Just heard HR's presser and he has stated that Niko, ABE and Matty Phillips are all a little short on fitness understandably. So looks like none of those will start tomorrow which is pretty much what we all expected. Also mentioned AJ is struggling so we may well see the first 4-2-3-1 of the season tomorrow with Carrol in the middle of the 3 and Austin up top. All in all, very excited to be heading back to HQ tomorrow (Feels like its been ages right?) Hopefully will see a few of the new signings get a run out towards the end (Scoreline dependant.) COYRS!
Harry Redknapp will be without two of his three transfer deadline day signings when QPR entertain Birmingham City on Saturday. Left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto is lacking match fitness having not featured for Tottenham this season before his move to QPR, while midfielder Niko Kranjcar is recovering from a slight injury and is also expected to miss next Wednesday’s home clash with Brighton. The third of Redknapp’s loan signings, Tom Carroll, is expected to feature. “We’re delighted with the players that we have brought in, the problem is that one or two of them are a little bit away from the fitness that we need,” said Redknapp. “Benoit [Assou-Ekotto] has come in and he hasn’t played a single game at Tottenham. He’s a bit short still. Niko’s had a little bit of an injury so it’ll be another week or two with him.” The manager will also be without forward Andy Johnson, sidelined with a knee injury, while winger Matt Phillips should make the squad as he nears his recovery from a broken arm, but is unlikely to start. Redknapp added: “Matt Phillips, who I think will be a great signing for us, is fit now but hasn’t played a game. So there’s a little group of them who I think will be really good players for this year but tomorrow may be a little bit short still.” www.kilburntimes.co.uk/qpr/qpr_new_boys_set_to_miss_birmingham_city_clash_1_2455448
Not good. Two massive games coming up and despite the results thus far we all know its been a struggle. Given our lack of striker options its actually Johnson rather than the new guys that is the biggest worry and he might go months with a niggly knee injury. I also don't get the Assou-Ekotto thing. Even if he hasn't played a PL game he surely must have got match fit for the start of the season. Add to that our biggest 'name' for years not starting and its all a bit disappointing TBH.
BAE should be starting and subbed when hes knackered. Traore isnt good at LB, Hill is a potential nightmare there if they have a tricky winger and I dont think HR rates Yun. The only way to get match fit is to play matches.
Boring! Actually if Carroll starts and AJ is injured thats a switch to 4-5-1 which should be quite interesting.
This! Although I think we will still get promoted, its a bit of a pisser that we have two big games coming up and 2 of the 3 cannot make it.
We'll still be stronger than Vs Leeds. O'neil is fully fit now, he struggled two weeks ago. More importantly, we have a fully fit Hoillet now- who will surely start ahead of SWP. Factor in Carroll + Phillips likely getting a run out from the bench, and we should still have enough to beat the blues (their own fans think they're onto a hiding). Then with luck, kranjcar/AJ + co. might be fresh for Wednesday.
But 'match fit' literally means what it says. You can do all sorts of training but if you're not playing regular matches you won't have the same kind of fitness. From the little I know, I think it's complicated and not simply a case of going out for a jog every day.
They don't have a tricky anything, they're garbage (according to posts on their forums). Hill's done well there recently, and we've been winning games. Is chucking an unfit BAE in really necessary, or conducive to team spirit? It would sort of demonstrate that decent performances aren't rewarded with starting positions. Hoillet on for SWP should suffice. Although from the sounds of things, we might be forced to play Knrajcar/Carrol earlier than hoped in a 4231, if the injury to AJ is serious. We shouldn't change much, BAE + Carrol had their first training session with the side on Thursday.
I dont know what they have but Id hate to see Hill up against a Hoilett type player who would run rings around him. Hills only done well because the opponents havent exploited Hills weakness which everyone knows.
One thing I will say is that for me Hill cannot play LB against Brighton. Having seen them a couple of times last season, and from conversations with Brighton fans at work they have a winger called Kazenga LuaLua (the brother of Lomana (spelling!)). He often is subbed on and literally either wins a free kick or corner every time! He has a lot of pace, and shoots from all angles! Anyway, back to Birmingham, I wouldnt be too upset to see the same side that started v Leeds, keep a winning team etc..! But perhaps introducing Carroll to give us a bit more creativity.
