…a fixture right at the end of March, away at Fulham.
30 days, 9 games, 3 competitions; all televised live on 3-different, UK-domestic channels and, which, includes a return trip to Wembley (I doubt I’ll be able to get a pre-match posting out for all but will try…).
Get through the 2 cup competitions in that period and that’ll also add an additional 3 games to our league fixtures in May, at least!
These are the times we, as fans, look forward to a lot but, which also, tests player & coaching-management-team’s resolve to the extreme.
International break over - what’s the injury news heading into this intense period of matches?
Well…it would appear that only long-term injured Claudio Bravo & Fabian Delph (knock) are
the only players unavailable. Great news!
Following that international break - and with some
excellent reports coming back from-playing for their various countries about a
lot of our players - I’d love to make comments about ‘em all.
However, having only just been able to sit in front of the computer following our manager’s pre-match press conference and with such an early KO tomorrow (12:30pm GMT), I’ll have to crack-straight-on.
However, having only just been able to sit in front of the computer following our manager’s pre-match press conference and with such an early KO tomorrow (12:30pm GMT), I’ll have to crack-straight-on.
v Fulham
 |
| Craven Cottage |
Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:
(Number correct
from starting line-up in the last game which, for me blog-wise, was the Watford game: 9/11).
Fluid 4-1-4-1 / 4-5-1 / 4-3-3:
Ed in
net…of course.
Oleksandr
to continue, for us (having played in a defensive midfield role for his country
– interesting…) at left-wing back, with Kyle on the opposite flank of the
defence. Aymeric & Nicholas in-between those.
I think Pep will use Ilkay once again as ‘the anchoring’
midfielder, with David & Bernardo ahead of the German. Leroy &
well-in-form Raheem providing the wide attack.
Sergio ‘up
top’.
Aro is
the reserve stopper; Danilo to provide cover on either side of the defence and
I think Vinny will get a spot on the bench. Fernandinho might get a shout from
the side at some stage; returning, also, Kevin, Riyad & Gabriel provide the
more attacking option-changes from ‘the 7’.
Notable
absences:
-
Claudio Bravo – Continues his
comeback-recovery routine.
-
Fabian Delph – Injured.
Do I agree with Pep’s (predicted) line-up?
Strong team – yes indeed!
And…when all fit, just look at the strength of both the
bench and the players left out (if I’m correct of course)!
Result?
Well, a change in manager doesn’t appear to have made much of a difference for
our hosts…yet. However, they do have players who threaten and you can bet that Scott Parker
will have injected a strong work ethic. Despite their doomed-looking points
tally from safety, expect a battle I would say.
This should be an away win though…
Last season’s,
corresponding pre-match prediction and result…
Prediction: N/A
Result: N/A
Expected weather conditions during
the game: 'T-shirt & shades job' for the fans! A very pleasant 63C & sunny for the game.
Those in the UK at least, don't forget that clock-change at the weekend...
