Sounds like Murphy might be out for a few games, Sidwell may also still be out. So can Baird step into Murphy's role or will Jol go with Gecov ? Will it be a case of Jol keeping the same Lineup as against Liverpool or revert back to a more defensive style. I'd like to see the same team given a run out in the next 2 Premier games and possibly only a couple of changes for the Odense game see if we can get some consistency and confidence into the team.
I imagine he'l go with bairdinho. When is sidwell or davies back as I'm sure either of them could comfortably step into murphy's boots.
I read that Davies played 70 minutes in a Reserve game against WBA (3-0) the other night in Murphy's position.
I don't think Digger's style suits the Murphy role. I would like to see Ruiz take that, with Frei out on the Right. Dempsey up front and Briggs out on the wing for Zamora. Other than that the same team as Liverpool game.
Interesting thoughts. As I read through this thread, I kept going "oh yes, that's a good idea" - now I'm undecided. Bardinho? Sidders? Digger? Ruiz? all options - we are gradually getting greater squad depth. If pushed, I'd probs go for Baird - would also be interested to see how any of the others fitted in.
Looking forward to this one, pretty even game Monday night and a hard one for us the Saturday. how many are you bringing down?
I watched Jol interview on the Fulham website, he said both Sidwell and Murphy will do tests on Friday to see if they're fit for Saturday. Jol didn't offer any other names. Davies is 70 percent fit, which probably isn't good enough. Assuming neither Murphy nor Sidwell can play, and since Etuhu isn't the best passer, I'm guessing Jol will drop Dembele into the Murphy role rather than risking Gecov in that spot. You don't want "iffy" ball handlers giving the ball away just in front of your back four. Here's my guess: Schwartzer Kelly Senderos Hangeland Riise Etuhu Dembele Ruiz Kasami Dempsey Zamora
Isn't Frei better than Kasami? And shouldn't we rest Zamora? Or is the Swansea defence leaky enough at the moment to allow Zamora to gain confidence with an assured performance?
In fact, Kasami can play the Murphy role should we wish, which means we can still use Dembele in the advanced role.
If any of our forward four are going to drop back, I would expect it to be Ruiz rather than Dembele, but I don't expect that to happen either. Jol talked about involving Davies in the squad, so he may well make the bench and possibly even appear at some stage, but I doubt he'll start if he's only '7 out of 10 for fitness' (Davies' post-reserves self-assessment). If Murphy and Sidwell aren't fit and Baird still unavailable, my guess would be Gecov or possibly even Briggs. Just a thought, but Riise the Younger has played centre-midfield before, and he's back from his loan spell at Portsmouth.
Saturdays going to be a tough game. Both teams are evenly matched playing the ball on the floor. I would suspect we will try to play on the break and counter attack. Vorm in goal has been playing well for them so will take some beating, lets hope Zamora, if he plays, has his shooting boots on. We have to watch our problem of letting in late goals because I think this will be a close game.
I think I'd be very tempted to go with AJ rather than Zamora. If Bobby is carrying an injury, we don't have the option of AJ on Wednesday night, so maybe it would be better to give Bobby every chance of being fully fit for that one. If Bobby starts firing on all cylinders, we'll be awesome.
Well said as usual Cap'n. Anyone know what's up with Bairdy? I hope the lad is OK - apart from being fantastic utility, he gives everything for the team and seems a nice thoughtful lad from interviews I have seen. Just to reinforce something I saw earlier (this thread? another one?) - Big Bobby Z has to be THE best user of his chest I've ever seen - great control and power.
Agree with Captain, AJ to start. If Murphy is not ready potentially Frei or Kasami. Time to give a chance to the youngsters and get some risk!
In the following article Jol gives his take on Saturday's game and injuries. He clearly would like to play the team that beat L'pool but is waiting on a late Murphy fitness test, so that may be the only position in doubt. Given that he brought on Gecov for Murphy on Monday, I'd expect he'd be the replacement. Later in the article he responds to Hangeland's reported plea for a settled back four. In it he refers to "Chrissy Baird's problems". I think we have to respect that it's a private matter and offer up the same non-invasive support that the club is obviously giving Chris. http://http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/jol-wants-fulham-to-build-on-liverpool-win-6274713.html
Did Bairdinho start having these problems after the Gary Speed tragedy? I hope the two aren't related.
I am all over that line up Demps. The only thing I would say, as captain said, AJ to start. His running the channels could be very effective. Kasami could play both Murph's role or in behind the striker, thinking about him behind the striker in a free role, mmmmm.
Frogmeister ... yes, AJ up front would be better. I was reading Lawro's preview about how the Swans like to play a big, wide pitch and hold the ball for long periods. I don't think we want Bobby chasing the ball, but AJ could do it. Also, I read that Murphy passed the fitness test and is likely to play, which I find amazing. Maybe if they tape up that ankle well, he'll be OK out there.
