Fulham have got a few players out for this game. Murphy, Duff, Grygera, Sidwell ? are injured. Ruiz and Davies? not in squad list Baird still out? Johnson suspended. Saturdays back 4 with Schwarzer seems a certainty. Maybe Hughes instead of Senderos or Kelly? If Baird or Sidwell are back then one of them can team up with Etuhu, if not Gecov or Kasami may come in. Ruiz can be replaced by Frei or Briggs. Johnson replaced by Zamora or if not Dempsey up front with Kasami taking his place in midfield. If Zamora is not wanting to play and not selected, then maybe there is a case for Sa to be given a chance to see if he can step up.
Zamora if Jol thinks his head is right, Sa or Dempsey if not. If Bobby does play, I think Jol will have to be ready to take him off at half-time if he doesn't look interested. The absence of Ruiz, coupled with Duff's continuing injury makes me inclined to keep Dempsey in the attacking midfield 3 rather than up front, maintaining as much consistency of line-up as possible. There are too many questions of consistency over the combination of Kasami, Dembele and Frei to my mind. I'd be very happy with either Frei or Kasami alongside Dembele and Dempsey though.
Frei has got to start this one I think, hopefully Kasami and Briggs too. I think the reason Zamora wasn't involved at the weekend was so he would be well rested for this game so I think he'll start. Gecov will probably come into midfield.
We have a bit of a dilemma here: A) we play a very strong team Wednesday to cement our passage into the next round, or B) we play a weaker side against the Danes - living with the risk - and play our regulars against Bolton on Saturday. Option B) would be my preference. I'd hate to see Bolton, who are getting desperate at this point, pulling out a win against us at The Cottage. The Danes have nothing to play for, which should make them an easier team to beat - remember that I said SHOULD. So I'd back a lineup similar to what you guys have suggested: Schwartzer Kelly Hughes Hangeland Briggs Kasami Etuhu Gecov Frei Zamora Sa If we get behind, bring on Dempsey and Dembele. On Saturday, play the regulars minus Zamora.
I'm hoping Bobby plays - as part of a strong Fulham line up - and if he shows a bit of form and commitment, it reignites his season. If he isn't picked, or if he has another anonymous display on Wednesday, that could be the end of the road for him and Jol.
I think Jol will start with a strong 1st XI. Murphy and Sidwell are out injured. Ruiz and Davies are inelligible. Baird (three cheers) and Duff are in the squad. Schwarz is doubtfull. So - Etheridge Baird, Senderos,Hangeland,Riise Duff,Gecov,Etuhu,Dempsey Dembele Zamora
I agree with Cottagers line up, except I think Kelly will play right back with Baird taking the place of either Gecov or Senderos (probably Gecov). I think the formations may well be 4-2-3-1 rather than 4-4-2, with Duff, Dembele and Dempsey behind Zamora. And we're going to win by two clear goals, with Riise the Elder scoring his first goal for Fulham. So there.
Like the optimism Captain... I think C58's line up is the more likely. Strongest possible team with the highest probability to get us through. Definitely will need some warming up tonight... Come on Fulham!
Sky reports that Duff and Baird are back, and Zamora's expected to play tonight. I'm still hoping, though, that Jol has the wisdom to rest some of our players ahead of all these games (Wed - Sat - Wed) we have in quick succession. Ruiz and Johnson will be rested, but Etuhu, Zamora, Dempsey and Dembele will need a break at some point. Tonight we're playing a weaker opponent ... give Baird, Frei, Kasami and Briggs a run out and keep the normal starters on the bench for Bolton.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16064448.stm This has no Senderos in the squad, and includes Davies (who I thought wasn't included in the squad we had to name at the start of the group stages). Is this the BBC getting it wrong? If they're right, does anyone know why Senderos is out, and why Davies is now eligible to play?
Good luck for tonight and I hope that you progress. You certainly deserve to, what with all of the extra games that you've had to play and the way that your players have applied themselves.
Thanks PnP -Harry obviously decided that his priorities lay elsewhere for you guys. Appreciate the kind words.
Just getting ready to make my way to the ground... Hope any team that is selected makes up proud!!! Btw, I'm favouring a young team as well giving a rest to some of the starting 11 players.
Line-up is Etheridge, Kelly, Hangeland, Hughes, Briggs, Frei, Baird, Gecov, Dempsey, Dembele, Zamora. Strong enough line up. Nice to see Briggs and Frei starting.
The team choice is certainly good enough to do the business. And good luck to our young boys. C-O-Y-W !! (Settling down with a beer - I Couldn't make the match).
