Team v Norwich

A bit of a conundrum. Who’s fit? Who’s got their work permit? Who’s tired from International travels?

Jol has confirmed in today’s press interview that Hangeland is fit to play having managed half a game for Norway. Diarra and Frei are definitely out. Berba is having a fitness test tomorrow but he, Sidwell and Richardson are doubtful.

I believe Enoh has his work permit (not sure about Manolev).

Bryan will be boyed by his goal for Costa Rica but given that he’ll only just catch up with the team on their way to Norwich and that he usually doesn’t start after International games, he must be a doubt.

Dejagah will also be on a high after his contribution to Iran’s 5-0 win over Lebanon. He played just short of 80 minutes, and was MOTM; getting two penalties and an assist with a strong, low cross to set our striker up with an empty net. And Petric laid down his marker in the Croatian side’s win at the Cottage.

Subject to caveats about availability/fitness the starting line up I’d go for is -


……………Schwarzer……….
..Riether..Hughes..Hangeland…Riise..
…………….Enoh…….
………Kara……….Urby…...
Dejagah…………………….Duff..
……………Hugo……


The options/cover would be Baird or Frimpong for Enoh, with Bryan and Petric being second half subs for Kara and Hugo.

 

That team looks good and competitive.

I have a feeling that Frimpong will not be playing very much as he is only a short-term loan without an option to buy. Enoh probably will be given more chances

 

In his internal video interview Jol has (another) moan about the Internationals and especially the travelling issues for Bryan. He also confirms that Sidwell is fit, and although he talks about the possibility of Berba being available I get the impression it's more 'hopefully' than 'actually'. Possibly the message is to keep Norwich guessing?

Manolev is in fact the one with his work permit and while Enoh's is expected any time soon, neither has trained at the Club yet and neither willl feature on Saturday.

So I'm sticking with my original team selection, except Chris Baird in for Enoh.

Here is the video (together with another classic Jolism : Urby Emanuelson, "He's a bit of a lightweight, he's not Arnold Schwarzenegger.") -


[video=youtube;bQ8y4eB2SJs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=bQ8y4eB2SJs[/video]

 

So what predictions for the Norwich match.

I am going for 3 ~ 1 to Norwich, I feel that after the drubbing against us at the Cottage
they will want to win this one, for pride alone.

Hoping I am wrong, usually I am way out with my forcasts.

 

So what predictions for the Norwich match.

I am going for 3 ~ 1 to Norwich, I feel that after the drubbing against us at the Cottage
they will want to win this one, for pride alone.

Hoping I am wrong, usually I am way out with my forcasts.

 

Let's be fair, the question put to him was "How frustrating is the players going on international duty"!

I like the look of your lineup though.

 

I think Norwich are a much better side when Bassong plays. I don't think it's a coincidence that their recent bad run came when he was out injured. They hadn't signed him when we played them in August and he's fit again now. I still think we can get a win, but only if Jol finds the right balance in midfield.

From the video, it sounds as if he's considering Berbatov (if fit) for the second striker role, not the front man, so I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Rodallega starting. It sounds as if Sidwell is likely to start, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Karagounis missing out due to his international exertions in midweek.

If Berbatov is fit, Emanuelson might play left wing; if not, he could even pop up behind Rodallega with Sidwell and either Baird or Frimpong behind him.

But, as ever, I'm shooting in the dark here. I don't often get the eleven right when I try to second-guess Jol. The one thing I've noticed is that he doesn't often lay false trails in the press conference, so his praise of Sidwell's importance should be taken at face value.

 

I doubt they'll play Berbatov. Hamstring injuries are very slow to heal and very easy to re-injure. I doubt they'll risk him unless he's 100%.

I'm looking for a good result this week - I think the team will be bouyed with confidence after the good showing against ManU.

 

Erby will be the new Hammersmith legend!

 

Starting line up.

Schwarzer

Manolev hangleand Senderos rise

Frimpong sidwell

Duff Rodallega Ruiz

Berbatov

 

I would think Berbs is playing deep, and Hugo is leading the line. Reither and Baird are out with illness so we'll get a chance to see what Manolev and Dench can do! Looks a decent team, I'm looking forward to this!

 

Yeahs that's what I would of thought bids I just copied it from sky sports news.

 

who's Dench?

 

Frimpong mate.

He made the word up so everyone calls him the drench on the arsenal board and that

 

Thanks

 

A riveting game so far. Our offensive threat is really hurting them......ahem!

 

Haha. I know I can't take my eyes off the attacking action

 

Urby is on! COYW

 

I really thought frimpong was gonna get sent off

 

Manolev has done well!