Fulham @ Shaktar Donetsk

Quite possibly our toughest road trip yet?

There seems to be a blend of dread and optimism around the various boards and sites about this one, but I'll just say I hope the lads continue to make us proud.

I will gripe about GolTV though. Seriously, we've had ONE game shown on that network this entire competition. How can a network with two of the best American announcers screw something like that up?

Here's hoping a single feed will be available...

 

Really hope Konch can give it a go. Judging by Roy's comments it sounds like barring knocks picked up in the Brum match our best XI will be out there. The big Aussie will need to do his thing. The away form leads one to be less than optimistic, but a 1-1 draw isn't out of the realm.

 

I'm assuming its going to be on DirectTV again so I'll be taking a "late lunch" at Sonomas' in Columbia to watch the game.

 

That bad run of form when the injury spell hit sucked so I would rather we pick one of the cups and rest our important guys during the other cup. But lucky for you lot, I am not Woy. I want the FA; COYWs

 

Not to hijack, but I lived there for a couple of years. Weirdest street names you'll ever see.

 

The match is showing on the Directv listing, channel 463, at 11:45 CST on Thursday.

 

Thursday's weather forecast for Donetsk: Partly cloudy with a high of 41F. Low on Thursday night of 29F. I guess that would put it in the 30s at game time. Not too bad for February in the Ukraine.

 

I was definitely expecting worse, though in any case I don't think we've got anybody on the team who's never dealt with winter weather before. (Maybe Okaka, but he spent time on loan at Modena and Brescia in Northern Italy, and in any case he's cup-tied.) More importantly, perhaps it won't be overly unpleasant for traveling fans.

 

As long as Shaktar don't catch lightening in a bottle early, I am unusually optimistic of Fulham's chances of a draw.

This is epic in my relatively brief history with the club: not only does Fulham enter the 2nd leg against the cup holders, in their behemoth stadium, with a goal advantage, the opportunity to play either Ajax or Juventus looms...

Regardless of the outcome, it has been a fun ride for the Whites and their supporters.

COYW!

 

As I said, it feels a little like betting with house money, but I bet the dressing room does not feel that way.

I have faith in RH, as usual, for a good lineup.

COYW

 

One note of worry: Shaktar haven't lost at home since October 2008.

 

One note of worry: Shaktar haven't lost at home since October 2008.

 

I think I get GolTV, but I've never taken the time to watch Colombian football, although they used to have a pretty good la liga highlights show. It was the kind of show where the announcer gives you the finger gun when he's introduced.

I don't really have anything bad to say about DirecTV. These are the times when I'm really glad I have it. I have no desire to watch any of the other 15ish Europa League games that are on at the same time. I'm just happy to see some News Corp. synergy. When Fox has excess soccer inventory, they just put them somewhere in the 400's.

For those of you that love random college football DirecTV also carries "the mtn." Fulhamag doesn't have to worry about that because his team lives under a real TV contract

I'm not expecting a whole lot. I'll be shocked if we score an away goal. I doubt we'll score our own goal or keep a clean sheet. The "fulhamish" label has to strike at some point in the season, doesn't it?

How many away fans will travel? They have several things going against them. It's a midweek game. Not only would you have to travel to the Ukraine, but you'd have to travel to Donetsk. Also, standing outside for a few hours while it's 30....no thanks.

Isn't Donetsk in the Russian speaking east?

 

RE: Re: Fulham @ Shaktar Donetsk

Donetsk is in the 2nd most Eastern province of Ukraine, is the largest city in Eastern Ukraine and has a population made up of mostly Ethnic Russians and Russian-speaking Ukrainians.

Interesting enough, the city was founded by a Welshman with the last name of Hughes...

Due to that, parts of the city center have a very British feel, organizationally and architecturally.

 

Re: RE: Re: Fulham @ Shaktar Donetsk

When I was in Europe last May, I almost planned a trip to Ukraine, but the travel would have tacked on vacation days I didn't have. Now you make me want to visit even more.

I don't think I'll make it in time for the game.

 

Good thing a draw advances us to the next round then, eh?

 

Does anyone else see "Donbass Arena" and think it says "Dumbass Arena"?