Senderos is out for two games, so Amorebietta will start. Berbatov is still being assessed but will play if fit. In the event he does play, the only position in question then will be left-mid. Richardson did okay there on Saturday and given that Rene in today's internal video interview stresses the need to get clean sheets, he must be the firm contender. Tough on Taarabt since he was arguably our MOTM against City. What that game re-inforced for me though is that, he can strut his stuff up front fine but play him wide in a support role and you don't get the same player. Here is Rene's video: [video=youtube;QlYCgpttTeM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlYCgpttTeM&feature=player_embedded[/video] Excellent point about the silly fouls, although what you do about opposition who play for them and refs who are 'blinded' I'm not sure. It's going to be difficult also to curb some of his own players without taking away the current desire to get in tackles in danger areas - we had an astonishing 68 successful tackles against City. The team starting at Norwich I think, will only see the enforced change of Amorebietta and the preferred one of Berba for Taarabt.
I suspect that Richardson was picked to beef up the defensive role of the midfield against City. That is less of an issue against Norwich so we may see Kara or Taarabt in place of Richardson. We certainly need a win, whoever plays.
Ex-headteacher Mr Moss is in charge today. Once top of the form he's now top of the tubs. please log in to view this image
Strange starting 11 with none of the forwards funding a starting place... Three points is all we want... But maybe one will do!
We never score at home on boxing day and we don`t usually win against Fulham but that may change today.
What a massive result, so pleased for the players, after such an improvement in the football. Full credit to meulensteen and his staff. Come on !!!!!!!
Big win for us, with Palace & Sunderland also winning. We deserved the points in my opinion and what a good hit from Parker for the winner!
Important win today ..so Happy ! We wanted it more than them and our recent good play has finally been rewarded.
I am still trying to convince myself that we wanted it at all. Not that I want to take anything away from Fulham (they deserved to win), but we were shocking today.
We do know how you feel, ThaiCanary. At the end under Jol we looked aimless and listless and were losing at home to teams like Cardiff. It's time for Hughton to earn his money. Otherwise he'll be re-joining the managerial merry-go-round pretty soon.
CH has divided opinion for nearly a whole year now, and if you can remember our dour 0-0 draw last season, this was when a few people started to wake up to the fact that it was aimless and very pedestrian. Since then, he has bought £25 million in new 'talent', but we have to question where it has all gone, with perhaps the exception of Gary Hooper, who can score goals. Our 'stronger' defence is not at all stronger. Our midfield don't seem to know where the striker(s) is/are and there is a lack of cohesion between the two, resulting in poor passing in the final 3rd and so much frustration. The real worry for me (and a few others) is that we could be in the bottom 3 on New Years Day, all too easily, which will be a shock considering we could have been 10th tonight! Anyway, I don't want to rant too much on your board so I wish you all a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and good luck for the rest of the season
There is a Santa he obviously got my letter!!!! Sounds like we deserved it as well, if we can avoid defeat on Saturday at Hull things will be looking much brighter
What a great result! So happy! When we went a goal down I thought that was it - the lads have got their spirit well and truly back - who else to get the winner than Scott Parker - long may he stay fit - he's the new Danny Murphy!
Great result, just what the doctor ordered. Kasami was particularly impressive. I found it strange that the club would call Marcus Bettinelli back from his loan at Accrington where he was playing week in - week out instead of just calling Joronen up to the bench. Is Bettinelli that much better than Joronen? And does anybody know how serious Stekelenberg's injury is?
I read that Stecky "went over on his ankle" in training so I don't think it's massively serious. (Hopefully not a case of 'famous last words')
