Fulham v Derby

How fun is it that Fulham are playing really important matches that aren't relegation related? Derby sits on 32 points as well with a solid +7 GD (4th to Fulham's 3rd at +10), and w/a match in hand against the HaHa's later today. However, they do it an entirely different way. In 20 matches they have only scored 20 goals, but their defense is rock solid as evidenced by them only giving up 13 goals on the year. I do like the one extra day of rest/prep for our guys. This one should be a taut, cagey affair, but I'll be optimistic and take the good guys to win 1-0 or another 2-1 scoreline.

 

Derby has had an amazing run over the past 6 matches. They were just outside of relegation until the end of October when they went on a 6 game win streak that included 5 shut-outs and put them in one of the playoff spots.

It will be interesting to see who takes Martin's spot up front since he'll have to sit vs. Derby. Will Jokanovic push up Aluko, Ayite, or Piazon? Bring out Matt Smith and his giant head? Or try something new with Woodrow or even Humphrys?

 

Only one obvious answer to your question Micah:

 

Yes, it will be interesting. Joka doesn't seem to be one for surprises, so I'm expecting to see Smith starting, albeit with a quick hook if we don't get much going offensively early. After that, who knows? I'd love to see Woodrow and Humphrys, but it doesn't appear Slava thinks that way. Too bad. I hope I'm wrong.

 

After Derby's 1-0 win vs. QPR it is now a 7 game win streak and 6 shut-outs while sitting in fifth place.

 

That is an impressive run of wins and clean sheets. The match should be an interesting clash of tactics.

 

Wow, an actual big game involving Fulham. This is great!

 

Somewhat dodgy end game management by Joka. Didn't bring Humphrys on until 88th minute, then either didn't tell team, or they didn't understand that there wasn't enough time left to build up from the back. Also curious that, if you have no intention of using Matt Smith, why not use his spot to stock another defender? Could that have prevented the equalizer? Probably not, but we'll never know. Still, as hot as they were coming in, we gave them a right good go, and may have deserved 3 points instead of just 1. But, again, we'll take it. Hope Kalas is not out for too long. He's clearly the key man in our 3 pointers this season. If he is, we need to pick up a decent defender in January to spell him. I also like the way our team fights this year. They don't get too down when they go down, they keep their heads up and go to work. Something that's been missing before Slava's arrival.

 

Highlights (while they last):


Feels like another match that we may have deserved to win, but again, I still think this was a good result against a hot opponent.

The last goal for Derby came off of a corner to an unmarked man. Might he have been marked if Kalas were still in the game at that point? The initial diagnosis is that he'll be out with a hamstring injury for at least two weeks, but don't be surprised if it takes even longer.

GetWestLondon said that both teams missed Chris Martin. Uh, no. We went up against the stingiest defense in the Championship (coming into the match) and still scored two goals when we've been averaging 1.73 a match. I don't think his absence made much difference.

 

Ryan Fredericks' presence made a huge difference for us, especially in the first half. He's hit his stride, and will be difficult to dislodge from the right back spot, unless he gets hurt. That, unfortunately, seems to be part of his history, so let's hope it doesn't repeat itself. I thought their first goal was very lucky. Russell's pass was just a hacking prayer that happened to ricochet kindly for the visitors. The equalizer was reminiscent of BJ...Before Joka. An unfortunate gaffe that cost us two points. But I like where we're at. Both of our goals were well earned and well taken against, as Michah noted, the best defense in the Championship. Also noticed fewer empty seats in the Hammersmith End than in recent seasons, so the locals have bought into what the side's got going on. So have I. Not ready to say we can challenge for promotion this season, but we're definitely on the right track.

 

For this match, and for the first time ever, my son and I set foot in The Cottage. Third row in the Haynes stand, midfield, with my buddy and his kid. Foggy, cool, dreary - a lovely London Saturday afternoon.

The match was intense, the players showed it and the supporters rode with it - both teams could've, and should've, probably earned all three points, so a draw was if nothing else, equally fair and frustrating. For us and Fulham, it was a gut kick to concede the late goal from a set piece (cough, hack, cough) and then see Piazon's free kick grab the woodwork. D'oh!

Before kickoff, Baird was applauded politely and Bent was vehemently booed on introduction.

It was an amazing experience that I will write more about more.

COYW!!!

 

For the record, official highlights from the opposition *sigh*