What sort of side do we put out against Fulham? Do we field a much weakened team and risk having no momentum going into the play offs? Or do we go on as normal and try to get the Fulham monkey off our back and take that into the play offs? I guess my personal choice would be to rest Tettey for sure, give VOO a whole game to show what he can or cannot do, give Ryan Bennett another chance to fit in at the back. But what to do about the attack? If either Jerome or Hooper get injured or red-carded, we are in a pretty desperate situation. Do we play Loza instead? I'm glad AN has to make the decisions, not me.
You raise some good points SC. I've long been advocating to see VDO given at least 30 minutes to see what he offers the team and if he can 'unlock' a packed defence. Also resting Tettey and perhaps Hoolahan (though he only played 30 mins on Saturday) is a good idea!!!!
Good point Singapore. Whatever happens I want us to go for it against Fulham though. About time we put closed out this record... What is it something like 17 games with them unbeaten???
Tetty did not play Saturday, but given the importance of him to the team I would be quite happy for him to miss Fulham to ensure he is fit for Derby/Brentford/some other minor team the following week. Giving VOO a full game seems sensible to me, possibly Garrido for Olsson also.
Might be a good idea to try out some of the players that will still be with us next year if we remain in the championship.
Rest all the big hitters Bassong Martin Olsson Howson Tettey Jonno Jerome Redmond Hooper , we have a big squad and Fulham is a pointless game .
I don't think it's entirely pointless - I think we want to go into the play-offs on the back of a win rather than our current run of two without... That being said I would like to see something like: Ruddy Martin Bennett Cuellar Garrido Johnson VOO Redmond McGrandles E Bennett Hooper Johnno doesn't need a rest as he had two games off only a while ago and that was enough to make him look a shade rusty. Hooper needs plenty of game time otherwise he really struggles to stay fit so I'd play him for the full 90 but wrap him in cotton wool. Redmond hasn't had much game time either so shouldn't be too knackered.
2 or 3 HUGE games worth about £130m for the victors, Neil will put out a strong side against Fulham and so he should. An injury to Ruddy Martin Olsson Bassong Johnson Howson Tettey Hooper Jerome Hoolahan or Redmond would pretty much finish us off. Highly unlikely but lady luck seems to have buggered off already.
Your 11 looks good Rob and rest Martin Jono and Hooper after an hour , throw Loza in he could be our super sub. Also start practicing penalties .
I really want to see what VOO can offer so would like to see him get some game time against Fulham, can easily rest some key players and still put out a strong team.
I used to drink in the Arsenal tavern on Blackstock Rd years ago. I lived in Mountgrove Rd and the pub was a minute's walk away. Better options the other side of Clissold park, in Stoke Newington, though, back in the 80's.
Used to stay in an hotel onSeven Sisters Road when I worked in that part of London, don't remember Arsenall Tavern, but used to go past the Gunner and via Highbury Corner on my way to the Angel area