What the heck is wrong with Fernando Amorebieta? Jol held his pre-Newcastle game press conference today (goodness knows why so early in the week) and confirmed that Amorebitea is still not available: "Fulham are likely to be without Maarten Stekelenburg once again for the trip to Newcastle United on Saturday, while Fernando Amorebieta’s debut for the Club remains on hold, Martin Jol confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon. “The squad is looking okay,” he said. “It’s not 100 per cent though because we’ve still got Amorebieta out, and he won’t join us. Maarten Stekelenburg is a big question mark as well for the weekend. We will have a look tomorrow, but I think he won’t be in the squad. Maarten fell on his other side and was in quite a lot of pain and so I think he won’t manage to be in the squad for Newcastle. And of course, on the longer term, Kieran Richardson will take at least another three weeks.” There is better news up front for the Whites, though, as Dimitar Berbatov returns to the squad having been rested in midweek, leaving our Manager with an interesting decision to make after Darren Bent led the line in the Capital One Cup win over Burton Albion. “He played against Burton from the start,” Jol said of his new signing. “He looked fit, his capacity is good, so he will be in the squad. He was eager to play and he was eager to start. He joined us in every training session and looked fit so I think he looks good, he looks good to start and it’s about the decision to make on the team. He scored the goal against Arsenal – he’s always scoring goals – I’m happy that he’s here but we have to wait and see. Berbatov of course is in again, we rested him for the game against Burton, so we are pretty positive.” The additions of Bent and Scott Parker have considerably strengthened the Fulham team, and Jol admits he’s pleased with how his squad is currently looking. “It’s not like we’ve spent like Tottenham and other clubs, but I think we’re pretty satisfied to have the players on the board,” he said. “I think we did very well to see Scott Parker playing for us – it’s as if he was always there. Darren Bent came in, Adel Taarabt scored his first goal, so I’m pretty satisfied but you always wish to be perfect. I need a number one in any position because that makes it easier." “Even for the players on the bench, they will know Berbatov is good and he will play. But I saw with Taarabt, for example, he went in and he scored. And Alex [Kačaniklić], for example, who’s a very good talent, has got to learn that: to be productive and score at least eight/nine goals." “So there is some rivalry for places and the only thing for me is to gel them together in a good side and make us a bit more solid, and I think even that is possible – to score more goals and be solid at the same time.” Plenty of clues and pleny of ponderables in there but I'm holding off predicting his starting line-up, for now. Still don't understand the Amorebieta situation though.
As we're away from home I could see him not going with Berba and Bent although the alternatives playing behind Berba are hardly going to offer much more in terms of defensive work rate. I'd go for; Stock; Riether, Hanga, Hughes, Riise; Parker, Boateng; Taarabt, Berba, Ruiz/Kaca; Bent
I almost agree with Silkship's line up. I don't think Ruiz will start, and I think Taarabt will. That leaves Kaca and Dejagah to fight for the last spot in the team. My suspicion is that Dejagah will get the nod as Jol seems to like Taarabt on the left. I definitely think this is a game for Parker and Boateng.
Agree not Ruiz. I was really surprised Jol didn't give Briggs another chance in the Burton game, since he did fine against Sunderland. That he didn't must say something. Riise was so poor though that surely he won't play him again? (I think that was a rhetorical question.)
Could be good time to get something from the Geordies - we often do well against them - apparently we have only beaten Bolton more in the Prem. Lawro has us down as loosing so that is a good sign! It looks like Newcastle will be his QPR this season - they are 10 places higher on his predictions than their actual results!
Stockdale, Riether, Hangeland, Hughes, Riise, Kacaniklic, Sidwell, Parker, Ruiz, Berbatov, Bent Subs: Karagounis, Duff, Briggs, Taarabt, Rodallega, Boateng, Etheridge.
Is just me or is anyone else getting so frustrated with our attacking football or lack of it. Ruiz losing the ball sidwell thinks he can pass through players. I'm starting to get sick of it. We see the 18 yard box and fall to pieces.
No but we don't make subs till the 70th minute unless we are forced into them. Bloody hell I spoke to soon Sorry
And now Riether has gone off injured. To be honest I'm amazed that hasn't happened earlier, as he was playing both RB and RM whilst Ruiz wandered around wherever he liked.
Well that's that then. Bet the BBC will be happy, going by the live text they're rooting for Newcastle!
Frustrating viewing, that's for sure. We missed Tarby and Kasami, Ruiz was ok, Berba didn't do anything and we just didn't have any 'zip' about us. Has anyone got Werder Bremen's phone number? I've got a sales pitch for Riise lined up. Seriously though, Briggs needs to play ahead of him.
Disappointing but not unexpected. I do think Jol has to be careful. He is not Khan's man and he said that he would give people a chance but it was clear from that that Jol needed to prove himself. So far he has been distinctly underwhelming the new owner I am sure. He needs to record a couple of wins. The fact that we have no bite despite having a one goal in two game striker in the team must say something about the way the team is being instructed to play. The probable saving grace for Jol is there is no one out there who would be an upgrade.
Feel a bit cheated now as that wasn't worth a 5 hour drive for. I think we had 2 shots on target. Bent got absolutely no service, not sure why started with Ruiz? As per usual was absolutely ****e!
Newcastle were there for the taking today. A little disappointing that we never really looked like making the effort. When we are attacking, it's as if the players split into two groups for training. Parker, Kaca and Berba seemed to be on one game plan whilst Ruiz and Bent had their own (Sidwell was just doing his own thing completely most of the time, as usual). We have to get it sorted: if it means someone has to be sold or benched, then so be it. I'm tired of watching a team of individuals who (almost) all look good but have no team chemistry.
Oh well, wasn't expecting much and mostly feel sorry for those travelled up to watch such a performance. It is concerning that we are the team that others see as the ideal opponent to stop their rot. Newcastle, QRP last year and so on... Also fed up with experimenting with Ruiz and Berba on the same team... Enough! The next game for me is critical. Against West Brom. COYW
