Fulham v West Brom

Don't think there are too many Fulham supporters who think all is fine on the pitch, and a change at the gaffer position isn't necessary. However, while MJ's time at the Cottage appears to be winding down, these early season games count as much as the ones in April and May do, so 3 points in this contest should be expected. Fulham did the double on the Baggies last season including a 3-0 thrashing at the Cottage. I'll leave the lineups and predicted score to everyone else, but confident about a victory.

COYW!!!

 

Just want to be moderately entertained and feel like the team care half as much as I do. Those two things will be a massive improvement.

We are long past due for a win at the Cottage and have a very favorable schedule run in the next 6, so I expect we'll start seeing results (deserved or not) starting this Saturday. As such, the problems with Jol will be masked to an extent. Not enough to assuage those who have lost faith in him, but enough to reduce the overall boil to more of a simmer.

As for this match...the law of averages says we should win, likely 2-0. Last year WBA played pretty negative games against us and we beat them 3-0 at home and 2-1 on the road. Clarke's approach will say everything about how this turns out. With WBA desperate for points, I don't think they'll play negative.

With our old, slow and under-protected back line, you'd think the speed types getting in behind would be the concern. That hasn't generally been the case though. It's the bull types that can push their way around in the box that give us trouble and WBA have one now in Anichebe. They also added Sessegnon and he could cause problems in those acres of space we tend to allow on the wing. WBA have an under-rated midfield that can help them in the possession battle. I think this gives WBA enough attack to keep us tentative and they can scrape a 1-1 draw.

 

Ruiz usually doesn't play on the w/e after a return trip from Costa Rica. Would have to assume the same might be true for Amorebieta (Venezuela) as well? Is Riether back healthy? This isn't shaping up well.

 

Per Physioroom.com Fulham has 6 reported injuries:

Player - reported injury - expected return date
D Bent - Hamstring Injury - 21st Sep 13
M Briggs - Hip/Thigh Injury - no return date
A Hughes - Groin/Pelvis Injury - 21st Sep 13
P Kasami - Knock - 14th Sep 13
M Stekelenburg - Shoulder Injury - 28th Sep 13
K Richardson - Hamstring Injury - 14th Sep 13

 

Ruiz better go to Jol and tell him that he's available. At least he probably flew directly from Jamaica on Wed. am instead of CR.

 

MJSF will get 3 points at home, despite the knocks. I'm not sure if HD went into the timewarp so I hope we hear from him soon.

COYW

 

WBA has been playing awful. Our record against them at the Cottage is great. I am expecting, with injuries, conceding late goals and all things Fulhamish all three points.

 

ray: That we play some entertaining football today, amen.

 

I'll be out of pocket today. In St. Paul, MN for a day long video storytelling workshop. It's beautiful here, BTW, so it figures I'll be stuck inside all day. I'll catch up later this evening, but this SHOULD be three points at home. I see our new keeper is still out after falling on his shoulder(cough, cough), but I'm confident Mr. Stockdale can handle this one. Enjoy, everyone! COYW!

 

Late goals. When oh when will we stop giving up late goals?!?!

 

Nope, that heat's no joke. Besides, you're brain is already addled enough from other factors, a little heat probably doesn't move the needle that much.