Fulham vs. Sheffield Wednesday

Don't know about y'all, but I'm about tired of this seemingly endless international break. Doesn't help that we were beginning to get a foothold in the league table race, either. So let's just hope that no one suffers a knock during the interim, and we can field the same lineup that's won six points in the last two matches, one home, one away. Wednesday ended the break with two losses, but they expect Steven Fletcher back from Scotland duty healthy. Fernando Forestieri busted our chops last season, but he's been on the outs this season, having refused to play against Norwich, trying to force a move. But he's still playing for them, and Portuguese striker Lucas Joao returns from injury as well. But who knows what to expect in this league after a return from a lengthy break? We could suck and they could be great, or vice versa. I just hope all our starters from the last two are healthy and ready to go...no niggling bumps or bruises suffered in matches for their country or in training at Motspur. We've got a winning lineup right now, and the baseball fan in me says don't muck it up.
Superstition is a powerful thing.

 

Have to look all the way down the table to 16th to find the next club with only 2 home wins. The road form has kept the team in the chase, but Fulham has to start piling up home victories. Wednesday is even on points so this should be a tight affair. COYW!!!

 

Also looking forward to league matches again (as if the USMNT provided any joy during the break).
http://www.espnfc.us/preview?gameId=453020

COYW

 

The last international break wrecked our form. Hopefully that isn't the case this time.

 

I just hope all our starters from the last two matches are healthy...and starting again, of course.

 

You get what you wanted! The same exact line-up three matches in a row. I don't remember the last time that happened. And in case anyone needed a refresher on who's playing...

Starters:
Button
Fredericks, Kalas, Sigurdsson, Malone
McDonald, Johansen
Aluko, Cairney, Piazon
Martin

Subs: Bettinelli, Odoi, Sessegnon, Smith, Ream, Parker, Ayite

 

YES! COYW!

 

Malone!!!

 

Highlights (until they get taken down). Apparently no one wanted to play at the Putney end today.


QPR beat Norwich, so if Leeds lose to Newcastle on Sunday that leaves us just two points out of the playoff spots.

 

Picky, picky, picky. So you don't like the letterbox edition of the highlights?

Okay, this one lets you see everyone's head, it is just off center.

 

Joka's already had the lads back on the pitch this morning. Me likey.

 

Extended full screen highlights, again courtesy of our opponent's youtube channel.

 

It would seem so.

 

After viewing the extended highlights a few times, a couple of thoughts: 1) Since the season has evolved, our opponents seem to be employing a singular noticeable tactic against us...intense, high pressure on our back four. And it seems to be working. Somewhere along the way, someone figured out that Joka's preference is to play out from the back, which is fine if you have the personnel capable of executing it. The rest of the league seems to be of the opinion that we don't. Until we prove otherwise, we can expect to continue to see them press the crap out of us on our side of the pitch. 2) Chris Martin ain't the answer at striker. Despite his limited skill set, we were better off with Matt Smith starting instead of Martin. Outside of his performance against Huddersfield, I'm not impressed. How long does he get a chance to prove himself? Joka has to answer that one soon. Personally, I'd like to see some of the kids get a chance, Woodrow, Stephen Humphrys, hell, ANYBODY that can give us a spark. We've got midfielders coming out the a** at all levels, but no forwards. Our current mids and DEFENDERS have more goals than our forwards. Cauley's free kick abilities alone warrant some sort of run out.