No news from the front. So the starting line-up will probably be the same as for the Arsenal game. ...................Stekelenburg............... ..Riether....Hangeland...Burn....Richardson.. .............Parker........Sidwell...... ..Dejagah.........Dempsey.......Kaca... ................Berbatov.......... If so, it will be the first time Rene has fielded (or been able to field) the same team two games on the trot. Consistency (in every sense) has to be good. And of course no bad thing that this group now has had over a week training together.
C58 yes this looks the most likely line-up. As others have said I would have preffered to see Kasami in the middle rather than Dempsey but he played on Sunday so only a sub probably. Unless Rene has a surprise there, but can't think of anyone. A scheme that I would like to try is with Boateng (is he still with us) alongside Parker and moving Sidwell up in the place of Dempsey to have more pressure... Sidwell and Parker can interchange is that position.
Safe Journey for those traveling down, it's clear both teams are desperate for the win, just glad we have the home advantage, all the best after Tuesday, 2-1 to the Mighty Swans!...................
Away from home I would play a CM rather than Kasami or Dempsey, they only get in my team at home to weaker teams. Boateng or Karagounis there for me, Swansea a good passing team so we need 3 harrying in the middle.
Yes true, but Bony is now on form, and our injured are trooping back, so here's hoping!.................
One things for certain ,we won't be underestimating you and what you are capable of ,last seasons fixture .No prediction for me but hopefully a positive result for us and a safe journey up and back for you .
Yeah, been saying for weeks that with our current squad, we need to play 3 across the midfield. Unfortunately for Rene he now has no options but to go for two - with Boateng sidelined/unfit/whatever and Kara used on Sunday for his experience.
Probably Kara is on the physio table after playing on Sunday in those conditions. Anyone from the youngsters that can help? Call me mad but maybe Zverotic is the answer to a defensive midfield role... Where is Chris Baird when you need him?
If we don't have the options at CM I'd plump for Kasami trying to fill the position, maybe a bit more advanced than I would like. We'll get more from him in terms of hustle. Dempsey shouldn't be starting, he is nowhere near form - don't think he was firing in the MLS - and forces us to pull the wingers back to help out with midfield two. I'd cut his loan short along with Bent and Taraabt to free up some wage money for longer term purchases. We've not had a bad history in the Jan window - it was then we got Dempsey, McBride, Davies and Hangelaand http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/spor.../january-transfer-window-five-fulhams-6534642
Is this winnable for us on current form? Christ I'm being really pessimistic, sorry! I can't see how we are going to put the le ballon in the ol' onion bag! If we get a draw I'd be happy. We do need the 3 points though. I desperately want to be on 22 points at 21.50 tonight.
The man in the middle is Mr Oliver. First time we've seen him this season. He does of course have priors, so Dempsey won't have to worry about taking a penalty. please log in to view this image
MF will have to work very hard with the likes of Dempsey and Berbatov up front. Clint...over to you son.
We should be ahead, two great chances. I'm a little worried that we are not making the most of being on top.
Behind to a massively deflected Shelvey goal. We've lost all our spark in this second half. Not sure there's any way back for us in this game.
Nope they will tear us apart from the right side with Riether defending alone. The substitute of Dejagah to Bent makes us toothless up front as we loose both speed and width. And more vulnerable defensively as none of the 3 is tracking back. Even Gentleman Jim is surprised with the subs!
