In his press conference today the Gaffer confirmed that Cairney and Kebano are still out, while Ream although back in training isn't yet ready. As for Watford, well they're flying high at the moment and if they are getting criticism it's for starting games slowly. Be that as it may, they're a big, strong, fast and importantly, a very competitive side.I say 'importantly' in that last point because the physical side of the game, especially in the air, is arguably something we've been lacking. Watford have Kaboul out injured and Deulofeu doubtful but will field pretty much the same team as they have since the start of the season and play a 4-4-2 formation. An obvious threat is the perennial Deaney who has teamed up with new boy Gray really well so far. However, I'd keep an eye on one we hankered after in the past ... Will Hughes ... he's been a bit of a revelation. For us, Clint Dempsey will be back at the Cottage please log in to view this image On what will be our 500th Premiership game ... OR if you go back before Sky invented football our 1002nd game in the top Divisions. The team? Well, in his presser Jokanovic said "Some get criticised for being too defensive. We get criticised for being too offensive. For me, I think we can be even braver. " Which is grand and should make for an entertaining watch but there's no doubting where our weakness is - sloppy defending. He needs to put his mind to that and I'm sure you can do your own maths on how many different players/combinations he's used across the back four. One thing Jokanovic does seem consistent about though is, make a silly mistake and you're dropped - for instance Le Marchand 1 x CB and 1 x LB. Is it Odoi's turn to witness his ire? No doubting our biggest conundrum is who partners Mawson at CB. Who plays defensive midfield might be another. Going for: ..................................Bettinelli.............. .Fosu-Mensah... Chambers...Mawson...Bryan... .................................Anguissa... ....................Seri.........Vietto........Sessegnon... ............................Mitrovic...Schurrle..
Think this game might be decided by the 'Sky Celeb' Ref, most of whom are Drama Queens that like a bit of controversy, so they can have their moment on camera. Not really seen the player I'd expected in Angussia yet so I'd prefer McDonald with Johansen by his side. Like most fans I'd like to see Sessegnon play up front if picked rather than at the back, but we have one stubborn Coach, at present only Mitrovic can be guaranteed a starting place with the way Jokanovic is experimenting. My Choice would be: Bettinelli - Fosu-Mensah Odoi Mawson Bryan - McDonald Johansen - Sessegnon Seri Schurrle - Mitrovic
Apt description SuperBri and tomorrow we've got one of the best thespian's around ... Martin Atkinson. please log in to view this image The Leeds supporting Atkinson has another side to him however. This summer, as one of the Whistle Stop group, he cycled the 1700 miles to Kaliningrad in Russia for England's World Cup game against Belgium for charity and in 2016 did similar covering something like 1000 miles visiting all 20 Premiership grounds. Mind you the last time we saw him, "on yer bike" was the mildest of our fan's comments. That was the second leg of our play off with Reading last season when he awarded them a penalty, which proved to be the winner and took them to the final. The offence was an alleged hand ball against Kalas and footage clearly showed that a Reading player had punched the ball onto our defender's hand. To add insult to injury, of the 5 booked 3 were ours (McDonald, Johansen and Malone). While he hasn't curbed his theatricals this season, he has revealed his modesty with a surprisingly low count of 14 yellows in 5 games.
I though Angussia looked very good when he came on against City last week, albeit City were then in cruise control. I think he will suprise us all once he is settled and understands our tactics.
Wasn't able to make it today because of a family commitment. Grateful for the lowdown from those at the Cottage or watching.
First half was a disgrace, particularly Mawson and Chambers who seemed to have never previously met. Conceded a poor goal after 80 seconds and watched Gray/Deeney bully our defenders for 45 minutes after which we should have been 3 down but for Bettinelli and some luck. Half-time brought a formation change and a switch to a 4-2-4 with StefJo & Seri holding the line behind Vietto/Schurrle/Mitro/Ayite. We began to play some quite nice football and deserved the equaliser from Mitro. We arguably should have won with two late chances with Mitro, but could easily have also lost the point after yet another error from Chambers. I thought Bettinelli had a great game and Sessegnon was also a bright spot while Mitro was his usual self. Seri looked a bit shaky after City but grew as the game went on and Chambers was an absolute liability. Odoi may not be a top quality centreback, but I really wish some of our other players could read the game like he can. Watford were flying and given our poor start, a point was a good result for us.
Game of 2 halves really - we dominated 1st half but like you say Slav changed tactics and you guys were on top . So a draw was fair. Good luck for the rest of the season . Sure you will be fine once the defence is sorted out .
I would agree a draw was a fair result in the end Markthehorn. Respect to the travelling Watford fans too, who were very vocal in the first half. Although a goal after 80 seconds and 45 minutes of dominance do make that easier!
Watford played an unchanged side for the 6th game in succession; Fulham played a different back four for the 6th game on the trot. Quite a telling couple of facts. Get that Odoi and Le Marchand may have paid the price of having made mistakes but why the heck did Jokanovic play Mawson at right CB?? I just do not get tinkering of that kind. Only seen the FulhamTV highlights but Surlyc's description of our first half as "a disgrace" seems spot on and suspect it's fast forward when the full game goes up on the official site. Separately, I picked up on social media that Seri was signing to the bench right at the end with what looked like a leg problem. Nothing shows up on the 'highlight' video - did anyone there notice anything ?
He looked okay, but the 2 man midfield was certainly a tough ask for Seri & StefJo with lots of running. I understand playing Sessegnon at left back while we address the centre backs. It never made any sense to drop Bettinelli given the amount of change in our defence and we need to slowly build up some partnerships. For me that means plenty of Odoi and Sessegnon while Fosu-Mensah and Mawson bed in, then plenty of Fosu-Mensah and Mawson as Bryan and perhaps Rico bed in (with Ream somewhere in the mix when he overcomes his mystery injury). I don't think it's a coincidence that teams with consistent team selections defend better.
