Fulham v Citeh

Haven’t looked at injury reports, but can’t see anything but a 2/3 goal loss in this one. Citeh is flying towards a treble, and the demolition of Arse all but give them the league. Still bummed when I think of that unnecessary late penalty on DeBruyne by Jedi (Leno had a golden opportunity to stop it) when we fully deserved a point the first match we played them. It’s a funny Ol’ game so maybe we can catch a break early and stay in it.

 

I had a dream last night where Fulham came back from two down against City to earn a draw! It was one of those dreams that I thought was real when I first woke up. Then I realized it was just a dream and then I thought it was a little sad that even in a dream Fulham couldn't get a win.

Lots of things to motivate City in this one:

• with a win they will move to first place at least for a few days since Arsenal doesn't play Chelsea until Tuesday
• Haaland will reach 50 goals if he scores
• Pep will want his guys to keep a flippin' clean sheet - in seven of their last nine wins they've given up exactly one goal

Manchester City have only dropped four (four!) points at home all season. But that's where the "funny Ol' game" stuff shows up. Those four dropped points came from a draw against Everton and a loss against Brentford - so anything is possible! But that still doesn't make getting points likely.

This will kick off Sunday on USA Network at 9am EDT. City is healthy except for Ake. Fulham will probably have Wilson available, but Willian is doubtful.

 

It’s always frustrating when Fulham’s matches against the top teams are the ones selected for the national broadcast. The casual fans don’t get a good representation of the team.

I’m with you all and expect a defeat. I just hope we keep the goals allowed under 3.

 

Heh... It's always a bummer to see the program promo blurb tell us 'Cottagers are winless against City in last 19...including losing last 13'
well, the subtext is "watch this, it may be an epic upset!"

 

Gave the Cheaters all they wanted in the second half. Loved the feistiness and the refusal to back down. Not sure about the Captain’s injury, but certainly won’t see Andres (looked bad) again this season. Leno was outstanding. We like to give him grief, but Vinicious with his best game in a Fulham jersey. No moral victories, but really proud of the lads and staff today.

 

We didn’t get any breaks in this one, including the refereeing. I had a loss penciled in since the schedule came out, so that’s not a big deal. But it looks like Ream and Pereira are gone for a long time. If it’s a dislocation for Tim, he should be ready for all or some of the preseason. But Pereira’s injury looked really bad. I really hope it’s nothing complex, and that we see him back before December.

A word about Vinicius since I’ve been critical of him. He did everything the team needed him to do. He played well. Even if he spent the last 20 minutes limping—looked like the left knee was bugging him.

Marco and Tony likely already have a summer recruiting plan ready. Vinicius is still not the man to compete for a starting job with Mitro. I love Tom Cairney, but his knees won’t survive going 90 minutes for a stretch of games if we lose Pereira until next year. Not to mention that we have only one quality fullback on each side and need another CB of at least Diop/Tosin quality. Lots of work for the brass, but it will also be fun to watch.

 

I was only able to catch the highlights, but they don't include anything relating to the injuries for Ream and Pereira so my heart sank when I read the posts above. I was in Church during the game and I prayed I just want everyone to come through the match healthy. Dear God, why do you hate Fulham?!


I've never been one to think the officials played favorites for the top teams, but I'm revising my opinion on that today. That looked like a pretty clear flop to give City the early lead and I have no idea how DeCordova-Reid didn't earn a PK when Walker pushed him off the ball. Thankfully no one lost it and got suspended for 8 matches. I was expecting zero points today, I wasn't expecting that much tenacity from Fulham, so I'm pleased with the performance - I just wish they could have avoided the injuries.

 

Solomon apologist here. He may not be scoring, but he's still valuable. Against City he did well as an outlet. He has the technical ability to receive the ball under pressure and progress it. I really liked that from him. He did. though, had a couple of lapses in concentration.

Who's your man of the match? I'm leaning Leno even if he came out a bit too far on city's second.

 

I only saw the final 10 or so minutes of the match and boy howdy was it infuriating to see Manchester bleeping City time waste the likes I've not seen since Alex Niel was managing Preston (if anyone remembers JG going apoplectic during that match). Its clearly a testament to how much they respected us, which is both heartening and confusing as we were down so many starters.

Agree with you Don about Solomon. There was a moment in the West Ham game when Solomon received the ball from Robinson in his usual spot in the channel, and was immediately double teamed. As our fullbacks rarely make that overlapping run to the byline, but instead whip in crosses from the upper corners of the box, Solomon attempted to dribble through the double team. He lost possession. The lightbulb went off in my head.

And oy the remaining matches are going to be rough without our captain and #10.

 

Both Ream and Pereira are out for the season. Ream has broken his arm and they are awaiting an MRI to determine the full scope of Pereira's injury.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/may/01/team-news-andreas-out-for-the-season/

 

There's not much worse than watching two key players go off with fractures. What a gut punch.

 

As @tim said, Pereira has been diagnosed with a fractured ankle. Both Ream and Pereira will undergo surgery. They expect to have Ream back by the start of training camp while things are unclear with Pereira. There is a hope he'll be available "later in the year". Ugh, that stinks.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/may/02/ream-and-andreas-to-undergo-surgery/

 

I broke my ankle last June. Just started jogging again last month, and the ankle still feels like it belongs to someone else. But I am not a professional athlete. I hope Pereira gets back way faster than that.