FFC v. Middlesboro

I’ll be at work, but I’m editing most of the day, so I’ll attempt to have one eye on the match (ssshhhhh....)
They’re 18th, with a -5 GD, but in this crazy league, well, it’s like a box of chocolates. Haven’t heard any news on Mitro’s fitness, so that will determine a lot on where we stand going into this one. Kamara? Striker by committee? Lure Zamora out of retirement?
I’m still amazed, in spite of our inconsistency, that we’re still 4th, only seven points behind 2nd place Leeds and eight from leaders West Brom. I’m not willing to concede automatic promotion just yet, and I’m sure Scott and the lads aren’t either. Leeds are the only side I’ve seen who are markedly better than us, so I don’t think we’re that far off from pipping one of them for auto promotion. Still worried more about the defense than anything, but Rodak’s eaten a lot of sins so far. Let’s hope he keeps it up...and Ream & Co. can gel into a decent unit in front of him.

 

It drives me bonkers you really never know the level of injuries. I'm sure they are planning it how they should and know more about it, but from a fan perspective, it sure is less stressful know that Mitro received a "knock" and will be back vs. Mitro out 4-6 weeks. With that being said, the inconsistencies seen this season give me no assurance to expect 3 points from this week and I still expect 3 points.

 

I guess Middlesbrough might be getting a week long stay in London considering they face Tottenham this afternoon in an FA Cup replay. I would have to think that this is a benefit to Fulham.

I wonder if young Stansfield will be getting some pitch time with Mitrovic out. It's too early to imagine him stepping right in and taking over, but I could see some second half substitution time in his future.

 

I’ll be at work, but I’m editing most of the day, so I’ll attempt to have one eye on the match (ssshhhhh....)
They’re 18th, with a -5 GD, but in this crazy league, well, it’s like a box of chocolates. Haven’t heard any news on Mitro’s fitness, so that will determine a lot on where we stand going into this one. Kamara? Striker by committee? Lure Zamora out of retirement?
I’m still amazed, in spite of our inconsistency, that we’re still 4th, only seven points behind 2nd place Leeds and eight from leaders West Brom. I’m not willing to concede automatic promotion just yet, and I’m sure Scott and the lads aren’t either. Leeds are the only side I’ve seen who are markedly better than us, so I don’t think we’re that far off from pipping one of them for auto promotion. Still worried more about the defense than anything, but Rodak

 

Like Reading, Fulham is facing Middlesbrough in the middle of a hot streak for them. No one in the Championship has a better record over the last 8 matches than Boro. They have as many wins over the past 5 weeks as they had between August 2 and December 14 (four wins).

This is part of the reason why we have the crazy tight table right now. Teams that were at the bottom (Reading, Middlesbrough) have gotten better while teams at the top have struggled (West Brom and Preston have zero wins in the last five matches).

When Fulham faced Middlesbrough in October they were in their worst run of form. Fulham went down to 10 men after 17 minutes when Rodak had that horrible hand-ball way outside the box. Despite that, Boro could only manage 1 shot on goal and it ended in a 0-0 draw.

Is Middlesbrough's run a fluke or the sign of a changed squad? We'll have more evidence after Friday.

 

Some news now on THE MOST IMPORTANT LEFT FOOT IN THE WORLD

From Scott Parker

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/january/15/head-coach-presser-boro

 

Just win, baby.

 

On a completely unrelated topic:
It appears obvious that neither the league or the Football Association require teams to report player injuries in a timely and accurate manner. That's B.S. All of our major pro sports leagues in this country do. Here's a sample. They should follow suit. There's no reason not to.

https://operations.nfl.com/media/2683/2017-nfl-injury-report-policy.pdf

 

How we didn't net a second goal is beyond me. We dominated the bulk of that game.

 

Watched on my mobile. Saw most of the first half where we dominated. Second half not so much. Its not like we looked terrible, just not dominant. There were some scary scenes near the end but we held on. Watching on a 4 inch screen is not ideal but at least I could watch. 3 points are always nice!

 

Good results for Fulham so far this weekend.

 

Not official highlights, but hopefully they don't get pulled down too soon:

Indeed! Leeds is pulling a Leeds and lost their second match in a row, have yet to win in 2020, and over the last eight matches are in worse form than relegation zone Barnsley. Additional fun Leeds fact - they have lost all four matches played in London this year. Fulham is just 4 points outside of second place now. Meanwhile Brentford drew so Fulham could take third.

 

I don't know how much authority the FA has. US leagues are a business partnership, so they have the authority to have a player draft and a salary cap. The FA can't do that because the clubs are independent entities. They could be similarly limited in imposing the kinds of rules you cited.

 

Yeah it's wildly frustrating, but it's entirely apples to oranges.

There's also the role Las Vegas plays in the various injury reports, especially with the NFL. It's a lot easier to gamble on a game when you know a player's health.