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I know playing Patterson isn't a popular choice for some but taking on Fulham at their own game is a mistake. Other than the centre backs (and Mitrovic who I don't think will start on Thursday, why risk him) they aren't a big side so we need an industrious midfield three of Vaulks, Bacuna and Ralls and the physicality of Patterson and revert to a Neil Warnock style approach for this game.
Let's see how they deal with an aerial bombardment.
Unfortunately, as much as I don't want to, we will have to play Sanderson at right back, as we desperately need Bacuna in midfield.
Smithies
Sanderson, Morrison, Nelson, Bennett
Pack
Bacuna Vaulks Ralls
Tomlin
Glatzel (or Hoilett)
They got 2 big centre halfs, so playing high balls is useless, especially to Glatzel.
Our wingers did nothing last night, so I'd be tempted to play a diamond formation if Tomlin is fit to start the game:
Smithies
Bacuna (or Sanderson) Morrison Nelson Bennett
Pack (or Bacuna)
Vaulks Ralls
Tomlin
Glatzel Murphy
From people watching him was 5th highest last year in pl for aerial battles won, granted he was also 5th for lost but a striker is generally going to lose more than wins so was pretty decent. He is clever with the positions he takes up and when he jumps. Granted he was ineffective in last game against Fulham
We just need to score first, it will change everything. Fulham will panic
The passing approach will not work. We need to bombard their pelanty area a la Wimbledon. See what may drop to a blue shirt. 2 wingers, 2 strikers.
We’ve got to get the ball off them first, we looked tired after the first 20 minutes on Monday
Start very fast and aggressive and see Glatzel/Hoilett/Mendez/Tomlin/Ralls (any will do) take early chance to go one up.
Wind up Mitrovic and watch him elbow his way to a red card.
Talk nicely to the ref and watch Mozzer finally win a penalty from a set piece into the box. Score pelanty!
Defend like hell.
Watch Pato score from a second deflection off his arse in the third minute of injury time.
Job done!