Fulham thoughts

[Oldsparkey]

Narrow loss 0 - 1 away to Wolves last weekend, now a week later we're away again this time at Fulham. Are Wolves just a better than them and we'll have an easier ride this time, or should Ole be a bit more circumspect?

Looking at the table positions the answer would seem obvious, but Fulham are a different type of team and it would be daft to assume Craven Cottage will be easier. Magath has got a side packed with youngsters, and both him and his team are learning about the Championship the hard way at the moment, but sooner or later the talent they have there will click.

Pressing them further up the pitch and not giving them the chance to ping the ball about may be the answer rather than giving them licence to play - because they can. Taking a much higher line and getting in their faces in their half of the pitch rather than last ditch stuff in ours must be the way. Holding the ball up there when we're in possession is a no brainer, but it's no good without support arriving far more quickly than of late. That brings to who Ole should put out there.

He said he played Connolly at RB because he needed a stronger presence to counter Sako. To be fair, Connolly played well but he must be back in the centre with Morro. Brayford and maybe Declan either side of them. If he's going to stick with two upfront you can perm any 2 from 5 but one of them has got to be Kenwyne or Macheda.

This game is going to be all about the middle of the park. Dikgacoi didn't look particularly fit to me against Port Vale, but he will be better for that game and I'd pick him. Pilks out wide has got to be nailed on - that leaves two more spots, a box to box and a creative player. The box to box has got to be Adeyemi, but the creative could be anyone of three - Whitts, Daehli or Ralls - I'd go with Daehli to start for this one.

 

[BluefromBridgend]

Nail on the head Sparkey.

Press them up the park. I'm sure Ole said something pre-season about using that tactic although we have seen precious little of it so far. In the brief Port Vale highlights on line it looked like we did a bit of it down the left side with energetic players like Ralls and Declan making the effort.

If regulars like Whitts and Gunnar find it too hard then it is time to make way for youngsters who can do it. I'm sure Adeyemi has the ability to press up and we have seen him do that in a solitary capacity already. Dikgacoi if fit can play that tactic as it worked for Palarse last season.

So much the better if we can do it as a team and even go with a higher back line as Morrison looks like he is quick across the ground. I think I even saw KWJ close someone down v Wigan - once.

 

[Stevoldinho]

I missed the first 2 homes due to a really poorly planned short break so Wolves was the first time I've seen Adeyami. I was pretty underwhelmed to be honest.

I'd play

brayford Conolloy Morrison John

Pilks Ralls Dika Witts

Macheda KWJ

I agree 100% about the high pressing so I'd play 2 up front and tell them I expect huge work rate with the expectation of being subbed on the hour. I'd probably film KWJ's reaction to this news as it'd have the potential to be youtube gold........

 

[Oldsparkey]

Agreed Adeyemi didn't catch the eye at Wolves - he's got a lot to learn - but there were no real standout performers on the day and he suffered between the imobility of Whitts and Gunnar. It's a different type of side he'll face at Fulham and one that will suit his game a lot better especially with Daehli (or Ralls) alongside him and Dikgacoi behind.

To be honest, playing Kenwyne and Macheda up front together was something I hadn't considered. The two could cause havoc amongst defences but we might suffer through not having a "runner" like Le Fondre or Guerra out there. Still, a very interesting thought.

 

[BluefromBridgend]

Playing with Dikgacoi who sits back will allow Adeyemi more freedom to get around the park and get stuck in.

I think a little and large combo would work best or a large and medium sized if Guerra plays. I have liked what I have seen from him so far. His control, ball retention and passing is superior to ALF and Maynard. We just don't know about his scoring abilities yet.

 

[Stevoldinho]

Agreed Adeyemi didn't catch the eye at Wolves - he's got a lot to learn - but there were no real standout performers on the day and he suffered between the imobility of Whitts and Gunnar. It's a different type of side he'll face at Fulham and one that will suit his game a lot better especially with Daehli (or Ralls) alongside him and Dikgacoi behind.

To be honest, playing Kenwyne and Macheda up front together was something I hadn't considered. The two could cause havoc amongst defences but we might suffer through not having a "runner" like Le Fondre or Guerra out there. Still, a very interesting thought.

I think that's a very kind assessment. I thought Gunnar was having a really good game 2nd half. Maybe Adeyami was chasing shadows filling other peoples spaces but he was very wasteful in possession. He struggled to make any sort of notable impression on the game, the other midfielders all had moments where they were influencing the game well in our favour.

My Mrs said he played well v Wigan though so I'm sure it was just a quiet day. If Dika is fit to start and Gunnar has a knock I'd expect Ole to start with Adeyami and Dika. I think it's very unlikely Ralls will make the starting line up.

 

[BluefromBridgend]

I think it's very unlikely Ralls will make the starting line up.

You are probably right Steve but it is good to see one of our youngsters coming through and pushing the "established" squad for a place. Same goes for Declan too.

 

[ninian opinion]

Having seen a City team robbed of 3 points at Wolves, I wonder of OGS will tinker much?

What they need is a lot more possession and not allow the opposition to just run the midfield.

The goals will come.

Ralls, John & Macheda have done themselves no harm in terms of pushing for a place.

 

[Oldsparkey]

Stevo - always been a fan of Gunnar in the past, but it's probably fair to say that Ole has become a bigger fan than me right now. Nothing wrong with his workrate and he goes in where others fear to tread, but just like Whitts, his pace over the ground is seriously lacking.

He doesn't get forward in support of the front runners nearly fast enough, though I will say when he is up there, we've seen he can bury a chance when it comes to him. Our first ever Premier League goal against Man City was down to his awareness reaction and determination over 5 paces.

Gunnar seems to fall between a rock and a hard place - often used in a forward position by Ole when we have eminently better options in that role, and otherwise right side midfield where he acts as more of a destroyer rather than than in a creative capacity.

Said on an earlier thread that if we had a Hoolihan/Bryson character buzzing around behind our front runners, we'd walk this division.

 

[Stevoldinho]

Stevo - always been a fan of Gunnar in the past, but it's probably fair to say that Ole has become a bigger fan than me right now. Nothing wrong with his workrate and he goes in where others fear to tread, but just like Whitts, his pace over the ground is seriously lacking.

He doesn't get forward in support of the front runners nearly fast enough, though I will say when he is up there, we've seen he can bury a chance when it comes to him. Our first ever Premier League goal against Man City was down to his awareness reaction and determination over 5 paces.

Gunnar seems to fall between a rock and a hard place - often used in a forward position by Ole when we have eminently better options in that role, and otherwise right side midfield where he acts as more of a destroyer rather than than in a creative capacity.

Said on an earlier thread that if we had a Hoolihan/Bryson character buzzing around behind our front runners, we'd walk this division.

I've said it earlier, play Witts there

 

[Oldsparkey]

Whitts has all the prerequisite skills, but would have to find another gear to keep up with those two.

Having said that, I've always advocated that was his best slot. He's been seriously wasted in the past trying to take on a Medel type role. His creative skills is his strength and certainly not his tackling ability.

All a bit deja vu to be honest - we've seen it before with McPhail.

 

[Hilts24]

The problem we have is the manager. Hes decided we need at least 2 strikers. So the problem is how to get the side to compete against a 3 man central midfield and then if we go narrow coping with 2 wide players.

Add to the fact he keeps picking slow , out of form or maybe just not good enough central midfielders.

Id play a lone striker - probably Macheda. But seeing how thats not going to happen id be hoping that a minimum Gunner is dropped from the matchday squad. Id also bench Whitts.

Therefore id play Marshall , Fabio , Connolly , Morrison , Brayford , Adeyemi , Dikgacoi , Pilkington , Macheda , Jones.

That leaves one position - left midfield. 3 contenders for me Daehli (if we were home this would be my choice) , Ralls or Declan. i think Dec could thrive on the left of midfield. But I think Ralls now deserves a chance and is better defensively than Daehli having played at left back.

Ive no confidence in Ole setting us up and getting us performing though.

 

[Hilts24]

Whitts has all the prerequisite skills, but would have to find another gear to keep up with those two.

Having said that, I've always advocated that was his best slot. He's been seriously wasted in the past trying to take on a Medel type role. His creative skills is his strength and certainly not his tackling ability.

All a bit deja vu to be honest - we've seen it before with McPhail.

Its not that bad Sparkey. Whitts isnt playing well but he miles better than Mcphail.

The opposition know Whitts has a great shot and a great delivery plus a great passing range.

Hes targeted as a player and heavily marked. The opposition could stand off Mcphail and mark other players as he was of very little threat. Resulting in his trademark back pass.

 

[Oldsparkey]

I was more referring to the tackling ability of both when I made the comparison Hilts.

McPhail only had the one leg and tackled with it from the wrong side. He often got frustrated and gave away numerous free kicks in dangerous areas.

As for the overall skill factors of McPhail and Whitts, I agree Whitts is head and shoulders above McPhail's level - and at least Whitts passes forward occasionally.

 

[Swamp]

sawmp and crew going up to the capital for this!

as i said on the prediction league, i think we should go out all guns blazing from the kick off. they will be nervous and vulnerable to attacks IMO. ……………………………..

 

[BluefromBridgend]

According to City's weekly news letter only 150 seats left in our end without obstructed vision. We had 2,900 tickets so looks like a sell out and a great away day.

 

[Tob]

The problem we have is the manager. Hes decided we need at least 2 strikers. So the problem is how to get the side to compete against a 3 man central midfield and then if we go narrow coping with 2 wide players.

Add to the fact he keeps picking slow , out of form or maybe just not good enough central midfielders.

Id play a lone striker - probably Macheda. But seeing how thats not going to happen id be hoping that a minimum Gunner is dropped from the matchday squad. Id also bench Whitts.

Therefore id play Marshall , Fabio , Connolly , Morrison , Brayford , Adeyemi , Dikgacoi , Pilkington , Macheda , Jones.

That leaves one position - left midfield. 3 contenders for me Daehli (if we were home this would be my choice) , Ralls or Declan. i think Dec could thrive on the left of midfield. But I think Ralls now deserves a chance and is better defensively than Daehli having played at left back.

Ive no confidence in Ole setting us up and getting us performing though.

i agree with most of your thoughts. However i do not think Adeyemis performances have been good enough for an automatic spot in the starting line up. I thought he was particularly bad against wolves and its a problem that he doesnt seem able to keep possession. I would go with Ralls and Daehli over him for creativity and passing. Fulham is a very young and inexperienced team i think it will be an open game and it will suit more creative players.

 

[whoops]

I notice that some think Daehli should start. In the two games I've seen him play he has looked distinctly out of sorts. He is a player that is less suited to the hustle and bustle of Championship football and is better suited to the Premiership where players seem to get more time on the ball..................all in my opinion of course.

 

[remote]

I think Ole has played all the right players in all the right positions.......




..........just not all at the same time.

If he gets the combinations right we would be a handful for anyone.

Go back to 2 recognised full backs Morrison and Conolley (though apart from the own goal, Huds has been solid) KWJ or Kiko with Maynard or Le Fondre. Then the difficult bit, who in midfield?

I think Sparkey is right and the role has been missing for a number of years, we desperately need someone picking up the bits and bobs just behind the front 2, someone who will put their laces through the ball. We'll create enough loose ball in and around the 18 yard box for attacking midfielders to pick up a lot of goals. We know Whitts packs a punch and Ralls doesn't mind letting fly. Who else fits the bill? That role lends itself to a narrow / diamond midfield which suggests Brayford and John / Fabio as the full backs to give the width.

This is very much a squad game and we have a bench that DJ could only have dreamed about. Le Fondre has a bit of the super sub about him and fresh legs in midfield could be the difference between winning and losing.

Unless there are injuries, keep the back 5 the same for 90 mins with either 2 forwards and a mid or 2 mids and a forward changed with at least 15 to go. The last 15 could be the difference between promotion and not.

 

[Tob]

I notice that some think Daehli should start. In the two games I've seen him play he has looked distinctly out of sorts. He is a player that is less suited to the hustle and bustle of Championship football and is better suited to the Premiership where players seem to get more time on the ball..................all in my opinion of course.

Perhaps, but he is only 18-19, its way too early to come to that sort of conclusion. Like anyone that age he is gonna have some bad games, its a long season if he is overwhelmed by the physicality of the league then he has time to get used to it and at that young age we should give him some time to settle in.
Whatsmore I don't think we have played the kind of football that suits him. Surprisingly Ole hasn't been able to make the team play the sort of possession football he talked about. If city played fast precise passing football on the ground a player like Daehli would thrive. Its a bit of a puzzle to me really why Ole hasn't got his team playing the way he wants, so far we seen a lot of long balls, we been increasingly bad at possession really. Against wolves we had a mere 33% possession.