Fulham are expecting a decent crowd for our second leg against Vetra at the Cottage tonight. The game itself shouldn’t really prove too important in the context of the tie, with the three goals we scored in Lithuania last week putting the Whites firmly in control.
There’s been some debate about what sort of side Roy Hodgson should field tonight. We know for certain that he won’t risk either Simon Davies or Toni Kallio as both will be aiming to try and be fit for the big kick-off at Portsmouth on August 15. But should Roy go for a full-strength team or give the youngsters a go? I’d give the first team another run out with the option of bringing on a few of the fringe players in the second half.
Goals for the likes of Zamora and Andy Johnson could do their confidence the world of good. Apologies that it’s only a short preview this afternoon as I’m off out in a couple of minutes and will be unable to post anything more substantial before the kick off. A reminder that tonight’s game is live on ITV4 if you can’t make it down to the Cottage.
MY FULHAM XI (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Pantsil, Konchesky, Hughes, Hangeland; Etuhu, Murphy, Gera, Dempsey; A. Johnson, Zamora. Subs: Zuberbuhler, Baird, Smalling, Riise, Seol, Nevland, E. Johnson.
I’d like to see Riise given a proper run out ahead of Gera. Or even bringing him on for the second half!
I’m just glad there seems to be many streaming options to watch the match today. I’m testing out my live blog system at CravenCottage.us if anyone is interested. Gotta work out the bugs before the start of the season. Live blog will begin 5-10 minutes before kick off.
Riise looked pretty good when he came on, didn’t he Lydia?
Yep! He looked sharp and willing to make something happen. He looked pretty useful in terms of winning corners and getting crosses in.
He’s very quick too. Looks to have good football brain – can see a pass. He’s a good corner and free-kick taker as well, so we might have someone else to deliver from set pieces this season.