The Gaffer said in his press conference that "everyone is fit". He did have a little groan however, that since the International break today was the first time that the full squad had been together. And I'd expect most of it will be taken up travelling to Norwich. Norwich are likely to play a disciplined and very organised 4-2-3-1. Their danger man and top scorer James Maddison is the one to look out for. However, the highlight ought to be the 'old fashioned' battle between Grant Hanley and Aleksandar Mitrovic. And of course they know each other from brief spells at Newcastle. It's a tough one to call. On paper Norwich have a very decent team but results, especially at home where they've struggled to score, are all over the place. Their current league record is 13 wins, 13 draws and 12 defeats - hopefully tomorrow we can give them a hat trick of unlucky 13s !!! For us, can't see Kalas having recovered sufficiently to start. Otherwise, it's the the old right wing dilemma. Ayite will be buzzing from his goals at the weekend and history says he has a couple of storming games after an International break, so he gets the vote. [Probably as much in the hopes that Ojo doesn't !] ..........................Bettinelli................ ..Fredericks...Odoi...Ream....Targett.. ..........................McDonald..... ..............Cairney...........Johansen..... .....Ayite..............Mitrovic........Sessegnon...
That looks the biz for me Cottager and I like the Ojo comment. I must say I have to keep looking twice at the league table, we're 3rd and well clear of 7th spot. Coming 2nd in May would be a bonus and there's still a chance if Cardiff hit the wall. A tough game tomorrow but we are Norwich's jinx team, role out the 13's!
The man in the middle of things today is Keith Stroud. It's only a few weeks since we last saw Wee Keith; in the 3-0 win over Sheffield United on 6th March at the Cottage. As ever, he showed a flurry of cards. In the 5 given, our 1 was to Mitrovic right at the end of the game. So he's totalled 12 yellows and 1 red in the two games he's done with us - the other match being a 4-1 win over Ipswich in January and again at the Cottage. His tally for the season so far is 118 yellows and 7 reds in 28 games. On a separate note, Stroud is an unfortunate choice for this match. He hails from Gillingham where, 20 years ago this week and following a match there, Fulham fan Matthew Fox was killed. Today, the 2000 strong Fulham support plan a 'celebration of remembrance' on the 20th minute in memory of Matt.
I'll be listening in with JG this afternoon, hopefully he will pick up on this. It was a sad day for us, pleased to know we have not forgotten Matthew.
Hmm .. first time Sess hasn't started this season. 'Trust in Slav' though. That said, would have preferred Kebano on the bench rather than Fonte, especially as he'd be perfect cover on the left if Piazon needs replacing. Ah well, at least Ojo's not around!
Honestly, Sessegnon has looked tired in recent weeks. We need to manage his workload for the rest of the season, because on his day he could really be the difference in us escaping this division.
http://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/teams/norwich-city/11310080/norwich-0-2-fulham Highlights from Sky
In a way not sure it matters rosc. Only 1 point more guarantees us a play off place (I think). Still glass half full about pulling off the second spot but if that isn't to be, then it's all about who we get first. And it's incredibly bunched for the 3rd and 4th spot - Who do people favour?
Millwall 3rd, they are on a real role. Middlesbrough 4th With 21pts still to play for (Cardiff have 24), I'm not seeing we only need 1 to be in the playoffs. Great to see the Villan's drop points this eve it couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of honest pro's.
