Obviously not wanting to step on KIO's toes, but I thought the Palace thread last week seemed a nice way to keep the tidbits of news together in the buildup to the game. And to start us off, Jamar Loza might have done us an unexpected favour. Our U21's lost 3-1 to Sunderland today, but Sunderland's new signing Yann M'Vila was sent off for a headbutt on our young striker. According to some Sunderland-based reports, our next opposition now have to wait and see whether the FA will take disciplinary action to rule him out of any PL games. Regardless, apparently he looked quite short on match fitness and is unlikely to be ready in time for our visit.
Although very early in the season, I do think we need to win this, or at worst draw. Unlike the Palace game, I do not have a particular feeling about how this one is going to go, so perhaps a draw is on the cards. Following that abysmal referring performance yesterday, maybe all we should ask for is some fairness in the decision making, and not ruling out legitimate goals or missing blindingly obvious pushes in the back in the 6 yard box! (Not even touching on Glen Murray's acrobatics).
I had an inkling we would lose to Palarse and said so prior to the game. I know it's early days but if we should lose to Sunderland with Stoke away next up our backs would be up against the wall already with not having played any of the top sides. We really need something from Saturdays game IMHO ....... otherwise, how long do we give him?
Have you still got that internet link to BBC Radio Norfolk match commentaries that I found last season Thai ? I couldn't find it on Saturday and a work colleague of mine who is abroad atm was asking. If you do, any chance you could post it on next weeks MDT ?
So much for Yann M'Vila being suspended, it's been confirmed that he'll be available. Hopefully not fully fit though.
Ruddy Whittaker - Martin - Bassong - Brady Tettey - Howson Redmond - Hoolahan - Johnson Jerome Please.
Not really sure how I feel about this one. At first glance it would appear to be a good time to play them but on the other hand, you'd think they'll be determined to make amends for their shambolic display over the weekend. Potentially quite a tricky fixture.
Both teams on Saturday will want to make amends and prove themselves, so I am not expecting a straight forward game. Although I do think it's important to get something from this game, to go 2 games without getting points will not be good.
I felt Dorrans faded as the game went on, but if we could boss the game early on with him in midfield and Jerome up top, I'd be happy to see how that works.
Really? I thought he got on the ball a lot, but his passing was criminal at times especially when Palace were on top between about 25 mins and 55 mins - one or two of them were proper hospital passes that left his teammate in trouble, and he gave the ball away. And as DH says, I didn't really notice him after Redmond came on. I was a big fan of getting him signed up, but he needs to improve IMO.
Would you keep Whits or give young Norman a chance? I thought we looked very vulnerable in both FB areas on Saturday. I agree with Rob and JK in that I didn't think Dorrans did brilliantly and gave the ball away in dangerous positions a few times.
