Jol is apparently going to name a strong squad. Sa, Senderos and Hughes are injured, Dembele is suspended (very disappointing that his red wasn't rescinded or even considered). Our provisional squad (according to the BBC) looks like this: Schwarzer, Etheridge, Kelly, Riise, Hangeland, Baird, Senderos, Grygera, Briggs, Sidwell, Kasami, Murphy, Gecov, Duff, Etuhu, Dempsey, Johnson, Zamora I'd like to see a strong backline (the one he intends on playing on Sunday, preferably) and Kasami given a start. Jol said: "I would have a word with my player if they did what Nunez did because it is not our style. You won't see that in our team." Good. Let's smash those cheats.
Clearly, we need to be looking for a win (and not just in terms of getting revenge for the previous game), but I hope we don't field our strongest team. I think Murphy and possibly one or both of Zamora and Dempsey should start on the bench. AJ has done well leading the line in Europe. I'd play Baird alongside either Sidwell or (more likely in terms of resting players) Gecov in the centre of midfield, move Grygera to partner Hangeland with Kelly taking his place at right back, and then play three from Kasami, Duff, Dempsey, Briggs (if not at left back) and Frei (is he fit? he's not in the list Bidley quotes) behind AJ. Another thought is Kacaniklic. He made the bench recently, it would be good to see his pace given a chance if Frei isn't available.
I think what the BBC means by "fielding a strong team" is not starting our entire youth team. I doubt Bobby or Deuce will start. On Frei, I seem to remember him having a knock recently, no idea if he's in the frame for tonight. If he is I'd love to see him play.
I agree guys - I think especially Danny M should be rested (benched) - I also think we need to beat these cheating b******s
Some interesting and potentially good news: although the Wilsa Krakow squad have arrived in the UK their 3 Serbian players have been detained as they don't have visas. One of them is their goalie and apparently another goalie is on his way over from Poland in case the Serbian one doesn't get clearance. I imagine they will get clearance but its not ideal preparation for a game.
Strong team, nice to see Bairdy @ CB Fulham 01 Schwarzer 02 Kelly 03 JA Riise 05 Hangeland 06 Baird 13 Murphy 16 Duff 20 Etuhu 23 Dempsey 08 Johnson 25 Zamora Substitutes 38 Etheridge, 26 Grygera, 28 Briggs, 04 Sidwell, 10 Kasami, 15 Gecov, 21 Frei Wisla Krakow 25 Sergei Pareiko 02 Jaliens 15 Diaz 31 Lamey 10 Gargula 11 Nunez 13 Paljic 17 Kirm 28 Wilk 45 Brud 20 Biton Substitutes 01 Jovanic, 12 Kurto, 22 Jovanovic, 33 Czekaj, 09 Boguski, 18 Tsvetan Genkov, 77 Illiev Ref: Halis Ozkahya
Etuhu in midfield ... that's a gamble. Looks like Jol's saving Sidwell for Sunday against Spurs, which, by the way, rested most of its starters tonight.
Another well-worked goal. Looks like a lot of work on the training pitch, contrary to popular belief.
Well done to the boys, couldn't have asked for much more. A few wobbles at the back but on the whole a good performance. Also glad to see the team do their bit for Dembele on that filthy cheat, the crowd gave him a bit too. COYW I'd like to add that given the strength of our team today, I expect nothing on Sunday.
I thought Fulham looked and played pretty well last night, but considering the opponents we should have thrashed them. Johnson and Duff were terrific for us. To me the real test comes on Sunday when Tottenham make the trip across town. Spurs played a weakened side Thursday night in Russia, so they were clearly saving their strength for us. On our side, Murphy and Zamora played abbreviated games. Sidwell played just 15 minutes and Dempsey didn't seem too involved, so I'm hopeful we'll have the legs to give Spurs a good game.
I think Dembele, Sidwell and Ruiz should all come in to freshen things up. It seems odd to drop AJ after such a good display (although he was limping when he went off), but as Jol seems to prefer Dembele down the centre these days Ruiz might be a better option than AJ on the right. I'm hoping that Bobby and Danny are fit for Sunday, although Danny is unlikely to make 90 minutes even if he starts.
