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With the International shenanigans finally out the way (for a few weeks at least) we can get back to fretting about the state of our League campaign. It seems a long time since the disastrous 5 minutes against West Ham and, following the loss at the Hawthorns, we find ourselves fourth from bottom with both Newcastle and Spurs below us. Precarious to say the least. My sense of optimism is hardly helped by our impending visitors. Last April the home game against Sunderland seemed to be a must win game. It was a game we ended up losing with very little fight and was the point at which I finally put my hands up and accepted relegation. The benefit of hindsight eh?
My expectations for this weekend are pretty low. Our current form doesn’t suggest a team capable of improving on last season’s effort and it seems to me that Sunderland have made some very good additions to their squad. They won on their last visit to London (a 2-1 win at Spurs, but who doesn’t win there this season) and put in a very creditable performance against Arsenal (a 1-1 draw) in their last home game. I’m not confident. We need some big improvements to pick up a much needed win.
Before the game there will be the excitement of the Johnny Haynes Statue unveiling. Tosh Chamberlain and Johnny’s wife Avril will be in attendance for what will, no doubt, be an emotional occasion. Fans are invited to gather in front of the Cottage from 12:00 onwards for a 12:45 ceremony. Much credit for all this should go to the Johnny Haynes Statue Action Group who have put in a lot of work to make sure it has happened.
I've had plenty to distract me from thinking about football this week. It's annual appraisal time at work and that inevitably seems to coincide with my busiest time of the year. I've spent a lot of time on the phone explaining problems to people and how I intend to go about fixing them and hardly any time at all actually fixing them. It's also been a typically hectic week at home, school drop offs to do, greek costumes to sort out, collections from cubs and beavers, school plays to attend (or not), better halves to look after (Mrs C being poorly this week) and in between all this just enough time to knock out another Top 5.Back to back away games mean I've not had a lot to say on here about Fulham. I don't get to go to many away games as family life means I have to catch up on all those tasks I don't get done on weekends when I'm attending home games. I miss going, away games are often more fun whatever the result, but there's not much I can do about it. Today's match at Pride Park is as big as it gets. We've sold out our allocation and there'll be a good few thousand Fulham supporters there to cheer on the Whites. We desperately need a win but anyone who witnessed the reverse fixture at Craven Cottage will realise that Derby aren't going to be a push over. They've only won one game at home all season (against Reading) and they'll certainly see us as their best chance of winning a second. They may already be down, but they'll really be up for this game and their recent performances have suggested there's still a bit of fight left in them.My last trip to Derby was for that infamous game in '83. A season when we were 12 points clear at the top of the table and looking certainties for promotion. By the time of our trip to the Baseball Ground, for our final game of the season, our lead had been totally whittled away. It was a horrible game, the team had lost their self believe and the home crowd spent as much time throwing things at us as they did watching the game. A pitch invasion in the final minutes of the game caused an agonising delay and led to the final stages being played with Derby fans lining the edge of the pitch. When Robert Wilson was tripped by a fan as he attempted to run down the wing we knew it was all over. We were chased back to our car by marauding home fans and then sat in glum silence as we listened to the other results come in on the way back home. We felt cheated but It was our own fault that we hadn't held on to our lead that season. That said, I'd love us to sneak a win today and be partly responsible for confirming Derby's relegation, however brief that satisfaction might be.
When I say preview I could be over selling it. This is just a chance to talk about the forthcoming game which is my first live match for five weeks. It seems like ages. The last time I saw Fulham play was the dispiriting loss to Arsenal on the 19th Jan. Since then we have signed six or seven new players (none of whom I've seen play yet), have won our first match under Roy Hodgson and have started to look more like a team capable of avoiding the drop.
There's a very good preview from the West Ham view point on Knees Up Mother Brown. KUMB don't mention it but I read somewhere (forgotten exactly or I'd have given you a link) that the Hammers may go with a 5 man midfield. They're a decent side who are more than capable of achieving a higher position than the one they currently occupy. That said I'm sure they'd settled for a point on Saturday and filling the midfield would make it more difficult for us to break them down. I'm a fan of playing 4-4-2 and I feel that if we're to get the win we desperately need we will need to play two up front. We could be taking a risk playing 4 against 5 in the middle but as Leon Andreasen stated on the Offal, we're going to have to work very hard to get the results we need. Fortune favours the brave!
Both Hughes and Bouazza are back in contention for us, and with Eddie Johnson completing 60 minutes for the reserves earlier in the week we've got plenty of options up front. I'm hoping for a team that will look something like this; Niemi; Salteri, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky; Dempsey, Bullard, Andreasen, Bouazza; McBride, Nevland. That said I don't think Roy's a man who gambles unless he knows he needs to so I wouldn't be surprised to see Murphy fill out the midfield with McBride or Nevland ploughing a lone role up front. Whatever the side I'm really looking forward to it. Hope we take the game to them and don't play too cagey.
Yes. I am still here. I've just been quite busy this week at home and at work. I've felt so much more positive about football following last weeks win over Villa but we've still such a long way to go. The Club have been working hard to get people to travel to the Riverside for the huge game against Middlesbrough. On paper you'd think we've got a good chance of getting something, but 'Boro are on a good run of form. Undefeated in six games thay have won three and drawn three in the league and cup since losing 0-2, home to Everton on 1st January. That said their home form is the second weakest in the Premier League with 13 points from a possible 36 (three wins, four draws). Only Derby have fared less well with six points from 12 games. Let's not dwell too long on our well documented trouble away from home, we owe 'Boro after losing to them at home earlier in the season in a game that probably set the tone for our season. I think our Premier League future will be more down to our results at home over the rest of the campaign, but it would be a huge boost to even claim at point tomorrow.
I've only caught the odd game here and there but the African Cup of Nations has been a breath of fresh air amid Premier League talk of chasing the big bucks and taking the game overseas. The four quater-finalists (Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast & Egypt) have all shown how strong African football has become and I'm genuinely looking forward to the final. The ANC has also been an opportunity for the BBC to try out some fresh faces to football punditry and I have been particularly impressed with ex-Fulham cult hero Leroy Rosenior. Whilst I have to admit to getting a small laugh from his billing as ex-Sierra Leone manager (2007) I really like Leroy and have been impressed with the way he has spoken. Alongside Garth Crooks, who never fails to make himself look a complete idiot (right back to his days as a reporter on LBC radio), Leroy has come across as the consumate professional. He has clearly done his research on the players and actually talks knowledgeably about the games. I hope the BBC take note of this and don't feel obliged to continue using jokers like Crooks and Lawrensen just because they played for big clubs.
If you're travelling up to Teeside on "Roy's Express" have a great day, cheer on the boys and say hi to Billy for me! Come on you Fulham!!
Crikey it's Wednesday since my last post and in that time pretty much nothing has happened. I was expecting a flurry of transfer confirmations to come through and to be full of positivity ahead of Tuesday night's match at Bolton. It's not looking good. Marlon King has officially joined Wigan. It seems they only paid £3.5Million which is a long way short of the £5M we had apparently agreed. Whatever the truth behind the "failed medical" and our attempt to renegotiate terms the one thing I am really glad about is that we won't be playing Wigan again this season. Daniel Cousins is still waiting on FIFA clearance to allow him to play for three clubs in one season. He claims to be already training with us, but neither FIFA nor the Premier League (who may also have to ratify the decision) are renowned for their speedy responses. NEC Groningen have rejected our "last offer" for Erik Nevland, so unless we decide to renegotiate that deal looks dead as well. All a bit depressing really after the excitement of last week. The trip to the Reebok looks ever more likely to be a point-less one but I've still got my fingers crossed for the beginning of the revival.
Our apparently never-ending search for an away win continues today at the Boleyn Ground (or Upton Park as everyone in the known universe bar the BBC and a handful of West Ham supporters would know it). Can the side that struggled to draw with Bristol Rovers at home REALLY be capable of winning at a much improved West Ham? There's been encouraging news from the training ground this week regarding a number of injured players. Of those only Jimmy Bullard is likely to make the squad, but Jimmy's presence on the bench would surely give everyone a boost. Rather than struggle to come up with more words on how this will be a tough game and we'll need to show some real fight to get anything out of it I thought I'd have a trawl through some West Ham sites to see what their thoughts are.
Knees Up Mother Brown suggest that Luis Boa Morte could be back in the first team squad. Our former captain has been out of action since mid-December but is back in the frame after playing an hour in Monday's 2-1 reserves defeat at Aston Villa. They also have a excellent preview of today's game in which they correctly identify that "Hodgson now finds himself taking over a team devoid of confidence, which manifests itself in some typical relegation side characteristics such as being unable to defend set pieces and throwing away leads. Injuries have increased the scale of the problem; they would undoubtedly be a better side if Jimmy Bullard and Brian McBride had not been ruled out for large parts of the season. Securing players in the January window, in particular a central midfield, a striker and some defensive cover will be a priority".
West Ham 'Til I Die predicts a 2-0 win for the Hammers but realises that "Fulham have a new manager who will be ringing the changes and have a team of players who have something to prove". He believes the team will be Green, Upson, Ferdinand, Neill, McCartney, Etherington, Mullins, Noble, Bowyer, Cole & Ashton and that their key player will be Dean Ashton.Finally the originally named West Ham Blog expect that "anything else than 3 points will really be unacceptable. Fulham are currently 2nd from bottom and quite rightly so, I cannot imagine a more bland, faceless club if I try. They are a club that fascinate me for some strange reason, mostly because I find myself asking what are they doing in the Premiership. The team is made up of decent athletes who are all individually fairly decent players (except a left back whose name I forget), but the sum of their parts never seems to make up the whole. They are like a Babylon football team, all can talk but none of them can talk the same language. Kind of like how my Championship Manager team looks after about 10 seasons on the go".I was talking to my Hammer supporting pal in the pub on Friday and he felt that whilst West Ham would expect to win 3 points, Fulham are exactly the sort of side who could turn out to be a banana skin. Whilst Curbishly would be making sure the team did not get complacent, there's an element in all footballers who, despite being able to turn it on when they face Man Utd, find it harder to raise their games for this sort of fixture. Here's hoping we can be that banana skin!
Birmingham continue to manage without forward Olivier Kapo, who is struggling with a knee injury, and retain more or less the side that started the 3-0 win against Middlesbrough. That's; Maik Taylor, Kelly, Jaidi, Ridgewell, Queudrue, McSheffrey, Muamba, Johnson, Larsson, Jerome & Forssell. Subs: Nafti, O'Connor, Doyle, Sadler, De Ridder.
Fulham are without Moritz Volz after he was given a one-match ban for his red card in the 5-1 defeat against Tottenham on Boxing Day. We're also missing Aaron Hughes who picked up an injury in the same game and line up as follows; Niemi, Omosuzi, Stefanovic, Bocanegra, Konchesky, Davies, Murphy, Davis, Bouazza, Dempsey & Healy. Subs: Warner, Smertin, Kamara, Kuqi, Leijer.
Caretaker boss Ray Lewington continues to be candid. When asked about today's match, he highlighted one of our main weaknesses saying that "The problem with our side is that the team balance is not right. Physically we are not strong enough sometimes and even at set-pieces we always seem to be slightly smaller when we do the match-ups. We need to settle it down and be prepared to roll our sleeves up against Birmingham because it's a massive game for us now". It's something I've really noticed in our last couple of games, and whilst I'm not sure what Lew can do about it, but it's refreshing to hear a Manager talk about such things.
A short trawl through the Internet to see what is being said about the Boxing Day game. The BBC state that Spurs will be without Ledley King, Anthony Gardner, Gareth Bale, Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Didier Zokora. Whilst Darren Bent (hip), Michael Dawson (migraine), Ricardo Rocha (thigh) and Jermaine Jenas (ankle) are all doubtful. Fulham's only new injury concern is Elliott Omosuzi who injured his leg in the game against Wigan. Ray Lewington will remain in charge of the team, will be looking to achieve the seemingly impossible and win away from home for the first time since November 2006.
The Spurs Odyssey site point out that "Despite their 2-1 defeat on Saturday, Spurs remain in the top six form sides in the Premier League based upon the last 6 games, with 3 wins and a draw during that time. Fulham on the other hand are in the bottom three of that league, without a win, and having dragged themselves out of the bottom three of the league table with a draw in their last game at home to Wigan" but are aware that "Ray Lewington has had a little more time to work with his squad. Fulham do have good players, including Simon Davies playing some of his best football since he left us".
The Proud Cockerill reckon we'll suffer the backlash of their defeat against Arsenal. "A couple of resounding wins against weak sides will put us in good spirit for a climb up the table and assault on cup glory, while an unthinkable blank period will see us back worrying about the basement battle. The latter really should not occur as Spurs have been on an outstanding run since Juande Ramos took over. Even on Saturday, Spurs proved that they can match any team in the effort stakes and that has been half the trouble over the past couple of seasons at least".
There's a number of new names in the frame for the manager's job. No doubt some are press speculation rather than genuine candidates. For now though Ray Lew's back in the job, I noticed in a recent programme that he's our fourth longest serving manager, and there's a nice interview with him on the Offal. He's a decent bloke and does know his stuff so we're in safe hands.
Having already attended two works Christmas do's this week, heading out tonight for a mates 40th and with Mrs Chopper's birthday on Sunday, I've not got time to do a proper preview of the weekend's game. In fact thanks to the rearranged kick-off and Mrs C's aforementioned birthday, I'm not even going. Funnily enough I didn't make last years fixture either and seeing as how we won that game (leading to me dancing in the streets of Ryde!) maybe it's a good omen I won't be there.
I do recommend you read Rob's excellent pre-match interview with a Newcastle fan and I'm sure the Craven Cottage Newsround boys will be providing an appropriate build up to the game as well.
Come on you Fulham - we need this one big time.
The BBC never provide the most accurate of match previews but occasionally there are interesting facts to consider. According to the Beeb "Fulham have made their worst ever start to a Premier League season with just two wins and 13 points from 15 games". Is that really true? It's not been great for sure but is it really that bad? If it is there must be at least another 6 teams who have started just as badly. Everton's not a place you really want to go with that sort of record. I'm sure anyone reading this already knows that "all 12 Premier League fixtures between Everton and Fulham have been won by the club playing at home" and Rich's article on CCN identifies that the last time we even got a point there was in 1959.
So, I'm clearly not expecting a win. In fact, if we got a point it would be a massive result. Everton played in Europe on Wednesday night, which might help. However, it was at home and they won so it probably won't. They've got a good side with a lot of players I like (Cahill & Arteta to name two) and they know how to play to their system. They're solid and reliable at the back, but have a really good mix of midfielder's and player's capable of scoring all over.
According to the Everton official site they've got a fairly full squad to pick from (only Stubbs and Turner the reserve keeper injured, and no suspensions). Based on their last three games I think the likely side will be;
Goal - Howard,
Defence - Neville, Yobo, Lescott, Baines,
Midfield - Arteta, Osman, Carsley, Pienaar, Cahill,
Attack - Yakubu
Subs from; Johnson, Anchibe, Vaughan, Jagielka, Valente & (GK) Wessels.
The Fulham side is unlikely to see many changes. Niemi has been looking very good in goal and the back four seem fairly settled now. The only doubt is over the right back spot and whether Omozusi was brought in specifically for the United game (and the threat of Ronaldo) or has genuinely usurped Chris Baird. In midfield I would expect Davies, Davis & Murphy to retain their spots, with Bouazza likely to edge out Seol or Dempsey on the left wing. Kamara was apparently injured for the United game and if he's unavailable again we've got to find a workable combination between Dempsey, Healy and Kuqi. I'd go with Dempsey & Healy as I think Kuqi is more effective as an impact player. It's going to be a tough game but I have a sneaky feeling we could nick something.
My whole day has been out of kilter thanks to the Nursery where my youngest attends having to close. I thought that might mean I'd get a bit of time to knock off a quick preview of tonight's game, but somehow I've achieved very little and have just run out of time. I'm not expecting us to get much out of the trip. One win in 25 or so years at Old Trafford, no sign that Sanchez has been able to fix our travel sickness and United on the back of a 1-0 loss at home to Bolton all points to another fruitless journey for me. I hope we put up a bit of fight, the 5-1 loss at the start of last season really was the first time I began to question Coleman. It would be nice to think we've improved. On a more positive note we've not been thumped at any of the big four so far (Arsenal 1-2, Filth 0-0, Liverpool 0-2) so maybe we can turn in another stoic performance and get something out of the game. In the meantime, seeing as a picture is worth a thousand words ...
What happened to the week? I’ve just not found any time to make any comments this week, though it has to be said it’s been pretty quiet. The only piece of news worth mentioning is that the reserves took a bit of a thumping at Birmingham City on Monday night. Due to first team call ups of several reserve regulars, a younger side than usual lost to an experienced Brum side 5-1. Reports can be found here from the FFC Offal and here from the Birmingham City site.
The only statistic you really need to know about our forthcoming trip to Liverpool is that Fulham have never won in any competition at Anfield. In the six seasons we’ve been in the Premiership we have managed two 0-0 draws, but the other 4 times we’ve been beaten fairly comprehensively (2-0, 3-1, 5-1 & 4-0). It won’t help that Liverpool managed a stunning 8-0 win over Besiktas midweek. Sanchez is well aware of the task ahead and says on the Offal that “Liverpool are probably the most difficult team in the Premier League to prepare for. I’ve got no idea what their team will be but you’ve got to give credit to a man who has won the UEFA Cup, was a Champions League finalist and has won the Spanish League twice – he obviously knows what he’s doing. He doesn’t fit in with what people do in this country but at the end of the day, they’ve just won a game 8-0”. We know we’ll be facing quality players, whoever is selected, so it has to be a case of making ourselves hard to beat. Even managing a point in this game would be a great result.
Not much point then in trying to anticipate the Plod’s starting line-up, but ours is almost as difficult to pick. The right back slot was a concern, Omosuzi is suspended for one match, and both Volz and Baird were struggling with injuries, but it sounds like Baird is now fit and will return to the side. Bocanegra returns from suspension and will almost certainly return at left back. Following his comments early in the week about Smertin, I wonder if Sanchez may consider playing with a five man midfield. Maybe Davis, Smertin and Murphy in the middle with Davies and Bouazza on the wings. Dempsey has been outstanding and can play just about anywhere, he could fit into a central three or play wide left. Though unimpressive in recent performaces Seol may also be pushing for a starting place (possibly on the left instead of Bouazza) as Sanchez seems to view him as being stronger defensively. If we do play with five in midfield than I have no idea who would get the nod up front. I’m pretty sure Kuqi hasn’t got the legs quite yet for a full 90 minutes, Healy looks our best bet for a goalscorer but would struggle on his own, and Kamara was shocking last weekend but may be required for his pace.
I used a lot of words there to basically say I don’t know what team Sanchez will pick so here’s my choice:
-------------------------Niemi--------------------------------
-----Baird----Hughes----Stefanovic----Bocanegra
-Davies---Davis---Smertin---Dempsey----Seol---
-----------------------Kamara-------------------------------
I can’t believe I’ve just picked Kamara after slating him last week and dropped Danny Murphy for his return to Anfield. Think we may see the Kuqi & Healy double act brought on at some point if we’re still in the game late on. Whoever makes the side good luck, work your socks off and make us proud. If you’re travelling up for the game have a good time. I went last year and, despite the result, really enjoyed the day.
Time to put thoughts of changing our manager out of my mind and concentrate on winning a football match. My expectations are pretty low for Saturday and I have no great anticipation of a turnaround in form. If this is true for a lot of Whites fans then it may be down to the team to inspire us. We're rarely the noisiest bunch in the world but right now we really need to get behind the team and cheer them on to raise their game. The first twenty minutes will be vital, if the team looks sharper and keen to win then the fans will respond, if they look as flat as they have in the last two matches I suspect we could be in for another quiet and depressing weekend.
This is exactly the sort of game we have to be winning, despite the fact that Reading managed a double over us last season. The BBC say that Reading are on a four-game losing run away from home, and have not won a Premier League match in London since defeating Fulham on 25 November last year. Reading's last line up is detailed below and having achieved a 2-1 win over Newcastle I would expect them to remain unchanged.
Goal: Hahnemann
Defence: Murty - Sonko - Duberry - Shorey
Midfield: Doyle - Gunnarsson - Harper - Hunt
Attack: Lita - Kitson
Subs: Rosenior, Long, Federici, Ingimarsson, Convey
Marcus Hahnemann must have surprised any Fulham fan who travelled to Grimsby for his last game in a White (well Green actually but you know what I mean) shirt by impressing last season but has looked less solid this term. Striker Kevin Doyle really caught my eye in both games last season, though at the moment he is having to fill in on the right side of midfield (actually taking Rosenior's place). He did a good job in that role last weekend so unless Liam gets a chance to show us what we lost Doyle should continue in that spot. Anyone who has read this blog for any length of time will know that I was a big fan of Liam's, so to some extent I'd love to see him play against us. To some extent I think he's the sort of player who would actually play very well if he felt he had a point to prove, but I reckon Reading would be a poorer side if they were forced to field him ahead of either Murty, at full back, or Doyle in midfield.
We're short of options at present but I think there may be a chance that Kuqi will start alongside either Healy or Kamara. Whilst the big man may not be the most anticipated of players I think it's been clear that Healy and Kamara don't compliment each other as a partnership and either player would benefit from playing alongside someone like Kuqi. The midfield will probably remain unchanged though I would love to see Smertin back in the side in place of either Steve Davis or Danny Murphy. I cannot understand why Sanchez has chosen to drop him. Defensively things get interesting as I have already considered this week. I think Elliott Omosuzi deserves a second start at right back after impressing at Sunderland. We're without Konchesky and Bocanegra at left back so the choice seems likely to be between youngster Nathan Ashton or oldster Dejan Stefanovic, with Aaron Hughes as an outside bet. Hughes will probably continue in the centre where if Stefanovic is moved he could be partnered by Chris Baird.
I'm not brave enough to make any predictions, just hoping for three points any way we can get them. Come on you Whites!
The biggest game of the season so far. A must win six pointer. Am I being hyperbolic or is that true? Well, whilst I agree that it's too early in the season for those statements to really stand up I do think winning this game is going to be crucial in deciding our fate for the rest of the campaign. I've read quite a bit this week from various sources about where we stand and the one point that really struck a chord with me was that if we can't win this game where are we going to get the points from.
Sanchez has been positive in the media today "We have three games over the next three weeks where we are as good as, if not better than, the teams we are playing and then we play Liverpool away, which is obviously a step up. It is very much in our own hands what we get from those games and I wouldn't want to come out of this period in the bottom three. I know they could be famous last words and I'm sure they will be quoted back at me if it doesn't happen but that is what we should be looking to do." He's not wrong. For me we need to get six points from the next three games. A win against Derby would not only set us on the road to achieving that but also give the team the confidence they need to pick up more points. Sanchez was also candid about Chris Baird's culpability in defence saying "I have had a word with Chris. For every mistake he has made there has been a goal, unfortunately. I am not hiding from that but at this moment in time there is no alternative in his position. It does take time to step up sometimes". I'm not sure Sanchez is trying to point the finger here, maybe just deflect some of the criticism as he goes on to add that "He is finding his feet, I know that and he knows that but people will have to be patient. It doesn't help any player if people are getting on his back but he is the only one who can get through it".
As I discussed in my previous post, our record last season against promoted clubs was not that impressive. A grand total of 5 points. If we are to survive more comfortably this season we certainly need to improve on that. The problem is for all intents and purposes we are in a very similar boat to those promoted sides. However poor we were last season we did at least have some Premiership experience. This time around our first team consists of only a handful of players with more than a few months experience, and fifteen players that are new to our club. We need to learn fast how to turn decent performances into winning performances.
Derby will no doubt be looking on this as an away game where they could pick up points. They've not scored away from Pride Park yet and Billy Davies is talking of giving Rob Earnshaw another start. This could be at the expense of alleged Fulham target Steve Hayward, who has started every game for the Rams so far but is yet to score. Kenny Miller has made a big impact since his late arrival and it seems unlikely he would be dropped. In midfield we may see the return of "the American David Beckham" in the shape of Eddie Lewis. Eddie never really impressed for us but it will be nice to see him again. Davies also suggests that County will have more options in midfield with Criag Fagan completing a four match ban and the much coveted Giles Barnes nearing fitness after injury. Another former White, Dean Leacock, should also line up alongside Claude Davis in defence. I liked Leacock and felt he did have to ability to play a bigger part for us, but having had a decent season in the Championship, he's looked decidedly shaky in the glimpses I've seen so far of Derby's season.
Despite Sanchez suggesting he would make changes if he could, it seems we've not got as much choice as we may have thought. I'm expecting Keller to continue in goal despite Niemi making an excellent return to International football in Finland's 0-0 draw with Spain. The back four should also remain unchanged with Baird given another opportunity thanks partly Moritz Volz' injury. We might see some minor tinkering in midfield though I would be surprised if Davis, Smertin and Bouazza did not keep their places. The most likely change would be on the right side of midfield where either Dempsey or Seol could oust Simon Davies. Dempsey played for the US midweek (as did Bocanegra) and was instrumental in setting up their only goal of a 1-0 win. Up front we might see Kamara partner Healy for only the second time this season. Assuming we'll stick to a 4-4-2 this would leave Dempsey either in midfield or on the bench. Whilst Dempsey has undoubtedly been one of the players of the season so far, maybe a rest will do him some good and the impact he could make coming on later in the game could be useful.
I have to admit I'm not feeling that confident right now. Much as I'd love us to cruise to a comfortable win, my gut feeling is that this is not going to be east watching. Fingers crossed though, I'd take three points anyway they come and a scruffy 1-0 win would be just as good as a 4-0 romp.
Until recently I have always enjoyed playing Pompey. It's a game I associate with sunny afternoons, and decent wins or at least entertaining matches. I remember a 3-0 home win in the early 80's, a match that might have featured Peter Mellor plating in goal for them, and of course that 4-4 draw down at Fratton that I am pretty sure I have mentioned more than once on this blog. Even when they joined us in the Premiership we seemed initially to have the upper hand. Lately however, things have swung back in their favour. Last season we managed two draws, though the more recent one at the Cottage was only thanks to that last minute goal from "one-legged" Ian Pearce. The season before they did the double over us with a 3-1 win at Fulham, a game in which ex-Saint Wayne Bridge had a torrid time, and a 1-0 win down south. Our willingness to sell as many tickets as possible means there'll be a large Pompey support and as always they'll make a lot of noise. That has to be a big help for them, so we'll have to make sure we really get behind the team for this one and make some noise of our own.Whilst Sky still seem to love him, I lost a lot of respect for Harry Redknapp after the debacle that saw him switch from Portsmouth to Southampton and then back again. I get the impression he holds himself in pretty high esteem and doesn't really care who he treads on to get where he wants to go. In particular I was appalled at his treatment of Jim Smith, who had been a big part of what he had initially achieved at Portsmouth but was cast aside when things started to go pear shaped at the Dell. Actually it's St. Mary's now isn't it, but that didn't really sound right. There's also his obsession with buying new players every season. It's no wonder Panorama tried to finger him for dodgy dealing. That aside you have to admit, whatever his methods and budget, he does seem to get results and this season Pompey look a pretty decent side. However, with seven Africans in his squad, it will be interesting to see if they are able to maintain the form that has seen them claim a top 6 place come February and the African Nations Cup. I'm looking forward to seeing exactly how fast John Utaka really is, when he scored against Bolton he looked incredibly quick. I'm also looking forward to the return of two ex-Whites. Sean Davis has been through it all before and won't be too bothered by the reception, but Bouba Diop may not be ready for the level of vitriol aimed at him.From a Fulham perspective we really need to start turning performances into points and this is the sort of game we need to win. Keller should continue in goal after a confident display last week, and Baird should get another opportunity to win the boo-boys over. I would expect the team to be pretty similar to the one that started at the Dog Track, with the only doubts being who plays left wing out of Bouazza and Seol, and whether Healy or Kamara partners Dempsey up front. If we can defend as well as we did against Ch*ls** then I see no reason why we can't grab all 3 points.See you Sunday.
Just watched the Sanchez video preview of this game on the Offal in which he makes some interesting points about our defensive problems. He clearly realises we need to improve and even talks about "individual mistakes" without naming names. Something the team will be working on in training. He talks about fielding "what he considers" a Fulham first team, although he also suggests there will be changes. Sanchez has been quite bullish about taking the cup competitions seriously which is good news to me. Both Murphy and Seol did well when they came on against City and I'd like to see both given a start. They are both versatile and could fit in just about anywhere across the midfield. Up front there's a chance we might see Kuqi, who needs some match practice if he is to be of any use to us in the Prem. That would give probably give Clint a well earned rest ahead of the SW6 Derby on Saturday. Despite our defensive issues, I don't think there'll be any changes to the back four, an extra game gives them the chance to work on improving as a unit though there's an outside chance that Volz or Stefanovic may be given a run. Keller might also get the nod ahead of Niemi. Like Kuqi he's a player we need to give some match time to if he is going to be a useful member of the squad.Football Blog "Who Ate All The Pies" stumbled across this picture of Chairman Mo doing his rap, alongside the Gay-vanettes, during one of the most cringe worthy moments of recent Fulham history. That Keith Allen has a lot to answer for!Finally here's Hameur Bouazza's scorching free kick against Manchester City for those that blinked and missed it..
When I convinced Mrs Chopper that £300 was an absolute bargain for a season ticket and it would actually probably save us money, I may have suggested that I probably wouldn’t go to every game anyway. Of course by using “probably” in the sentence I had already (in my own mind) made it eminently clear that I would “actually” be going to all of them! Or so I thought. It turns out that partially thanks to the vagaries of satellite television planning and (mainly) down to a small hiccough in domestic childcare planning, Mrs Chopper would “actually” be quite pleased if I didn’t go to the football tomorrow but stayed to help out with the four children she has now agreed to look after. “After all” she mentioned “It’s not like it’s one of the really big clubs”. Not … one … of … the … big … clubs. Well it’s kind of true, but clearly I still really want to go. Manchester City are on fire at the moment, second in the table and seemingly playing some nice football. They’ve made some interesting signings (Corluka, Garrido, Geovanni, Petrov, Elano, & Bianchi are all players I’d like to see) and have also got some exciting young players particularly Micah Richards and Michael Johnson. Before Sven’s late appointment I had been targeting City as a team that might struggle. Even though it looked like they would have the cash to spend I could not see them getting a team to gell that quickly, however, somehow they’ve managed it. Despite the introduction of a number of flare players though, its City’s defence that has seen them do so well in the league. They’ve only conceded 2 goals (away at Arsenal and Blackburn) and have won four games (all 1-0 except for the opening day brace at West Ham) without conceding. On paper our team doesn’t really compare, however, as Sven will be the first to tell you, Lawrie Sanchez knows how to get the best out of the players he’s got. He spoke during the week about how we had not been outclassed by anyone so far (Spurs apart!) and that if we’d had a few lucky breaks, or been better at killing off games, it could have been us in City’s position. That might be making a rather big leap of imagination but I think what he is basically getting at is there’s not much between the two sides and a Fulham win is well within our capabilities. I think LS also knows that it doesn’t matter how good our performances have been so far we need to get points on the board. I think the Fulham team will be similar to the one that faced Wigan though we might see Seol replace Bouazza on the left wing. Hughes continuing in at centre back should help keep us more focussed defensively and we need to be focussed if we are to keep a first clean sheet this season. My prediction is 1-0 Fulham … I hope I’m there to see it.
Well I've enjoyed watching England this week. It was a breath of fresh air to see an England side actually gell as a team and I really hope Steve McLaren actually takes on board what he's seen. Gareth Barry was superb in both games and deserves to retain his place ahead of Hargreaves or Carrick. If SM even considers trying to play Lampard and Gerrard together again he deserves to lose his job on the spot. It does, however, feel like a very long time since we had a Premier League game to worry about and so I am looking forward to Wigan with renewed vigour. Pre-season and most people, me included, were expecting Wigan to struggle this year. I have a high regard for Paul Jewell and, despite not doing so well last season, I enjoyed watching his Wigan team. I also expected Chris Hutchings to suffer the fate of so many football men who are successful "number twos". Instead the Latics have been pretty impressive so far. They have won both home game's (Middlesbrough & Sunderland) without conceding, grabbed a good draw at West Ham and narrowly lost at Everton and Newcastle. We've not got yet won at the JJB in the Prem and of course are on the longest current PL run (19 games) without an away victory, so Wigan will fancy their chances. We may also get to meet Michael Brown for the first time since he moved on. Hope our boys have got their extra thick shin pads ready!We'll have missed our International players this week but like Wigan have probably been less affected than most Premier League teams. The two week break may also have given our newest players a chance to settle in. I suspect Sanchez will stick fairly close to the side that started against Spurs, and he was quoted on the Offal saying just that. Aaron Hughes is nearing full fitness and could start ahead of Bocanegra. Niemi was worryingly shakey against Spurs but can hopefully put in a more assured performance this time out. Dempsey was outstanding as the hold-up man so I hope to see him continue in that role. My predicted team is; Niemi, Baird, Stefanovic, Hughes, Konchesky, Davies, Davis, Smertin, Bouazza, Dempsey, Kamara, Subs: Keller, Bocanegra, Ki-Hyeon, Healy, Kuqi.If we are going to be better this year though, this is exactly the sort of game we need to win. It is never easy to win away from home in the Premier League so you have to make the most of your opportunities and, with all due respect to Wigan, this is an opportunity. Last season's fixture at the JJB was probably a turning point in the fan's reaction to Coleman's team. We might have got a draw, but it was clear that no one was happy with our lack of ambition. At the time I talked about us being the new Coventry City. A team that just did what it needed to to stay in the league. I felt then that if that was as good as it got I'd rather we went down. Despite the subsequent panic of near relegation I still feel that way. I really want to stay in the Prem but if we're not playing good football, or at least exciting football, then I really don't think it's worth it. So whatever the score today I hope we turn up and have a go. If we give it our best shot I'll be happy.
So, after a wonderfully sunny Bank Holiday weekend, spent at my Dad’s in the perennially sunny Little Common, there seems to be a lot to catch up on.
We travel to Shrewsbury tonight for the second round of the Carling Cup. I imagine we’ll have to field a fairly strong side due to our injury situation, and this could prove to be a good thing with a number of those players benefiting from an extra game. Keller will certainly appreciate another 90 minutes in goal ahead of Saturday’s crucial Premiership fixture against Spurs. With Baird suspended after his red card at Villa it might also give Moritz Volz a chance to fine tune his ability to maintain a high line. Zat might also be missing (see news story below). The Shrews, managed by ex-Fulham favourite Gary Peter’s, got off to a good start to the season winning their first two matches but lost 3-0 to Franchise F.C. at the weekend. They also have a brand new stadium so this will be our first match at the appropriately named New Meadow. Disappointingly there is no need for a man in a coracle any more. My only visit to previous ground Gay Meadow was for an F.A. Cup third round replay in 1996. Interestingly before that game we visited a small pub just round the corner from the ground that was the first (and then only) non-smoking pub in the town, how things change! We went with high hopes and took a first half lead through Rory Hamill (who I think got himself sent off later in the game) but then saw Shrewsbury fight back to win 2-1. I think we were a division below them back then, so a result would have been seen as a good scalp, let’s hope we avoid that happening to us tonight.
Claus Jensen has announced his retirement from Football. There's more on TOOFIF and
Sky Sports.
I’m quite sad to hear this. Claus was undoubtedly a very talented player but his problems with injuries since joining Fulham prevented him from making the impact I’d hoped he would. Even at his best I always though he was a luxury player as you really needed two decent defensive midfielders behind him but good memories include his home debut a 2-0 win against Bolton, his extra time appearance, scoring the final goal and orchestrating a win against Derby in the forth round of the 2005 F.A. Cup, and, the last time I saw him, playing for the reserves against Arsenal in April.
The BBC report that Aston Villa are ready to seal a £4m deal for Zat Knight. Can’t say I’d be happy in losing one of our few fit CB’s but guess this means we have someone else lined up. Villa are also still interested in Liam Rosenior who The Sun say is available for around £2m.
This week is bound to be busy with the transfer window closing on Friday and we have apparently got Stuttgart striker Daniel Luboja on trial. Amongst other similar “needing a big front man” stories it’s The People that plump for the obvious and claim that Fulham are lining up a bid for Monaco's 6’ 7½” Czech striker Jan Koller. Despite stories that midfielder Thomas Gravesen is set to snub an attempt to take him on loan from Celtic, both Sky and the BBC report that we have confirmed our interest.
We have also been linked with a bid for young Port Vale ‘keeper Joe Anyon, with an initial bid of £250,000 rejected by the club. We’ve upset the Vale manager Martin Foyle in doing so though. The Vale boss is incensed with the way Sanchez has behaved claiming “Managers deal with managers and I am disappointed with Lawrie Sanchez. I will be phoning him. They made an offer and then have pulled out straight away. Then they have signed Kasey Keller and straight afterwards it was 'Oh we'll be back for Joe Anyon'”. It doesn’t sound like the way we’d normally do business so we’ll see. It does sound like it wouldn’t take much more to sign Anyon who may be seen as a better prospect for a backup keeper in the long term.
Finally in a mini Cookie watch. Real Sociedad lost their first game of the season 0-2 at home to CD Castellon. In his post match interview Chris Coleman spoke of how nervous his players were after conceding in the first half, and that the second goal scored early in the second half forced them to chase the game. There’s also the third Postcard from San Sebastian in the Daily Mail. It’s definitely going to be a long hard season for Chris, I hope he gets the time he’ll need to turn things around.
