In today’s press conference Slavi said we needed “new blood” and was happy how things went considering the embargo. He welcomed Bettinelli and Tunnicliffe back in training but it’s too early to think about either playing. Otherwise he has a full to select from. Ah but … Choices! Choices! He has an even bigger group to pick from at CB and if Dan Burn is a given, which he ought to be on recent performances, who partners him – Ream (again) or either of the new intake, Madl or Nando? If not Nando does he slot in at left back? Or will slavi go three at the back? And as for midfield – well. I suspect Slavi will simplify things by going for a bank of two. In other words, a defensive duo and an offensive trio. The main question I guess is how ready are the two newbies Ince (defensive holding) and Labyad (attacking wing half) – neither has had any significant game time recently. And up front? If he elects for five in the middle then it’s only one up top and a no brainer. In any event I feel he’ll ‘rest’ Dembele after all the kerfuffle with him last weekend. As an aside, in the press conference Slavi said he was happy McCormack stayed but wouldn’t say if it was long term. So, I’d risk the new boys. Especially Ince who could be to O’hara what Etuhu was to Murphy. Amazingly RB is the one position where there is little choice and Richards seems to be the one favoured, over Fredericks, by Slavi. Goodness knows why! The line-up then - ……………………..Lonergan………………………… …Richards……..Madl……Burn……Garbutt ...… ……….………Ince………O’Hara..... ……Labyad……….Cairney………….Kaca.. ……………………..McCormack……………… Admit to be really struggling over the back line because my gut feeling is that he’ll play Amorebietta. Thing is, I wouldn’t play him at LB – he’s vulnerable to speed when there and that’s when we see his unfortunate rush of the red side. And somehow can’t see him playing alongside Burn as a pair. Best option if he does play, would be a three of Burn, Madl and Amorebietta.
Personally I wouldn't play any of the new guys. ……………………..Lonergan………………………… …Fredericks…Stearman…Burn…Amorebieta…Garbutt ...… ………..................…Mattila..... ……......…….Cairney….....Hyndman..... ………………..McCormack…Smith…………… I don't think Joka will play half of these players.
Cant see us getting anything with our suspect defence, think we could be in for some stick. prediction Fulham 1 ( Smith ) Derby 3.. We are then in the relegation mire.
Need a confidence boost today otherwise things might start to spiral downwards quickly, as the new manager bounce hasn't happened..yet. Bolton v Rotherham Charlton v Bolton today, so a win could ease the battle for them could see us in trouble if we lose.
We welcome the man in the middle Darren Deadman for his first visit to the Cottage. Did I just say welcome? Not sure about that at all. He's only ref'd one of our matches before - away to Nottingham Forest in 2014 - when he gave our lads 6 yellows and gave them the penalty that never was against Hutchinson. Suppose there was the silver lining in that, although we lost 5-3, the game sealed the fate of Felix Magath. He was gone within two days of the defeat. This season Mr Deadman is well on form, having dished out 62 yellows and 1 red in his 21 games so far.
The SuperBri tactic of opting to play towards the Hammy End in the first half didn’t quite work as we struggled to control the midfield and keep the ball on the floor. That said we were blatantly stronger, faster and tighter on the opposition than has been the norm. Fair bit of credit here to Rohan Ince who impressed with his determination and covering across the field – couple of good forward runs as well. Like a few of the others he had trouble getting the ball under control at times though (and don’t think the wind was always to blame). Apparently Slavi took Ince off at half time because he wanted to change our style of play. Well, we did and played the ball much more on the ground and worked some good triangles. However, for me the game somehow went flat. And the wind blew stronger into the Hammy End. Couple of other mentions. Nando gave us much needed aggression and dominance at the back – against all my expectations he and Burn were a really strong partnership. Richards had a decent first half, getting closer to his man but lost his brownie points in the second. LVC seems to be lacking confidence and I’ve no idea what Dembele brought to the party. Final mention for the fans, who gave Bairdinho a much deserved round of applause when he was subbed.
Fair comments C58. Nando & Burn worked well and we seemed generally stronger against a good Derby side. I was wishing we had Cauley on the bench to change for Dembele at half time. And great to cheer Chris Baird, "the consumate professional" as ever.
Thought the Ref had a good game today, I'd only query why he booked O'Hara as he didn't give them a foul!!! I thought it was an average game, we've played better this season, for me the first half was better we got the ball to the front quicker, but in the second half we wanted too many touches with the ball on the ground. I still don't understand Jokanovic selections, or what he sees in certain players when we have better players not even selected to go on the bench. Burn played well again, Amorebieta gave us some steel,but he can do silly things to give away too many kicks near our box. Ince was 50/50 for me some good stuff but also poor touches. The forwards and midfield didn't close their CB down who was allowed to run out of defense to start the attack they scored from. Another late goal let in before HT. What is it with putting the sprinklers on just before and at HT!!! Fulham missed some golden opportunities in front of goal, can't remember us getting any freekicks round their box for McC to exploit.
Not sure if any of you guys who were there noticed but there was a contingent of fans from the blanquiazul (Malaga) at the Cottage today.
Agree. Excellent after Cairney was fouled the way he played the advantage the led to our goal. Not sure but seem to remember O'Hara was booked after he played a similar advantage for them - whatever, was a bookable offence as O'Hara took the guy out on purpose. Also liked the way Mr Deadman overruled his associates a couple of times. Have to agree with your assessment of the game SuperBri. But you can see what Slavi's trying to do. He's making us more difficult to beat and getting the players attacking the ball - gosh, even Cairney made some blocks even if they were with his bum. Sure our threat on goal is less potent; we get rid of the ball too hurriedly from the back and don't have the pace to counter attack well, and we do have a tendency to take the wrong options/dither in their final third. Also agree he hasn't got the balance of the team right (yet). Going to be slow progress I think but progress it is, based on yesterday (and the new signings?). I know, bizarre. Some things never change!
