Almost inevitably, Tom Cairney is having his knee assessed. The only other doubt was McDonald, who had an ankle knock during the warm up on Saturday and some sort of strain when attempting to score in the second half, but he's apparently okay. Bristol City have had a wee bit of a dip since their League Cup exploits; only picking up 10 points in the last 13 games. It would be foolish to believe they're a 'busted flush' though. As bcfcredandwhite pointed out in the other thread they're still banging in the goals - certainly in the most recent games - and it's only been lapses in in the last half an hour or so that's seen them drop points. Whether that's been complacency, lack of concentration or fatigue, who knows. What isn't in doubt is their ability. Bobby Reid will always be a threat on goal and, of course, they have 'That Man Flint' ! Missing from the team however, is influential midfielder Marlon Pack, who hit the ten card mark against Leeds on Sunday and misses our game as well the one against Cardiff next Sunday. For us, a question is whether the Gaffer will rotate the squad, given three games in a week against top sides. All the indications are he won't - he pretty much had his team of choice starting against Villa and like the second half of last season, his preference is to keep with a winning side. Subject to Cairney being fine, he may make one change however. Despite a splendid and really composed finish for his goal on Saturday Ayite had little impact on the game and could be replaced with Piazon or Kebano or Ojo. I'm going with: .......................Bettinelli............. ..Fredericks..Kalas..Ream..Targett... ......................McDonald.... ..............Cairney......Johansen.... ....Kebano........Mitrovic...Sessegnon...
I like your team selection and agree it won't change too much from Saturday subject to any injuries. I'd perhaps go Paizon rather than Kebano but either way that is a strong line up. From what I can gather Bristol City came out of the blocks at full pelt in their last two games and perhaps just could not keep that intensity for the full 90 mins. That's another area we can benefit as our squad is fit and go the distance. I think this will be a real test as they are a good side. They have missed Barker massively and I believe he is back for selection but as you say Pack is out which can only help. Confidence is high, we can play better than Saturday but same again and we should do it. Play like we did at Bolton we'll get a draw. I'm going so again and can't wait.
Bristol City have scored 13 and conceded 10 in their last 8 home games, Fulham have scored 17 and conceded 14 in their last 8 away games. So this should be a goalfest... but I am going to go with a 1-1 draw.
I like Fulham COYW's line up - same as Cottager's but with Piazon rather than Kebano. Either way, it would be a massive three points if we can keep our current momentum going. Without being in any way complacent, I quite fancy us for this one.
If we get a draw tonight we will be very happy, you are currently the best performing team in the Championship, a win for us fabulous, a draw relief, a loss is probable, still I hope it is a good game, all the best to you, always respected Fulham and their fans.
Cheers wizered. I lived in Bristol for a couple of years in the 90s and used to go to watch City from time to time, so I've always had a soft spot for them.
The man up tonight is Jeremy Simpson. please log in to view this image Last year was Simpson's first full time in the Championship and we saw him a couple of times; away to Derby and at home to Cardiff. However, this will be his first outing with us this season, and don't think he's ref'd any Bristol City games either. So not a lot to go on. He's been a bit of a Lancastrian 'hot spot' when it comes to cards in the matches has done - an above the average 130 yellows and 5 reds in his 31 games. Also not the shortest but neither is he a tall chap. Wonder why so many Championship refs are like "Little Napoleons" ?
Fantastic following - 1683 on a midweek for a re-arranged game. Must have been so frustrated at how poor the ref was and the Bristol City tactics though. In fairness they worked hard at closing us down after we had scored. And equally in fairness, our lads then battled hard. So, I guess not a classic but a well earned point. No doubt there will be a postmortem about the Gaffer's team selection and substitutions but you can't fault the spirit he's instilled in every player in the squad. And the unbeaten run continues. Fingers crossed that Matt Targett's injury isn't serious enough to keep him out of Saturday's game.
Slightly disappointed,at this stage of the season another 2 points would have been great but at least we picked up a point
Just back - started off well and got the goal but that seemed to wake up Bristol City. They were energetic and in our faces. Lots of play up in the air, hoofs and long balls, we just couldn't play our normal game. We battled hard though and had our chances, so did they. Ref let a lot go and missed a lot. I spoke to a Bristol C fan after the game who said thank goodness for Christy. It was a hard game for him to debut into and apart from his cross for the goal he wasn't up to speed. First game so can't be too critical. Draw was a fair result I think. I actually enjoyed the game as both sides were battling. We both had our chances but it was frustrating we were not given the chance to play and fair play to them for stopping us. I was impressed by the pre-match facilities outside the ground for drinks and food, even live music. All very civilised and how it should be.
4 points from 6 against villa and bristol. Happy with that. Bristol played well and didnt give us an space. To much tappy tappy for me and we got caught in possession so many times.
