Fulham FC v. Norwich City

I can't wait!

 

Not going to lie, no matter the sport I never pay attention to preseason games, so not going to pretend to know the exact line-up. I haven't had this much trepidation at the beginning of a campaign since Sanchez (the following year after his late arrival the season before). Hopefully on Sept. 1 my feelings will be subsided, but that's a long two weeks from now. In the mean time the Mighty Whites have the home opener and travel to Old Trafford next week. So it's very important to get the 3 points and start the season right.

The lads took 4 points off the Canaries last season. At Carrow Road on New Year's Eve, Orlando Sa (no, that's not a typo :shock: ) scored early and Simeon Jackson for Norwich late in second half stoppage time for the 1-1 draw. In the return leg Demps and Duff tallied in route to a 2-1 victory.

Will have to keep an eye out for Grant Holt (15 goals last season) who squabbled before resigning an extension. I'm thinking that Norwich is going to have the sophomore blues after having a great season (12th place on 47 points) under Paul Lambert. Chris Hughton takes over after Lambert left for Aston Villa.

I'm going w/a 2-1 victory, with Hugo getting his Fulham career off to a great start and Duffers getting the other one.

COYW!!!!!!

 

2-0 victory to get started on the right foot. I won't even pretend to know the lineup.

 

Better question is will anyone score for us? I'm still not sold on the Jol system, especially w/o Clint.

That said, I am optimistic about Petric and think he could bang in 10 or so this year. The question is how much anyone else steps up (aside from the more obvious, will we keep Dempsey).

We usually stink on ice in the opener regardless of the opponent, especially on offense. However, Norwich don't keep clean sheets and haven't done much to bolster their back line. Tempted to call 1-1, but I'll go with 2-1 for the good guys. We're due some good news.

 

This thread is a BEAUTIFUL thing! So excited that a new season is finally here! I'll say 1-0 Fulham!

Planning to even wear my Fulham jersey to work tomorrow :dance:

 

:lol: Will be doing some previews fo sho. Was going to do one this week, but thought it'd be better to start up again once we know what the squad will look like. Of course I will conveniently forget to submit one when the team plays away to a tough team to pad my record

 

The chickens predict a Fulham win.

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/august/chicks-predict

Tried to embed the video, but I'll be damned if I can figure it out. Heather, help?

 

Believe it or not- my sister picked her college in a similar way- there were two schools in dead heat so she put cat treats on both acceptance letters, spun our cat around and she (the cat, not my sister) ate the treat off one and then walked away. Luckily, she was happy with her choice.

Anyhow, I have paid almost no attention to the pre-season (been too busy with baseball, the Olympics and keeping one eye on the MLS and NASL, etc.) - still, assuming everyone's fit and the ridiculousness involving Dempsey continues- here's my guess just looking at the roster:
Schwarzer; Riise, Hughes, Hangeland (C), Riether; Duff, Diarra, Dembele, Ruiz; Petric, Rodallega. Right back's probably the biggest question mark in the side- Jol could go with Riether given all his Bundesliga experience, or he could consider it Kelly's job to lose and I wouldn't count out Briggs or Baird, either. Unless there's any injuries in training or friendlies I didn't hear about- I'd be surprised if there's any changes in the other positions.

Hoping for a cracking 2-0 win to start the year; but realistically predicting an OK, but not fantastic 1-1 draw- goal by Holt answered by an equalizer on their debut by either Petric or Rodallega.

~ Steve

 

Just took my first sip of Guinness at the pub. It is good to have football back.

 

So excited to get the season started. Come on Fulham!

Fulham:

Schwarzer; Riether, Hangeland, Hughes, Riise; Duff, Diarra, Dembele, Kacaniklic; Ruiz, Petric.

Subs: Stockdale, Kelly, Baird, Sidwell, Kasami, Rodallega, Halliche.

Norwich:

Ruddy; R Martin, Turner, R Bennett, Tierney; Surman, Howson, Johnson, Pilkington; Snodgrass, Holt.

Subs: Rudd, Morison, Vaughan, Hoolahan, E Bennett, Lappin, Barnett.

 

For those that don't know, FoxSoccer2Go are offering a free 7-day trial and are showing the Fulham match

http://www.foxsoccer2go.com/home

 

I am glad to see Kacaniklic getting to opportunity to start in the hole left by Dempsey.

 

Anyone actually see him touch the ball yet? Either way super start

 

I d get fox soccer plus but I know this Anne will be replayed on fox soccer and my dvr will record it. I wanna watch it for myself

 

Lots to talk about later, but one for each goal;

:banana-rock: :banana-skier: :banana-explosion: :banana-parachute: :banana-tux: