Fulham vs. Derby County

Our current African contingent seems to return from breaks rejuvenated and firing away. Let's hope that trend continues. We need our forwards to get going if we are to contest for a playoff spot. Derby are seventh, just outside the playoff spots, but it's November, of course. Curious about Chris Martin? 16 appearances, 1 goal, 1 assist, 9 shots in mostly sub action. Probably not the return he was hoping for. Oh, and they've got Darren Bent and Chris Baird on the roster. But enough about them. We need to take care of our own business, which includes scoring more and being more dominant at home.

 

Not asking nor expecting much at this point. Just hoping the boys put in a shift and put away a few of their chances for a change.

 

I saw some tweets reporting that Ojo was back in training ahead of schedule. I doubt he’ll be match fit but maybe a sub option.

 

McDonald will be unavailable:

http://www.espnfc.com/preview?gameId=483501

I won't be able to follow this match since sadly I've promised to help someone move on Saturday. I hope watching this match is more fun than moving furniture, although our October form puts that in doubt.

 

I guess Ojo is still working his way back. Kebano is also a question mark.

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/november/17/head-coach-presser

Does the chatroom still work? I figured it was full of tumbleweeds by now.

 

Like what I saw from De la Torre when he entered the match. Other than needing to find a way to hold onto a lead and score more goals Fulham looked great.

 

Enjoyed doing the chat room -- reminded me of the Prem days when we could do that every week.

 

Got to watch most of the second half after returning from "chores." I agree with Barry's assessment and would add a couple of observations: Sess is starting to look his age. And he still doesn't look like a left back, although with today's lineup, that doesn't appear to be where he started with Odoi in there. His giveaway cost us two points, but he shouldn't even be handling the ball in that area of the pitch. Might be time to give Ryan some "impact sub" experience for a bit to see if it straightens him out. Which brings up another current bugaboo...susceptibility to high pressure. We seemed to handle it somewhat better today, but as long as opponents keep getting results, we'll keep seeing it. Ream's pretty good with the ball at his feet, but that's not the solution to the problem, is it? Any of you more seasoned observers, please chime in on how best to attack high pressure. Joka seems content to work it out of the back all the same, then settle into the possession game once we advance to midfield. Not sure we're good enough to execute that sort of strategy. We ain't Barca. Still, I thought we looked good enough to nick a result, effort was good, most of the execution too. Just need one forward to get hot and start hitting the back of the net. If Luca's header goes in, it's a whole new ballgame. He was very good, and the team played better after he and Kamara came on. It'll be interesting to see who starts at Bramall Lane Tuesday night, with K-Mac and StefJo supposedly back.

 

UPON FURTHER REVIEW: Sess wasn't entirely at fault for the turnover that led to the Ram goal. Button put him in a really bad position with his rollout off of fielding a speculative one hopper. Ryan should have done better, but when your keeper throws you under the bus, it's hard to get out of the way.

 

I won't claim the title of "seasoned observer" however I am the father of a goalkeeper and I wonder if Button is part of the problem. At the end of last season it seemed we were much more composed at the back with Bettinelli in goal. Not just when he was in possession, but when our defenders had the ball too. The keeper has the best view of the pitch and can really help guide his teammates to avoid jams and get out of them when they happen. My gut tells me Bettinelli is better at organizing the defense than Button and I want him back as a starter!

 

You're preachin' to the choir, brother!

(at least as far as this fan is concerned)