Evening all, What do we think for this coming fixture against Arsenal ? I think we drew 2 -2 with them on the last day of the season last year, with Walcott only getting the equalizer late on. They still had Nasri and Fabregas then. I think that we have better this season in games when there is a bit more freedom, when teams attack against us. It seems to suit our style a little more. That said, Arsenal are undoubtably a quality outfit and should not be underestimated. Van Persie seems to score with every touch these days, so we will need to be on close guard to stop him. Defensively though they still look very dodgy. Could be the day for Bobby to shine. May be hopefully but I reckon we could sneak a point. COYW
1. Ruiz 2. Etuhu on Song - to stop distribution to RVP 3. Do not expose Riise to Walcott - allow him more time to get the hang of the Pampers
My predictions are hopless,have not got one right yet,but as I will be sitting in the home end this Saturday, I do hope that with out the fear of being lynched I can stand and cheer each of Fulhams 4 goals. But on a realistic note, 3 ~ 1 to Arsenal.
I'm sure I'm on my own here but I'd stick Johnson out on the right in a 433. No matter what happens you will get chances to score against Arsenal, the most important thing is to slow down their wings and match them in midfield. Johnson can take advantage of a slightly indisciplined Santos who lacks a bit of pace to get back.
Only 2 concerns - RVP/Walcott and the consequences for holding midfield and left back. This is critical for the possibility of getting a point. I also go with using AJ, he has the ability to get us a goal. It's got to be better than my visit last season when we were resorting to Dio Kamara and EddieJ. Pity not to go this year, but Sunderland was far enough. So good luck to the team and fans!
I would bring Ruiz from the start, Briggs on the left to control Walcott and tight midfield to stop RVP getting any passes... Think we can get a point even a sneaky win but the probability of loosing is higher. Will go for a draw 2-2...
I agree with Madness about starting Ruiz. I'd even be tempted to think about Frei as well, using his pace and Bobby's strength to scare Arsenal's not-so-vice-like defence. Maybe he would make a good impact sub in this one.
My biggest concern is with riise up against Walcott. Riise has not particularly impressed me of late and Walcott has been sensational in recent weeks, though because of Van Persie's ridiculous form he just hasn't getting his deserved plaudits. I'd be tempted to go with sidwell and etuhu just to take ramsey and arteta out the game and then just play as deep a defensive line as possible slow down the front 3. Chelsea played really high up against arsenal and conceded five with walcott and van persie running riot. Regardless, I'd be lying if I said I'm confident about tomorrow, anything other than defeat would constitute (along with QPR & Man City) our best result of the season.
My team would be: Schwarzer, Kelly/Baird (Depending on Kelly's fitness), Baird/Hughes, Hangeland, Briggs, Etuhu, Sidwell, Ruiz, Dembele, Dempsey, Zamora. This would with a view of having, Duff, Frei, AJ, Riise and Kasami on the bench as options.
I know I forgot Murphy, but I somehow feel he just isn't the same anymore. I would rather pick Etuhu who seems in good form, with Sidwell (Who can create too).
We need Murphy, otherwise Sidwell or Etuhu are not the players to make the final pass. Have a good feeling about tomorrow, which has been further enhanced by Lawro's predictions of a defeat!! I love it when he predicts a defeat with no real justification just because of poor away record which this year is actually not bad... 1 win at home, 1 win away...
I think Arsenal's recent form is justification enough for most people to tip them to beat us - 15 goals in the last five league matches. Not that I'm saying I think we're done for, nor that Lawro's predictions are usually well-based, simply that in this instance it's not an unreasonable call from the not-half-as-funny-as-he-thinks-he-is-formerly-moustachioed-buffoon.
I've just read the team news which is (amongst other things) that JAR will start and Sidwell and Duff are injured. With Duff out maybe Briggs will ply on the left in midfield which would be interesting. I'm really looking forward to the game (which I'm going to) but I haven't got high hopes of a good result and am seriously hoping that RVP wakes up tomorrow with a severe case of the sniffles.
On the plus side we've got nothing to lose, on the minus how will we score if couldn't at Sunderland? We don't have the pace in defence or midfield to cope with a high back line. Agree with all other comments regarding marking of Walcott and RVP. If we get a point I'd be delighted. I'd love a win but not sure how, it would be great for MJ to get an away win at the Emirates under his belt. This will be a good test for us. COYW
Only one think left for me... Wish the cook gives RVP a food poisoning before the game... Hahaha It has happened in other sports where half the team was sick... Come on Fulham!!!
Looks like Kelly is out injured so back 4 could be Baird Hughes Hangeland Riise. like to see Sidwell Etuhu and Briggs holding midfield with Dembele, Dempsey, Ruiz up front. Like to see us get the ball up front quicker and take on the Arsenal defense. Why no Murphy ? because I think players seem to look for him to pass too, no doubt he can produce the killer pass, but the opposition mark him to stop his distribution, and he is getting caught in possession. Why no Zamora ? change of tactics, no need for holding the ball up, need players who can run at their defense. If Fulham can hold Arsenal for the first half, then up the attacks in the second half, then we might get a win or I'd take a draw, but need to test their defense Interesting to see how Dortmund tried to combat Arsenal wide players. On most occasions they tried to work a triangle formation against them, ie one player goes to tackle, and two others make up a triangle so if the player goes left or right he has another player confronting him. Worked most of the time except when Song dribble past all 3 of them to cross for RVP to score.
The tight triangle is the way to do it, SuperBri. Very continental. I remember Shakta (still one of the best teams to visit the Cottage IMHO) employing that tactic although we beat them. Ehm, contradicting myself. Bottom line though, I'm not sure we have the players/format to carry it off over 90 minutes. What is good is that these days we can still debate a decent 1st XI, despite the injuries - Duff, Kelly and Sidwell joining the longer term ones. I'm sticking with my earlier post, that to have a chance Ruiz should play and Etuhu should be told to man mark Song. The bad news is that Riise is apparently in. The probable line up according to the local rag (who usually have an ear close to the ground) is Schwatzer Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise Ruiz, Etuhu, Murphy, Dempsey Dembele Zamoora My son and I will be there but since both are lamentable at predictions, we'll hold our piece on the result. Quiet confidence though; to the extent that we're taking the ladies of the family out for a meal afterwards and they pay if we lose
Didn't realize Sidwell was out injured, so I guess Jol will play Murphy in which case might as well play Zamora and Johnson up front if we are going to have a slow build up and try to keep the ball.
