Okay, I'm feeling very good about this season. Unlucky with 2 injuries in the first game but hopefully that won't set us back. I like the signing of Parker if I'm honest. He strikes me as being very Fulhamish and will slot in beautifully in the squad/team. I'm looking forward to the next few games. The signal of intent was rather tongue in cheek as it appears Jol is picking up a number of ex Spurs players and they really are splashing the cash this season. Bent will be excellent as he's playing for a manager who he likes and trusts. Confidence is everything for strikers as you all know and I reckon he'll take his chance in the team well. All in all, 3 points on Saturday, another 3 this weekend would be terrific but a lot of reasons to be cheerful (even if we lose a few games - Fulham pessimism creeping in there, sorry). COYW
Stekelenburg, Riether, Armorebieta, Boateng, Parker, Taarabt and Bent for a little over £12m allows a liitle optimism. However, Fulhamish things do happen. Last year's experience means I won't be settled until the transfer window closes and we haven't lost anyone key - as Jol himself said, "you don't know what might happen in the next couple of weeks". More practically though the proof of the pudding will be whether Jol can get the balance of the team correct, and consistently. As Scotty Parker said in his in-house interview, "it looks a good squad on paper". But yeah, I'm feeling good about next season as well, Craving.
We still need to add some quality and depth to defence- we've got players in the youth team who could come in but I don't think they are ready for a prolonged run if either full back got a long term injury - particularly now that Richardson is out.
How about we go with a diamond 4-4-2 formation? Stekelenburg Riether Hangeland Amorebieta New left back Parker Dejagah Taarabt/Kaca Ruiz Bent Berbatov Can anyone see another way in which Ruiz, Bent and Berbatov can all play?
Just a suggestion: Stekelenburg Riether Hangeland Amorebieta New left back Parker Boateng Taarabt Berbatov Ruiz Bent It would be an adventurous attacking formation with the 3 AM interchanging, the 2 DM allowing fullbacks to attack on the odd occassion, but leaving the 4 up front to use their skills to make chances for each other. A team I think that would have to score more than they let in. Kaca and Dejagah could take the place of Taarabt and Ruiz if need to use wingers was better against certain opponents. For a more defensive format Karagounis and Sidwell for AT & BR in a 442.
IMO, we can't afford to drop both Kaca and Dejagah, if we play with three CAM's then we lose Riether's attacking ability down the right.
I'm much more optimistic this year than last. Great signings this year all the way around. Boeteng has a bright future, but a lot to learn. I think Parker has a lot to give right now and in the coming years. Taarabt (I keep typing that name, and it still looks wrong) brings a competitive edge to the midfield. My only worry is Berbs and Bent running up front. One Sky pundit said "they might be the laziest a attack in the prem..." but if we can get the most out of their talent, we should score some goals.
