Onward... and upward?

Okay, I am not even going to THINK about today's loss. Underwhelming, and nothing that could be said is going to make things better.

Now its time for all focus to shift to staying up. So...

With the recent signings of Hangeland, Andreasen & Cousin, plus the impending return of McBride, and the continued physical improvement of Bullard, I am actaully not as pessimistic as recent form should probably have me.

Given the additions, what do you all expect to see in terms of line ups going forward?
The first thing I see is Dempsey dropping back into the midfield as he should be, and bulk first team forward minutes being split up between Healy, McBride & Cousin and perhaps Bouazza.

The midfield now becomes quite crowded, which I will view as a positive, with Dempsey, Bullard, Andreasen, Davis, Davies & Murphy eating up the meaningful minutes.

Defense, the rotation becomes Bocanegra, Konchesky, Hughes, Baird, Stefanovic, Volz & Hangeland.

The players I sense vanishing from most playing time will be Omozusi, Smertin, Seol, Kuqi & Kamera.

Does anyone see things differently?

Lee

 

First off and most importantly welcome to the site Donatello! I'm normally a glass is half-full guy but at this precise moment I'm beginning to wonder if we'll win a game the rest of the season (no matter who signs on the dotted line). Hopefully I'll feel different the closer the Bolton game gets.

In the meantime, tell us how you became a fan and how you found the site.

 

Dempsey might get relegated to the bench. He isn't a Prem quality central midfielder or right-midfielder or Forward. He's a tweener that just doesn't fit perfectly into a 4-4-2. Unless Hodgson plays some other kind of tactic, Dempsey really doesn't fit anywhere. He's talented, but his style of game doesn't fit with the English way of playing football.

In fact, because he's played up front just about the entire year, I doubt he plays anywhere else the rest of the season. I might be wrong about this, but I wouldn't be surprised if he stays up front for the time being.

 

First off, welcome to FUSA and I hope you enjoy the site.

I agree with the majority of your assessment and share in your optimism for the future, although I am still rather bummed we couldn't top Bristol of all sides. From what I gather Fulham did little to create and the pitch was in horrific condition.

Smertin will not lack in playing time. He was by far the most reliable midfielder for Fulham before he went out with injury. Hoping that he regains his form, first step and confidence... something that seems to be lacking in all Fulham players at this time. Kuqi, Kamara and Seol will be hurt the most by the inclusion of the new signings. Omozusi has a future at Fulham and he proved that when he was asked to step up and play RB.

 

RE: Re: Onward... and upward?

I refuse to be too negative, I am trying to keep an even keel. Hopefully the new additions will breathe some life into this team.

OT- Donatello, welcome, nice to have you here, especially when the Bay Area contingent increases by one. Head to the "Introduce Yourself" forum and let us know about...yourself. Cheers.
MK

 

Don't welcome him now, he's been around a long, long time!

Long time, no see Lee. Welcome and a very insightful post...

 

RE: Re: Onward... and upward?

A victory against Bolton would be huge.

 

RE: Re: Onward... and upward?

Along with addition of EJ today I still think we will see at least one more striker if not two come in. If we sign two more I think Dempsey will drop to midfield and the new arrivals will immediatly compete for the bulk of the playing time along with McBride when he returns healthy. If we only pick up one more striker (King or Cousin) I would expect Demps to remain up front and play along side the new addition with EJ coming off the bench. Just a guess but I don't think Healy fits into Hodgson's plans.

If Demps stays up front I think Bouazza, Bullard, Andreasen and Davies will see the bulk of the playing time with Murphy and Smertin getting mixed in. Davis is the one I see losing out because he and Murphy are too similar to one another. If Dempsey drops back Bouzza probably loses the minutes. None of this even factors Lee Cook into the equation.

I think Omozusi will replace Baird off your list and PC will push either Stefanovic or Boca out. I still would not be surprised if another defender was brought in before the window closes.

In my opinion Healy, Baird, Davis, Seol, Kamara and Stef/Boca will be the ones vanishing. If Dempsey drops to midfield only two(one starter/one sub) of the following five will see significant minutes:
Bouazza/Davies/Cook/Murphy/Smertin.