Fulham at Birmingham

I know, I know it feels (oh wait, it actually is) too soon. But its really only just over 48 hours away.

I can only assume that everyone else feels a sense of foreboding about this fixture. McLeish has Birmingham poised to ascend the table. But hopefully we'll have a new manager by then.

I'll post some stats about Brum tomorrow. Otherwise, opine away!

 

I'm sure of only one thing at this point: Dempsey must play. He seems the only one capable of finding the net.

 

Hopefully Ray learned his lesson and won't start Dempsey on the Wing, but in the middle, attacking, where he belongs.

..and hopefully Omisuzi is healthy for this one.

 

Having read many of the message boards, I think there is something that not enough are saying. Yes, we played a horrendous game. And yes, it looks like we certainly don't have enough quality in the squad. However, we were also very unlucky and there is hope in that; as a fan it is important to hold on to hope.

Three of the five goals yesterday could have been scored against anybody (Keane's first, and Huddlestone's other 2). It's the luck of the game. If you look at Portsmouth, who played very well against Liverpool, they still got creamed 4-1, even though they came close to getting back in the game and they looked very threatening at 2-1. What Fulham really really needs to do is prevent defensive miscues at important times: if the game had stayed 2-1 for longer than 1 min, we could've certainly gotten a point out of it. Even at 3-1 I felt that if we got another back we could've made it interesting.

As soon as, Huddlestone fired that amazing shot, it was over. Perhaps, there should've been better coverage from the midfield on that shot, but it still was an amazing piece of skill. Fulham don't really have a player who can do that kind of thing regularly, but we still can score goals.
The thing that has been clear to me over this season is that we're two or three pieces from being quite solid. If we can prevent these miscues, which comes from having a better defensive midfielder, a better leader in the back, and a better defensive coach (who preaches possession to prevent strain on the defense), we can be in many more games.

Somebody, on one board said that he saw a Liverpool fan complaining after Derby like it was the end of days. It was a bad performance by the pool, that doesn't mean shite. So too, with this one. Let's hope for a turn-around, and let's hope they come out like this is their season.

Let's get a coach who instills pride and confidence in the squad. It is certainly possible, look at Wigan, Derby, and Birmingham. Things are not guaranteed, and while they may look bad, no one's playing well now. Maybe they won't play well again, but let's hope they do feel some pride and do start to play well. Let's get a leader on the pitch helping that along (I hope McBride can be that leader), and let's hope for the best, at least while we have 5 months left. COYW. Let's keep our hopes up!

 

we need to take the game to Birmingham. Let's come out like we did against Wigan and take the game to them. We need some heros to emgerge in this time of dread, so let's go after 3 points from the start. I want to see attacking football. I want to see fanatical effort. I want to see who's going to step up and rise to the occasion, and who's going to flounder. In short, I want to see who's fit to be a part of this squad, and who can't cut it. COYFW!!!!!!!

 

Sometimes the best results come from adversity. If we come out like we did against Wigan as omsdogg pointed out, we could get ahead early. Getting ahead early can make a difference. It is hard to switch styles and personnel in such a short time period. However, if the effort is better than against Tottenham, the match could be a surprise because the talent level is about equal with Birmingham. Remember, Chelsea at home on the 1st with Drogba, Lampard and Terry. Stranger things have happened. I am trying to stay postitive but it is getting more difficult.

 

Re: RE: Fulham at Birmingham

I think you mean WITHOUT Drogba, Lampard and Terry. 8)

Not to mention Carvalho and A. Cole were red carded yesterday and could conceivably be suspended. Cole has appealed his red card, but I heard that the challenge that got Carvalho the boot was brutal, so they could conceivably be without half of their back line one way or another.

For what it's worth, Carvalho has publicly apologized for his tackle, which I think is a classy move in view of how many players take the stance that they never do anything wrong that's even worthy of a foul.

 

RE: Re: RE: Fulham at Birmingham

Right you are jmh. I forgot the out in without

 

RE: Re: RE: Fulham at Birmingham

3 points is a must. Thats really all I can say.

 

After going over the lineups, tactics, etc...Ray needs to get them ready w/an appeal to their sense of humor (break the tension w/a joke), an appeal to their love of the game (forget about the league table and enjoy the moment), an appeal to professional pride ('you know their team and fans have already chalked up the 3 pts'), and finally an appeal to their manhood ('if you got a pair, prove it').

 

The "Next Fixture" panel on this page says that the game will be broadcast on Fox Soccer at 10am ET (i.e. live), but livesoccertv.com only says delayed at 2:30pm ET. Anyone know for sure?

 

Birmingham's strength is definitely their attacking midfield. I dunno if anyone saw the Boro match, but it seemed like they were the 'shoot-first' point guards of the NBA.

Ridgewell, Jerome, McSheffrey, Larsson - all love to shoot. Luckily their holding MD Kapo is out again. But add into the equation stalwart Mikael Forssel, and there's a potent offense.

They are however rather shaky at the back and in net, much like us.

It should be an interesting match, as the only big difference between us and them is their ability to beat other relegation squads. Dont know if Fulham will end that, but it should be close.

Niemi (hopefully his last match for a bit)
Omz--Stef--Hughes--PK
Davies--Davis--Smertin--Booze
Demp--Kamz

Bench:
Warner
Boca (needs the rest - was terrible last match!)
Murphy
Healy
Kuqi

 

The chances of getting by Maik Taylor right now seem rather small, but I'm hoping that Dempsey can continue his current form and David Healy can come through late off the bench to steal one at St. Andrew's.

Much like the Wigan match, this is one we need to get 3 points from if at all possible (especially after Wigan's mugging of Newcastle last match)...I can only hope that Fulham's up to the task this time around, because one point just won't cut it.

2-1 Cottagers!

 

One positive I think is now that we have a new manager who'll be watching from the stands, for sure the boys on the pitch are going to do their utmost to make an impression. Hopefully we can take the game to them early and create some good, early opportunities.

 

I'll take a draw if we can get it.

 

For the love of all that is holy...please give me three.

Amen, hallelujah

 

You gotta rise up! I said, RIIIIIIIISE UP-ah!!!!
And beat those dirty brummies! Alleluhiua.

 

looking at the game in the cold light of day,we need a proven top level striker, a proper old fashioned goal poatcher, at the moment we could'nt hit a cows arse with a banjo-look at West ham last season it's the goals scored that got them out of trouble,Draws are not enough(on the offal sombody mentioned Jan koller this is the type of player we need!!)

 

reassuring performance, but fulham is currently 19th in the standings. albeit 2 points off the pace.