Tomorrow, without doubt, gives the Whites their biggest test of the season so far. Brighton have continued from where they left off last season and with only 2 defeats so far, they are the most difficult to beat. Can Fulham get an amazing result down on the south coast? We will need to be at our best to get something from this game. Last weeks home draw was a minor disappointment given the form of the two sides before the international break. We were flying and Wednesday were stuttering. International breaks seem to do us no favours when they come during excellent form. Although it could be argued that the previous international break was a god send, allowing us to regroup after a disastrous string of results. The positive we can take from the last game is that we didn't give up, and last season a home draw against Sheff Wed. would have been satisfactory. Slav and the boys won't be thinking about last week, and hopefully they will have worked hard, at Motspur Park, to get back to where we were before the international break. We should have nothing to fear by playing one of the two top teams in the league, and if the lads are brave then anything can happen. If we are at our best, and Brighton are below par, then anything is possible. Last week a few of our players had mediocre matches, including Kalas, McDonald and most notably the ineffective Cairney, who found little space in a congested midfield. Tom, on his day, is brilliant, and if he can produce his best form tomorrow then the Seagulls may be in for a good kicking.
Brighton- Undoubtedly a good solid team, all over the park, with a very mean defence. One of the criticisms aimed at them this season is that they are not so deadly upfront, but on their day they can whack anybody. Just ask Leeds or Norwich. We all know about Stockdale who is an excellent shot-stopper, and who, in my opinion, should never have been allowed to leave the Cottage. Defensively they are very sound, and although they may not be household names, FFC fans should know all about the impressive Dunk, who we tried to sign. Steve Sidwell will probably get stuck in on Tom and Sone, so we need to keep him occupied. Norwood and Knockaert will need close attention as they can both score goals from midfield, with the latter already netting 6 times this term. Glen Murray has already scored 10 this term, so Kalas and Sigurdsson will need to stay tight on him, but they should not forget about Hemed or Baldock either. The real danger man for me is Knockaert.
Fulham- There are no injuries to report on, so i doubt the team will be changed much, if at all. The only change at the back, may come if Slav decides to give Sessegnon a run. Kalas had a poor game last week, but his class should mean that was only a temporary blip. Fredericks should keep his place and we need his pace and willingness to run at the opposition, but Odoi is an option. I can't see the much improved Johansen being dropped as we will need his stamina and energy. There is a possibility that Tunnicliffe may replace McDonald at some stage if we are losing the midfield, as it appears that Parker is suspended. Cairney is a shoe in, and should be back to his best. Aluko should also start, but I wouldn't be surprised if Slav gives Ayite a run ahead of Piazon. Martin will definitely start up front. From what we know of Slav, he will stick to his philosophy of possession football, so don't expect us to park the bus. Key men for FFC- Cairney and Kalas.
Prediction- Seeing as my recent predictions have been wrong because of my bias towards the Whites, i am going for 2-0, or 2-1 to Brighton.
Whatever happens tomorrow, we should remember that Brighton are a good team, and we need to be behind the lads until the final whistle, and keep the faith.
IN SLAVISA WE TRUST
COYWs
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