The Gaffer confirmed in his press conference that Ayite is still out and Cairney is doubtful. There's also a question mark over Bettinelli and McDonald. In deference to the Captain, won't mention 'Boro's most recent managerial appointment. Will mention however, Adama Traore, who appears to back to his rampant best down their right hand side - he's going to be quite a handful. For us, the possibility of Fredericks moving in this window seems to have split the Fulham 'faithful' on social media, with loads of criticism on his defensive qualities or lack of. All I'll say is that, certainly this season, he's had absolutely no support from the likes of Ojo or Kebano. And one of those two will be in front of him on Saturday. Missing Cairney will be a blow. As will McDonald. Perversely though, SuperMac the lesser of the two. The logic being that Jokanovic may be forced to play a more balanced side, with Norwood covering for him. I'm in the camp which believes McDonald and Norwood together don't work but either at centre defensive midfield is okay. Whomever sits there, ahead of him we've got the pair already mentioned. Ojo's on a poor run - although gets preference some say because of a clause in his loan contract - Kebano is hit and miss. Johansen appears to be trying to be the 'main man' when Cairney's not around and ... failing. Enough, enough of the pessimism. Let's get to the starting line up: .........................Button............ ..Fredericks...Kalas..Ream.. Odoi... .......................Norwood... ..Ojo...Johansen.....Piazon..Sessegnon.. .........................Kamara...
It will be interesting to see what position Piazon plays in. Will Jok play him in the Cairney roll, with Johansen still going box to box. I think Jok will be forced with Ayite out to play Sessegnon as a forward rather than at the back.
The man in charge today is Geoff Eltringham. please log in to view this image Kind of strange having someone who hails from Tyne and Weir as ref for this one. But then again, he is a Sunderland season ticket holder. We've only seen him once so far this season. The 1-1 draw at home to Bolton when he booked 5; four of theirs and Kevin McDonald. Not that it matters much but he's been the fourth official also at two away games which we lost - Aston Villa and Wolves. For the record, Eltringham has done 18 matches so far, dishing out 62 yellows and 1 red.
We pulled off the heist, now get back home! One point off the playoff places - our season is very much alive.
Fantastic result, onwards and upwards!! And Jamie wished me happy birthday for tomorrow at HT, what a day
