There‘s no pre-Villa press conference from Rene at lunchtime today. The interviews he did yesterday post-Spurs was it - quite judicious in a way since there were then only a couple of questions about the Villa game. So no update on availability. Hugo and Briggs are definitely still out. Bent, who is on an intensive training course, is anyway not eligible. Hangeland and Richardson are doubts. And no idea what the score is on Amorebietta. There’s a strong case for keeping the starting line-up from Wednesday night. However, the opposition and the fact that there’s only a couple of days between the games need to be taken into account. On reflection though, why change anything? Maybe left back? [I’ve been trying, in vain, to get a picture of JAR’s new haircut - it really was something to behold.] On Wednesday there was no obvious replacement sub for him, although I did say during the second half (and pinching a suggestion from the Captain), “why not bring on Duff at left back?”. With Richardson and Amorebietta uncertain and Kaca providing little defensive support, it’s tempting to bring in Damien. I just can’t see Rene doing that - he (thankfully) just doesn’t seem the kind to play people out of position. So, there you go - no change. The system was in itself simple, with everyone looking forward and by and large moving together in a straight line. A formation that allowed us to open up gaps with some great cross field passes. And, digressing, since I’ve already committed to no change, why I wouldn’t even consider Taarabt or Sidwell. …………….Stekelenburg…………. ..Riether…Senderos..Hughes…Riise.. ………………Parker….. ..Dejagah…Kasami…Kara…Kaca.. ………………Berbatov…
Agree, stick with the same team. With regard to a replacement sub for Riise, the left footed Zverotic? and if our Ancient Greek is going to be subbed around the hour, can it be for Boateng please.
Yes, same team again for me. Perhaps bringing Ruiz a bit earlier if things aren't going well. (Didn't think I'd be saying that) The key is to watch them on the break. Southampton bossed them all game last week and came away with nothing. Sounds horribly familiar and Sunday for us is all about the points. Can't wait.. C O Y W !!
Ruiz for first time in my memory did sprint and chased back? I thought I was dreaming but even the guy next to me was left with his mouth open and commented that someone was fighting for his job!!! If we replace Kara we have to make sure the sub is keeping the line high and probably the only one is.... Ruiz!!! Unless Boateng can do that. In any case... Come on Fulham!!! We can do it!
*EDIT* Thought I'd found it, I actually hadn't. As you were... On topic, yes, I agree we should play the same team. It'll do wonders for the gelling process if nothing else.
Yes, 1000's of open mouths when Bryan chased back. But he's not going to fill the hole in front of where Steve Sidwell's too deep position. Get Sidders to move forward and not leave the centre circle.
Could Ruiz replace Karagounis? Same team for me. Boateng instead of Sidwell for me if my Ruiz suggestion gets poo pooed! Lol. Consistency is the key in team selecti8n and round pegs in round holes.
Slightly worried . The fact being that those teams below and imediatly above have started to find some form, so it is imperative that we take maximum points to morrow.
Just focussing on a win tomorrow. Points count more that goal diff. Frankly, its a challange to work out who is reallt going to be in danger by around end-February, so Palace v Cardiff and West Brom v Norwich is less relevant at this time. Only Stoke winning concerns; subject to Spurs beating Sunderland. UPDATE: Sunderland score against the run of play Spurs Equalise! And Win! C O Y W !
Can't stand Mike Dean. I hate refs who like being the centre of attention. Anyway, good luck from a Swans fan. Yes, a vested interest in you beating Villa who are close to us in the table but I genuinely hope you beat the drop. I still have fond memories of our teams games in the lower divisions. I came up for our game recently and your fans were fantastic towards us. Couple of mates are ST holders there so I always look for your results. They tell me the new guy has you playing much better stuff and you almost got a resut against Spurs. Keep the faith and good luck!
Line-up announced: Stek Riether Hughes Senderos Riise Parker Dejagah Kara Sidwell Kaca Barba Subs: Stockdale, Zverotic, Richardson, Kasami, Duff, Ruiz, Christensen.
No centreback on the bench? Curious decision. That aside, it'll be interesting to see Sidwell play with Parker behind him. He doesn't have the discipline to play deeper, but maybe his aggression will lead to some shots on goal.
2-0, Berba penalty. Great touch from Berba sends Kaca clear, he runs into the area before stuttering his run and Bacuna went into the back of him. Maybe a bit soft, but there can be no doubt there was contact and Bacuna was nowhere near the ball. That said, why on earth was there no card for Bacuna?
Curious decision to not book bacuna. Nice to see us getting a bit of luck for a change. Solid first half performance, love seeing us press so much higher up the pitch. Within 30 seconds dj was pressing their full back. Riether and Dejagah are looking great again and kaka is enjoying himself. Berbatov is playing a blinder, in this mood we would be insane to sell him. Come on lads keep it up in the second half
