When Jol gives a Thursday lunch time press conference it usually means that we don't have any injury worries. From his comments today it looks as though the only concern is Diarra, who is 50/50 because of his knee problems. http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/november/08/jols-arsenal-preview Subject to that, I think the only change in Saturday's line up will be Hugo for Kaca. Although, personally I would question Chris Baird's inclusion (his poor marking cost us the first goal in each of the Reading and Everton games), I suspect he'll get the nod. I'd also try starting Duff on the left and Dejagah on the right but I doubt Jol will. I reckon the team that starts will be - .....................Schwarzer.................. ..Riether....Hughes...Hangeland.....Riise.. ..............Diarra.......Baird..... ...Duff.........Ruiz............Hugo.... ...............Berbatov.........
[video=youtube;9_yEuSHsP9Y]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_yEuSHsP9Y[/video] Preview from Big Mart. Speaks highly of Dejagah, which is interesting.
The only change I'd make is Dejagah in for Hugo as well. Kaca seems to be going through a frustrating spell and I doubt away to Arsenal will be the game for him to find his confidence. Dejagah has looked great in his cameo roles from the bench so I'd include him over Hugo who has disappointed thus far.
Yeah, if Duffers can play left back then he can easily play left wing. Chuck Dejagagajagajagah on the right and that looks a tasty team. Agreed with Banders on Kaca, he's having a bit of a dip. Nothing to worry about though, it's a common symptom with younger players innit.
Duff started his career as a left winger. He only (I think) started playing on the right when he was at Chelsea due to the competition for places - him, Cole, Robben and Gronkjaer all competing for the wide roles. He played on the left sometimes under Hughes too, certainly that was his position when we beat Port Vale 6-0 in the League Cup (with Gera starting on the right and Briggs at left back). Do I remember someone saying that Dejagah can play on either wing, or am I making that up? Either way, Duff and Dejagah could be the way to go this weekend. I remember an experienced manager - can't remember who, sorry - saying that young players need to have a run in the team, then a run out of it to process what they've experienced, then in again and so on. It's a normal part of their development. As Bidley says, we shouldn't be surprised if Kaca is having a dip. He'll be back.
I seem to remember a quote like that too, Captain. The only reason Jol may not start Dejagah is because he may be short of full fitness - he hasn't started a senior game since last season in the Bundesliga.
It often seems to be the case that when Jol talks up a player before a match he then plays them, so I wouldn't be surprised to see Dejagah start on Saturday. Either him or Richardson will be in for Kaca. You'd think there'd be one or two other changes after such a poor performance last weekend but I can't see where they'd be. Hughes looked particularly vulnerable, so I suppose there's an outside chance that Senderos might come in against his old club.
Looks like Diarra is only 50/50 for tomorrow. I hope he makes it as he has looked pretty solid for us in the centre. I’m really looking forward to tomorrows game at the Emirates and think we may well get something from it. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...dou-diarra-5050-for-arsenal-trip-8300141.html
I think you could be right. When he has come on he looks quality. If he consistently shows the form he has shown so far I can see him being a regular starter.
Yep, he looks a classic tricky winger like Duff. Which is a nice contrast as Kaca and Frei tend to operate a little more in the centre.
It's interesting the order that the Independent has put the players names. That seems to suggest that THEY think we'll go for the usual back four and keeper, Baird and Diarra (if fit) in the centre, with Duff, Richardson, Rodellega and Berbatov as the attacking quartet. Whether they're just guessing or basing that on insider briefing remains to be seen. I'd definitely prefer to see Ruiz behind Berbatov (and would be very surprised if Jol didn't pick him in the eleven). If Dejagah is fit to start the game (he's had a few weeks of building up match fitness - he can't be far away) I'd prefer him to Richardson too. If Diarra is out, I presume Sidwell will come in, although it might be interesting to see how Karagounnis could do.
Thanks for the correction, Biddley. Could have sworn it was two, but I've just checked and the official club site AND that unimpeachable source of unquestionable authority Wikipedia both agree with you. D'oh! ps did you see what I did with your name? Comedy genius, me.
Agree that Dejagah would/should be the choice over Richardson, Captain. And like you, I'd be interested to see the Greek (playing safe on the spelling !). To be honest, away to Arsenal I'd play him whether Diarra is fit or not - Baird has been poor defensively in our recent games and Sidwell is too indisciplined.
Holy ****. The starting lineup didn't fill me with confidence, and after we let two in I thought it was game over, but we've brought the game to them and shown guts and guile. COYW.
This is going to be the story of our season, unless things change in January. We have so much attacking potential in our team (Dejagah's early promise just adds further attacking options), but the change in mindset leaves us more vulnerable at the back. Although it concerning that we concede a lot of goals due to poor marking. Well, a positive is our new attacking mindset means we're likely to be on early on MotD for most of the season!
