist is probably out with a hamstring but will get a late fitness check * Kostas Mitroglou has suffered a set back...???...and will also have a late fitness check...probably..????? Source: http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/injured-fulham-winger-duff-miss-6782280
I don't know how we can do anything if Holtby doesn't play. Not a fighter? What complete bollocks, he's our best player at the moment. Is Kostas really unfit or is this another (seemingly arbitrary) decision to leave him out?
So Duff has probably played his last game for the club? As for how these injuries leave us for Saturday my guess is: Stek Riether Heitinga Hangeland Richardson Dejagah Kara Holtby Sidwell Kasami Hugo
Is this team any better than our current one? This was the teamsheet for that famous night 12th May 2010:Schwarzer, Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Duff, Etuhu, Murphy, Davies, Gera, Zamora. Subs: Zuberbuhler, Pantsil, Nevland, Riise, Dempsey, Greening, Dikgacoi. If you look man for man I don't think it is too different. Ill leave you to your own thoughts........
That team is a lot better. Only Holtby would walk into that team. Hughes, Konch, Etuhu, Murphy, Davies, Gera, Zamora, Nevland and Dempsey would walk into this team (2010 versions)
Yes ... exactly. Swap Holtby for Gera or Nevland, and I'd take the old team every day of the week. As for this week, I'd take the same squad proposed by Ireland: Stek Riether Heitinga Hangeland Richardson Dejagah Kara Holtby Sidwell Kasami Hugo
I would use lightweight Kaca in place of Kasami to start in order to have more width. Bring Kasami as sub in place of Kara once his legs are gone unless we see a youngster featuring.
But given his comments on why Holtby was dropped I can see the same being applied to Kaca. Kasami offers a lot more fight than Kaca. Maybe if Riise plays at LB, Richardson might play LM.
Parker being out isn't a disaster, although it's a shame that it's come at the same time as an injury to Kvist. Let's hope that he passes the fitness test - this could be his chance to prove himself to Magath. It's a shame Duff is out for the season. He's exactly the right character for our current situation.
Yes that's another option, but given Riise's statement that he wants to leave in the summer his fighting spirit is in question too.. Shambles
This team selection stuff is always very interesting on all forums - there are usually 20,000 "managers" watching in our stands who think they can do better every game. Do you guys think you should select a team to win the game on Saturday based upon their potential to go out there do just that, or should you look to counter any threat you see from Cardiff and try to nick it at the death? I only ask because we seem to have no idea how to score goals at the moment and OGS has tried more combinations in 10 games than Malky did in 110. No settled arrangement in place down here - maybe it's time for you to go for the throat, or isn't that Magath's style?
Old sparkly, listening to mcgaths interview, I think we will do a bit of both. I can riise starting at left back and Richardson at left midfield. Defend first then counter attack. If you guys play 3 - 5 - 2 then we will have to exploit the back 3. We lack pace in general somp with Richardson an Dejagah on the wings we could use their pace. It depends though on who he plays up front. Holtby will start off the striker but bent is slow, so I would imagine Rodellega will start up top. The first goal is going to be vital for both teams, whoever gets it will then have to push for a second one quickly after. Should be great game.
The ever popular Mr Atkinson is in charge today. please log in to view this image The only League match he's ref'd us, so far, was the away game at West Ham. Not exactly a robust match but he still managed 5 yellows. All together he's handed out 83 yellows and 3 reds in his 28 games. However it's for his insistence on being a focal point in matches that Mr Atkinson is remembered for by most fans.
Was not expecting this: Stek Riether Heitinga Hangeland Riise Dejagah Sidwell Holtby Richardson Woodrow Mitroglou
