As mentioned in the other thread Frei is playing tomorrow night for the U21s. Richardson and Dejagah are thought to be about a week away from full fitness and Diarria probably three. Baird is uncertain. I can't see Berbatov being risked even if he's recovering better than expected, so the starting line-up I'm going for is - ...........Schwarzer.............. ..Riether..Hughes...Hangeland..Riise.. ....Kasami....Sidwell...Kara.. ..Duff.............................Kaca.. .............Petric............ Yup, I'm dropping Bryan and Hugo to the bench, although would expect both to come on in the second half. The main reason is Lambert. He's having a stormer of a season so far and seems to be at his most dangerous down their left (our right), so I'm playing the extra man there and I think Kasami will be stronger than Bryan. Kara I'd play at the outset because I think he can get forward more to help Petric. And Kaca because a) we need width and b) he's a more natural left wing player than Hugo (personally I think Hugo is wasted out there - keep him fresh to come on later to replace Petric or to join him, depending how the game's going).
I'm not sure about that lineup C58, but I can't really suggest one any better! I don't think Jol will field that team though.
Hi,as a Saints fan I see plenty of goals in the game, maybe 2-2.We like to play a possession game so whoever wins the midfield may prosper. Been impressed (but not surprised) at your start to the season.
I'd like us to get a win here but I think with some key players a doubt I'm not sure we can. I do think that Ruiz needs game time. He'll definitely start. COYW
Can't see Jol changing formation so again it will be a 4-2-3-1 with Petric up top on his own and Duff/Kaca on the wings, Ruiz in the middle. Really wouldn't play Rodallega on the wings, Southampton's wing backs are incredibly dodgy (Fox especially) so we need quality wingers to expose their defensive frailties. I'd go again with Baird and Sidwell in the middle, purely because there isn't really anyone else. Think there will be goals in this one, there's been at least three goals in all of our games so far so don't expect this to change with the free scoring Saints also having no trouble finding the net. Gonna stick my neck out and go for a narrow defeat for us, 3-2. Hopefully Berba comes off the bench early in the second half, even if we don't need him.
The back 5 as said by C58 if all are fit. I guess if Baird is still injured he'll be replaced by Karagounis if he is match fit. So Sidwell and Kara as DM. I think Jol prefers Rodallega on the pitch to Kasami if Berbatov is still out. And I think he will start Ruiz in front of Kacaniklic. So I see Duff & Ruiz doing the width and cutting in. With Hugo and Petric combining from Midfield to Attack.
You might want to sit down before reading on, Bandit. I agree with Bandit. Who the two central midfielders depends on fitness, but Baird and Sidwell will probably get the nod if they are both fully fit. I think Ruiz will be in the centre, behind the striker, with Kaca on the left. Even if Berbatov is fit, I don't see him starting - why risk him when there's a fortnight before the next match for him to get properly fit? Be nice to see him come off the bench though.
I agree with you about Berbatov Captain. Would be an unecessary risk and I suspect he won't even be on the bench since, in theory, that would make him eligible for the upcoming Internationals - Jol I'm sure would rather see him wrapped in cotton wool for the next two weeks. I'm also with you and Bandit on the wingers. Kara, who is scheduled to be on International duty, reading between the lines in this article posted by the Club, I think will start : http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/october/05/ready-and-set Whether that would be in place of Baird (because he's injured) or Bryan I don't know. PS Interesting to read in the article that there had been a 'friendly' match. I'd heard a rumour about this in connection with our mystery signing but have no details.
Jol has just given details of injuries - * Richardson fit for Saturday, Petric doubtful and Berbatov out * Dejagah, Kasami, Senderos and Frei playing for U21s tonight * Diarra still out and Simon Davies out for 10 weeks following surgery http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/october/05/team-news
I see the Soton fans are getting arrogant on their board, with predictions of 2-0 plus! We're one of the highest scoring teams in the league, and their defence is one of the most porous, a clean sheet for them is very wishful thinking. Is Lawro lending his specs out?
Lol, we saints hope for a win but not getting arrogant. At home I would think it will be close but 2-1 or similar. Can't see us keeping a clean sheet lol
I'm a bit worried about the possibility of Petric and Berbatov both being out. I've only seen Rodallega in person once this season and had my doubts. I'm hoping he proves me wrong if he starts up front. If Richardson isn't needed in central midfield (I suspect Karagounnis will be ahead of him if we need to replace either Bairdinho or the Ginger Iniesta), I could see Jol picking him ahead of Kaca for this one. I like Richardson, but I'd rather see Kaca start the game today. My eldest and I are really looking forward to it though - it's his first ever Fulham away game. He's been bouncing off the walls with excitement all morning.
The Independent have run an article about Bairdinho and him returning to his old stomping ground - http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/return-of-the-saint-but-now-hes-bairdinho-8200703.html Separately the Club have posted a piece by Jol which is in some ways a bit strange (why does he feel the need to justify himself even after the silly outburst by Zamora ?). Anyway, in it he also praises Bairdinho and given the two articles, I'm guessing that he will be in the line up today. http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/october/07/in-it-together
The link to Return of the Saint but now he's Bairdinho:- http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...-the-saint-but-now-hes-bairdinho-8200703.html C O Y W
I really like the culture of the club bit. The fact that Bairdihno has come in and passes have gone up is brilliant. Well done Chris Baird.
