So Hangeland has supposedly aggravated an injury to his sciatic nerve and could be out for this game, could be a positive, even if he did let Mariappa outjump him
The back 7 pick themselves, it's just a case of tactically how to play going forward with the attacking 4. Unfortunately this isn't going to be a game were we will be able to press for 90 mins. Fulham do play some nice stuff at times but are not afraid to play longer balls if required. Having watched them last night I think they look very slow in the centre of defence, so may be an ideal game for Rodriguez to have a run at them. Can't make my mind up whether playing with Lambert and matching them by being a bit more direct May be playing into there hands. The main thing is to attack with a high tempo so definitely Lallana, Rodriguez and Osvaldo. Just a choice between Davis and Lambert for the final position. I think Davis May make for a good battle with Parker and Sidwell there two deep lying midfielders.
We know you don't like Wanyama, but putting Morgan and Schneiderlin in your midfield may be stretching the French maestro.....
Just one against Sunderland (and another in the CC against Bristol City), but I believe he set up Puncheon in our 1-1 draw with Swansea last season. Lallana's been our key corner taker at the moment but I think JWP has more to his game than good corners, and I think his current impact sub role is best for his development so he doesn't get overplayed like Shaw! Also, I think Davis has done well and deserves to keep his place for now.
At home, I feel we have to play two strikers. It is ok playing one when you are away to Man United but it is better for us to occupy their defence. Lambert also gives us a set-piece threat whereas Rodriguez runs the channels more effectively. I would plump for these two however I am sure Osvaldo will start.
More tickets available for this match in the Northam...presumably Fulham didn't take all their allocation. Surprised as I would have thought (with London just up the road) this was the kind of game they'd like...nice trip to coast against a team thay have a reasonable chance of getting points from. Just remembered the being on Sky effect.
Have we played with Rodriguez, Lambert, Osvaldo all starting yet this season, like this: -----------Boruc --Clyne--Fonte--Lovren--Shaw ---Wanayama--Schneiderlin --Lallana---Lambert---Rodriguez -----------Osvaldo Bench: K.Davis, Chambers, S. Davis, JWP, Gaston How's that for a positive attacking set up?
So positive you've only named 5 subs! Seriously, I like that a lot, as long as Morgan plays slightly in front of Victor, and Rickie does some dropping back like he does. Add Jos and Ramirez to the bench, with Gaston and JWP to come on at the 65 - 70 minute mark.
I would like to see JWP given a start if SD can't play...would give us much better dead ball delivery which if Hangeland is missing will be so important
Hello folks. Pe4sonally am looking forward to this game. Both fixtures last season were excellent and I don't see any reason why it shouldn't be this weekend. You guys have played really well so big respect for that. Martin Jol was very respectful about the saints in his pre match interview. Personally its going to be a real test for us. We haven't played that well so far but we're beginning to gel more as a team. I'm very concerned that we won't handle your pressing and closing down of players but it would be good to come away with a point if we can. I reckon it will be a good game. Not sure if we've taken the full allocation of tickets. One point to note is that the Palace fans said the support was the best they had had at Selhurst. We aren't great at taking thousands to Newcastle I admit!
Hi Craving. Think the fact that its on Sky will keep a few away and I don't think the weather forecast weill help either. Let's hope it's a good open game.
-----------Boruc --Clyne--Fonte--Lovren--Shaw ---Wanayama--Schneiderlin --Lallana---Lambert---Rodriguez -----------Osvaldo I like the look of this team for home games but would like to see JWP and Gaston get a good run out from the bench and if things are going our way, Corky getting more than 5 minutes.