Fulham at Reading

First match after the transfer deadline, we have some new faces, and they have one notable one, Glen Murray from Palace. The Pogmeister is still there, although not performing as well as he did for us for one semi-glorious half season. Which means he'll probably jump up and bite us.
As for our heroes, it'll be interesting, as always, to see who Herr Magath trots out to start. The international break afforded a lengthy practice period, so who knows what happened in those workouts. We're stuck with Ruiz, it would appear, at least until January. We have McCormack's strike partner from Leeds, Matt Smith, on board now, does he get the start by default? And do we dare replace young Bettinelli with Mr. Sweatpants in goal? I say no.
Don't know if we've completely turned the corner yet after two positive results, but since we're at least headed in the right direction, I say if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Which is probably exactly the opposite of what Felix thinks. Whoever goes out for this one, I hope we continue to improve, win or lose. I'd prefer a win. But I don't see it on the road in league play yet. 2-1 Reading.

 

I won't pick the win, but I'll take 1-1. improvement.

 

Ruiz must play. As critical as I have been of him at times, I think he can be a major factor in the Championship for us (at least, as Jump points out, until January).

 

I can't see the first win coming at Reading right now.

 

Hatter Don is right, Ruiz is unavailable http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/september/11/team-news

And from the article it sounds like Magath has forgotten Ruiz is still technically part of the team.

 

Expecting to lose, but hope to be proven wrong.

 

I'll have to be catching the results on my phone as I am playing golf in the AM for my cousins fiancé's bachelor party. If you see me on the course I'll be the one yelling fore, shooting six, and writing down 5.

 

Like a lot of you, I am not foreseeing a victory this weekend (nor on Wed for that matter). Depending on the squad chosen, it should be a close match though I just don't see the lads taking charge of the match away from the Cottage.

I'll say 2-1 Reading but, if the jersey I ordered gets here in time and it is a lucky one, we may end up in a draw.

 

Umm, okay. Just what the eff is the Copa Centroamerica, and why is it more important than our promotion?

 

It is how the Central America teams qualify for the Gold Cup (top four teams) and the winner of the whole thing gets a spot in the 2016 Copa America.

 

I'm not certain that Magath will play him. He doesn't seem to give anyone a chance if they've made even the slightest of peeps that they want to leave the team. I don't think Magath's attitude will change just because we didn't (couldn't?) sell or loan Ruiz.

I hope I'm wrong though.

 

Road game? We'll lose. Even if we do manage a lead, I'm sure Magath's substitution choices will ensure a draw.

 

So, we can afford to pay a guy NOT to play. Like the Yankees.

 

To Jump's point I'm all for giving the manager the space to coach the team without owner meddling. However, a simple phone call behind the scenes from Khan to Felix telling him to give Bryan a chance to earn playing team is warranted. It sickens me to think Fulham is sitting 1 point above rock freaking bottom and this talented a player is camped out in the proverbial doghouse.

 

Don't forget about the 'Greatness of the Raaiidders' and Al Davis (not the last 8-10 years, but the first 40) HD.

Notice I said behind the scenes and a private call. This is still a business (the value of which is likely far less than what Khan paid for) and the club would be more likely to get some of the 10 million back by giving Ruiz the chance to earn playing time as opposed to rotting in Neverland. If Magath is too much of an idiot to figure that out now that Bryan is going to be here for a minimum of 3 more months than he needs to be fired immediately.

 

Fulham Lineup

Kiraly
Voser, Bodurov, Burn, Kavanagh;
Hoogland; Parker, Hyndman; David
Smith, McCormack

Subs: Stafylidis, Hutchinson, Zverotić, Rodallega, Roberts, Christensen, Bettinelli

Mr. Sweatpants in goal! We're dead.