Fulham V. Arsenal

The quicker we get points the quicker we'll be NOT RELEGATED and a win this week would be really great for the boys.

Line ups please.

 

Okay, here's my theory: we need to play rough with the Gunners. I've noted that this season, the physical approach has taken them off their game. Check out, for example, the stats for Blackburn: 23 fouls and 3 yellow cards. I'm not saying intentionally hurt anyone: just go hard after every ball in midfield, don't let up. Since Arsenal lost Vieira, they haven't been able to handle aggressive play.

PBD needs to have a monster of a game. Simon E. will add some aggressiveness to the pitch, also. I like McBride and Helguson up top. These men will be key, I think.

 

I agree with the Rogue, although it puts Fulham in a tough spot to get a win playing this way. Arsenal will excel playing a free-flowing match as Fulham likes to play. Arsenal looked great against Real Madrid last week because Real gave them space to operate all over the pitch.

Blackburn on the other hadnwas very strong and aggresive against the Gunners and completely took them out of their game. I think Fabregas is a good player, but he can be combatted with tough tackling and a physical presence against him in the form of Papa Bouba Diop.

We cannot let Arsenal get out and run at us all day. It will play right into their hands. We will be without Boa Morte through yellow card accumulations.

Not sure how to play this match quite yet. Arsenal is not as good as they have been the past few seasons, but they are still very talented and if a team plays a wide-open way against them, Arsenal will make that team pay.

 

We played very tough in the middle of the field, with lots of good tackles, in the first half on Sunday. If we do that, we can still play the attacking style we have been playing this year. Does this make sense (this question is for those of yuo who know more about football than I do, which is most people reading this)?

 

I think we played okay in the middle of the park on Sunday. We definitely played better in the first half when Bolton did not put as much pressure on the ball as they did in the second half. Once they exerted pressure on the ball and ran after us, we struggled stringing passes together. Bolton was not dirty, but aggressive. They knocked us out of our style of play and that ultimately hurt us.

It might sound strange, but if we can play the way Bolton did against us in the second half, that is exactly what we need to do to Arsenal to knock them off their timing. Arsenal seems to be a team that thrives on quick passing and timing. If we can get players on the ball and hound Arsenal at all times all over the pitch, I think we can force the defenders and the young midfielders into some mistakes. If we can capitalize on those mistakes, we can get a win.

 

The more I think about this match, the more I think we are going to win! I was excited about last weekend's match with Bolton, but I am really, really looking forward to Saturday's showdown with Arsenal.

Reading the BigSoccer.com board, most of the Gunner fans are predicting 2-1 and 3-1 wins for the Arsenal. Not to say they are disrespecting Fulham, but I still think there are a number of supporters from other clubs around England that still think of Fulham as a relegation team that will be easy to beat. I think many of them are unaware of Fulham's superb home form.

That being said, I think we might surprise Arsenal and its's supporters on Saturday with a strong, winning performance. Also, will Arsenal be looking ahead to Wednesday's Champions League match with Real Madrid? I think they might.

Arsenal will come out and play hard and cause us some problems, but I think we have a great chance to get a big win against one of the biggest clubs in England. The time is now to make it happen. A win would catapult the team for the remaining two months of the season and give us even more ammunition for belief that this is a team on the rise for the remainder of this season and next!!

COYW!!

 

The Line-Up, as it should be, but not how it probabaly will be.

Let's go to a 4-3-3.

Helguson, McBride, and Radzinski up front.

Bouba, Jensen, Malbranque, and Elliott in Mid.

Boca (to redeem himself), Bridge, Volzy and Zat in the back.

Keep: Is Niemi still hurt? Then Warner.

Talk amongst yourselves. I'll watch for the replies.

 

Re: RE: Fulham V. Arsenal

That just happends to be a 4-4-3 but hey, if they allow us an extra man...then lets go for it!

 

RE: Re: RE: Fulham V. Arsenal

Whoops! No wonder that was a "fantasy" line-up. In that case switch out Elliott or Jensen...

 

RE: Re: RE: Fulham V. Arsenal

What is COYW!???

 

RE: Re: RE: Fulham V. Arsenal

COYW = Come on you whites (the team color).

As as aside--you're suggesting playing Zat Knight. On purpose? That might be a first on this board (excluding the time when we were short of playing that we considered playing the mascot).

Lately, they've been playing what they've called (I think) a 4-4-2, but counting Radz as a midfielder, not a striker. So, your lineup could happen but not at those positions.

 

RE: Re: RE: Fulham V. Arsenal

Hello PCB!
COYW's is also a chant sung at every Fulham match, both home and away.

Ex. Cooommmeeee Oooonnnnn Yyyyyooouuuu Wwwwwhhhhiiittteeeesss!!

 

RE: Re: RE: Fulham V. Arsenal

I don't know if anyone has noticed, but Arsenal have THE WORST away record out of all the teams in the top 10 of the table. Just 3 away wins in the premiership all season. With that said I think we have a great chance of keeping the home record intact this weekend. Fulham needs to play a physical game and shake up this young arsenal squad. I also really hope Henry has an off game as well. We'll see how the cards fall. COYW!

 

RE: Re: RE: Fulham V. Arsenal

Thank your for the COYW! explanation. Great chant.

I can quite sheepishly admit that the Newbie tag provided by this site is appropriate for my mebership on the site and my following of The Whites.

That said, I have dived in head first in my support of FFC! Two Americans on the team, a Canadian, and a great mixture of international talent made it easy for me (now to get the mixture to gel on away trips). Not to mention a great home pitch (which I am in the beginning stages of trying to go see next year with a Newcastle fan), and obviously great fans abroad and here at home! I just wish I could find some locals who shared my energized interest )(how's the map coming along?).

Anyway, cheers for being so hospitable and perhaps a few our paths shall cross down the road.

COYW!!! Beat Arsenal!

 

No Wayne Bridge

He has just been stretchered off the pitch while playing for England. Looks serious...ligament damage to the ankle. Ugh! It figures, we get a player of his quality and he gets hurt in an international friendly.

 

Re: RE: Fulham V. Arsenal

Also, COYSW = Come On You Super Whites.

 

RE: Re: RE: Fulham V. Arsenal

If they're playing really badly and I get really frustrated, I might throw out a COYFW -- Come On You Fargin' Whites!! (Note: PG rated version)

 

The difference between us and EUROPE

Justin! Loving the avatar.

Anywho, this says it all, doesn't it.

"Fulham have lost the lead 11 times in the Premiership - that's more occasions than any other club."

 

Saturday Match with Arsenal Televised...Time Warner Cable

You guys probably already know this, but the match will be televised by pay-per-view through Time Warner. Took me forever to get it ordered in Texas...(growing Soccer state), but ready to go now...

Just wanted to put that out there!

 

RE: Saturday Match with Arsenal Televised...Time Warner Cabl

You got it Lb, although what time does the match start for you? 9am or 8am?? I have a growing respect for anyone who follows Fulham in the western time zones!