The only thing Felix had to say about Sunday’s game in today’s press conference was, “we’ll try and play better than in the last weeks but Palace are a strong opponent.” and “the players will be able to show they’re better than before." No indications at all about injuries although a few must be in doubt, like Diarra Complex choices for Felix then. But limited in that I don’t believe he’ll expose too many youngsters and his first up. Pat Roberts, is in any event off with England in Malta. What then of the rest? Does he play some because it’s their last game; at contract or loan end? Doubt it - Felix doesn’t strike me as the sentimental type. That said I suspect he’ll spring a couple of surprises. What about Marcello Trotta for instance - with his loan deal to Brentford ended, he has been training with the squad this week. Or give Mitroglou a full runout? Who he plays across the back four (I think it will be 4 at least to start with, rather than 3) will not only be interesting but crucial. Does Dan Burn get a chance to redeem himself but in his correct position of centre back? Then there’s the perpetual problem of midfield. Does the effervescent Kara get his finale? Will Felix overcome his ‘dislike’ for Holtby? Too many imponderables and injury concerns in this area really. Frankly I haven’t got a clue but for forms sake go with: ……………..Stockdale………….. ..Heitinga…Hangeland..Burn…Richardson… ……………….Kvist……. ..Dejagah……..Kara……..Sidwell……. ………..Kasami….Kostas….
There's a lot of uncertainty as you stated C58. Palace are in fantastic form and are a huge price to win at 15/8 with Victor Chandler. I'll have a few quid on them; no doubt we'll put in a performance now there isn't anything to play for and take 3 points.
The team I'd like to see is: Stockdale Passley - Grimmer - Burn - Richardson LVC - Sidwell Dejagah - David - Kaca Mitroglou What we'll probably see is..... anyones guess. I just want this season to be over and done with as soon as possible so we can wipe the slate clean and start over.
If Mitroglou is actually fit, it would be good to let him start. If we plan to keep him (which I hope we do), it will be good to see what he can do, even if could just provoke a painful sense of 'If only'. If we plan to sell him, then a good performance might help us get a decent fee. As for the rest, I suspect Holtby won't start. With the possible exception of Heitinga, I doubt we'll see anyone who Magath doesn't see as part of his new look side next season. It's a shame that Pat Roberts is away with England, it could have been a good opportunity for him to start a match. Just for the sake of being completely wrong, how's this: Stockdale Grimmer - Heitinga - Burn -Amorebieta Dejagah - Sidwell - Diarra (if fit) - Richardson Mitroglou - Rodalega
Stekelenburg Riether - Heitinga - Hangeland - Riise Duff - Parker - Karagounis - Boateng - Holtby Bent Or not.
FulamIreland. I like your selection,+ another couple of youngsters, as a reward for their endeavours, and it would save us fans having to endure another 90min of the seasons non trying underperformers.
The man in charge today is Mr Friend. please log in to view this image Link to pic: http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608011440464659904&pid=15.1 We've seen the loner from Leicester twice this year, against the Manchester clubs. At home to City when he, amazingly, only booked two players in that 4-2 defeat and away to United when nobody was booked and we drew 2-2. Not a bad record for Mr Friend, considering he's managed 94 yellows and 1 red in his 30 games this season. Nor for Rene and arguably two of our best performances in his short time ime in charge. He's best known for following his own advice to up and coming referees, "it is better to be 10/15 yards away from play than 5 - sometimes it's possible to be too close". And ... whisper this ... Mr Friend is a friend of ths Surrey Referee Association.
What do we want for our swan song? Personally, I would like to see a mix of our youngsters and those seniors who put in the effort. Then I want a repeat of the Selhurst Park game - a spanking win, topped with a wonder goal. In hindsight, that win at Selhurst was one of our false dawns this season - so let's have a good win today as a sign of the future.
A few surprises. Zverotic starts? Stock Zverotic Heitinga Hangeland Amorebieta Kaca Sidwell Parker Richardson Woodrow Rodallega Subs: Joronen, Kasami, Mitroglou, Tunnicliffe, Dejagah, David, George Williams.
Starts for Dembele and David and Burn at centre back, would have wanted Roberts to start as well but he's away with England
Think Felix has already shown who is considered dead wood. Zverotic might not be bad at Championship...
Went to the game, my observations ; Chris david has a huge future the club. Great performance, wanted to ball all the time. Woodrow was very good too, towards the end of the game he linked well with tunnicliffe and david. Rodders needs to put far more effort in, little service but no channels run Scott Parker slows everything down. Everytime he gets the ball he rotates to see who is available, why does he not do this as the ball is being played him. He is well past his best. Alot of work to be done but the young players shone today
The first good thing about today is that the ROAR were otherwise engaged at Twickenham. The second good thing, as froggy highlighted, was Chris David. Here is a link to his well deserved goal: [video]https://mtc.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/8DAC50F5721077323217980809216_128a96f04cc.3.2.mp4? versionId=RJN9Ge9E5ZaM_UFNNcj01pj7lv_qjnBc[/video] For most of the rest? Well Mr Friend had a shocker, as did a few of our so-called 'regulars'. To be fair this game epitomises/sums up our whole season where we failed to do the very basic things in football even adequately. And having just looked at the table I am royally annoyed!
For periods it was like a training match - not much intensity. Woodrow was our brightest player. David's goal was excellent but wasnt hugely impressed otherwise. There was a lot of sideways and backward passing which meant periods of supremely boring play. Magath nowhere to be seen for a lot of it too. Was quite strange with the Tunnicliffe sub - I sit overlooking the subs when they are warming up - Kostas was called over - tunnicliffe hadn't even been out training - so I and those around fully expected to see him come on. Was quite a surprise when Ryan trots on- I'm guessing it must have been an injury but it wasn't clear. I'm hoping another team takes Hugo from us - he just isn't good enough although he certainly tries
Allow me to disagree on this. The boy wanted the ball, took players on successfully, defended and tracked back, potentially should have been awarded a penalty, scored a goal, what else do you expect?
I've not seen MOTD but at the time I was watching replays in the editing studio behind my seat and it looked like a blatant dive which led to the defender giving him an earful. I thought he looked a bit lightweight but he's got time on his side - his goal was great and the future could be bright but without that goal I don't think many would have taken notice of the performance.
Agree Madness. Well maybe not about the penalty - at the game I thought it was a decent shout but, as silky says and MOTD kind of confirmed, let's just say "he was looking for the penalty". Otherwise though I'm with you and he was about the players on our side who managed to successfully hold the ball and pass it 10 yards.
