In today's press conference the Gaffer confirmed that Ayite is still out, as is Ojo - from other sources, a thigh problem allegedly. He was fairly guarded about Cairney's fitness but the vibes were good. Barnsley are in a bit of a dip at the moment but past performances show that they can play decent football. The emotions at the ground will be high with the passing away of their Chairman this week so would expect the team to be up for this one. They're likely to play 4-1-4-1 with the main threat coming from down their left and crosses into the poaching Bradshaw. Guess there are two main questions for us, the first being whether Targett will start. Jokanovic has a history of biding his time in playing loanees (if at all). This one could be different and I'm sticking with my mantra of playing Sessegnon at LB in home matches and forward when away. So, yes Targett will play. That tempts me to wonder about Odoi and whether he'd be the better foil for the predatory instincts of Bradshaw than Kalas? The second is, will it be poster boy Fonte or the blazing Kamara up front? Given the style of Barnsley's play the finger would edge towards Fonte and in any event his link up play with Piazon surely deserves another outing? Not meaning this unkindly but I'm pleased Ojo is still out. There's little doubt that he and Fredericks don't get on and on the showing against Burton, Fredericks and Pianzon most certainly do. With the potential threat from Barnsley's left, particularly Yiadom, we'll need a solid partnership down that side. Getting to sound as though Piazon is becoming quite a lynch pin. So, going for: .........................Bettinelli............... ..Fredericks...Odoi...Ream....Targett.... .........................McDonald... .............Cairney..........Johansen...... .....Piazon..........Fonte.........Sessegnon....
That's exactly the team I'd pick, depending on Cairney's fitness (Norwood would be the man to step in if necessary).
Amid all the pabulum on social media, it's fairly certain that Cairney did not travel with the squad today. Norwood it is!
The man in charge today is Andy Davies. The Hampshire whistler is probably the only ref to have played professional football. Having turned out for Portsmouth, Gillingham and Yeovil before he had to give up, at the age of 28, because of an injury. We haven't seen Davies at all this season before today, although he was around for 5 matches last year. One was our 2-0 win over Barnsley in January 2017 at the Cottage, when two of theirs went in the book. So a fairly neutral view on the wee man and let's hope it stays that way. For the record, his 16 games so far have seen 61 yellows and 1 red.
I guess if Cairney has not travelled then Norwood will be in his place. If we are to get a good fee for Cairney I wonder if it could be spent on buying Piazon and not Norwood.
I can't see Flint coming to us if we aren't in the Premier. It would be nice because that is the type of player we need in Central Defence.
The Club have just tweeted: "We can confirm that Tom Cairney did not travel with the squad for today’s fixture as he continues his rehabilitation on his knee injury."
Think we have to thank the Barnsley player who got himself sent off for those points today. Great to get 3 points again and move into the playoffs.
Was it Johansen their player pushed? He has a really special talent for winding up players (and referees)!
And Sky supply again, along with the lads of course. http://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/11225252/barnsley-1-3-fulham
