Plenty of speculation over what sort of Fulham team will take the field this evening. Apparently, Hodgson is quoted in the Metro as saying he will choose a ‘team with Manchester City in mind’. Before that conjures up images of the second string in Sofia in your mind, check out these comments from today’s Times:
The injury list has made it a bit more difficult. In the initial two matches, I had a very big squad to choose from and could make more changes and rest more players. This time we can’t do that.
That hints at a few more familiar faces tonight, doesn’t it?
I’ve seen that some of the papers have omitted Damien Duff from their probable line-ups for this evening. Should Hodgson’s selection mirrors theirs – and it often doesn’t – I’d be majorly disappointed. Duff was one of our most dangerous players on Monday and we’ll need his sharpness and intelligence to pose a real threat to Roma. He’s also one of the few members of the current side capable of creating something from nothing, which is a valuable commodity given the slower pace of European competition.
I’d expect Zamora and Kamara to start again up front. Zamora because his height might unsettle a continental defence and also because he played so well against Hull. The reason Roy kept Kamara was largely to play him in these European games and he’ll be hoping to sniff a goal or two tonight.
Aside from resting Clint Dempsey, the only other changes might come in defence. Stephen Kelly might replace Paul Konchesky, although the talk about his knee injury seems to have died down a bit lately. I’d like to see more of Chris Smalling, too, although Hodgson might be forgiven for sticking with Hangeland and Hughes for our toughest test of the group so far.
I also spotted that Wes Foderingham was fit enough to be on the bench for the reserves at Portsmouth on Tuesday night. If UEFA continue to refuse to let us register Pascal Zuberbuhler, then maybe the youngster will pinch the substitute goalkeeper’s gloves from Zoltan Gera.
What do you think?
Dan
I think we might see something like
MS
JP CS CB PK
DD JG BAR ZG
BZ DK
Pretty much full strength Only our first choice CB’s and Clint getting a rest. Konch if carrying hiinjury (and did limp a bit on Monday) we might see Kelly or even the return of Kallio.
I siply can’t wait!!!
Hi Alan,
Given how well Baird played in midfield on Monday I’d be very surprised if he dropped back into the defence. He must be very close to getting a run in central midfield given how well he’s done in the last few games. I suspect that would mean Smalling playing alongside one of the regular centre backs.
I think Roy sees Riise (who I presume is BAR) as more of a wide player than a central midfielder, although apparently he can play there. I imagine it’ll be Baird and Greening in central midfield.
Kallio made his first appearance of the season for the reserves on Tuesday (and scored!!!) so I think two games in two days is a bit much. Kelly could come in for either Konchesky or Pantsil I suppose.
My initial thoughts about Duff is that he looked as though he may have picked up a bit of a knock against Hull. He certainly didn’t walk off the pitch too easily when he was substituted. Didn’t look a bad injury, but I can easily see why Hodgson might be tempted to rest him for this game.
Think it’ll be more or less the same side that played Hull, with Greening in for Murphy. Smalling, Kelly and Gera may start, but it will not be a reserve side.
Thanks for that Nick. It was impossible to see how Duff was moving when he came off from my position on high in the Hammersmith End. He hasn’t been mentioned as carrying an injury, though, either in the press or by Roy. He’d be a big miss if he was ruled out.