Tosh, Cottager, I could see the formation working, but are you really both saying that we should drop Danny Murphy? I'm coming to the Villa game - my first Fulham game of the season. I'll reserve judgement on Jol's formations until I've seen for myself.
I did a little YouTube search on Kasami. Looks like a forward/goal poacher rather than a midfield goal creator. From what I saw, his main talent is being in the right place at the right time. Having said that, he got 13 goals for Palermo last year, which is nothing to sneeze at. I agree about the RB problem. That has to be priority #1. Between Kasami, AJ, Dempsey and Dembele, we've got people who can play up front.
We really should start this as a new thread. For me, yes. The key however is the 4-2-3-1 formation promoted by Tosh. I strongly believe this is the correct one for us to be playing, with this squad. As to the players, I think it's the right balance to fit that formation - based on what I've seen so far. The back four would be Baird, Hughes, Hangeland and Riise, of course. But that's my view. Very recently, Captain, under another thread you said you thought JOL would start the Villa game with the same team as he did against RNK Split ie 4-4-2 AJ et al. I very, very strongly suspect that this will be the case, but I live in hope.
Jol is 4-4-2 and so are Fulham. I would not play Etuhu at home at all. I'd reserve for away days only when we need to frustrate. I've said it before Murphy / Etuhu is pedestrian at best. Both do not get into the box with realistically Murphy is the only real creator. I've not seen a 20-30 yard pass by Etuhu ever. This is not harsh on him, he's excellent at breaking up the play but really not in a 4-4-2 formation. i think he will start Sidwell alongside Murphy with AJ and Zamora up front. Duff and Dempsey wide. At the back I think he will use the RNK defensive line up. Meaning Hughes out wide which is bizarre. Jol must think he can do a job. I worry about his pace, strange tho as when he was CB I thought he was quick. Down the wings I guess its much different. I'd play the same back 4 as last year however of course not that numpty Salcido.
I think Cottagecravens has nailed the likely line up for Saturday, with Kasami coming on from the bench at some point. I could see the 4-2-3-1 working, but I'd rather see Murphy and Sidwell as the 2, or even Murphy using his eye for a pass in the middle of the 3. His ability to pick a pass gives us something that no one else in the side really has, and in tight games that could be difference that gives the other attacking players the chances to win the game for us. I've not seen Hughes at right back yet, so I won't comment on whether he's better than Baird or not. I like Bairdinho, but I always worry when he is faced with fast, skillful wingers. On which note, I'm pleased to say I've heard a rumour that N'Zogbia won't be starting on Saturday - apparently he's behind the rest of the squad on match fitness, having missed most of pre-season training and then moving clubs. I would worry about him absolutely roasting either Hughes or Baird. Other than that, I'm quite optimistic about Saturday.
