Friday, April 14, 2006
Bouncebackability test
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The players, or some of them, will no doubt be tired afer the midweek exertions, so it is expected that Curbs will make changes in this busy Easter period of four games in ten days.
In goal, I suppose it is possible that Stephan Andersen may be given a run out if thought necessary, but, undoubtedly, Thomas Myrhe is still the number one goalkeeper at the club.
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At left back, I expect Chris Powell to get a rest at the Cottage, and Hermann Hreidersson to move across from central defence.
That would leave the way open for Gonzalo Sorondo to return to the team, and play alongside Chris Perry. Jon Fortune is fit and waiting in the wings if any unforeseen injuries come about.
The midfield make up depends on the formation that Curbs decides to run with. If he switches back to 4-5-1, then Jason Euell, Matt Holland and Bryan Hughes can all hope to feature, as will Kishishev if not required at the back. Darren Ambrose will fight it out with Jerome Thomas and Dennis Rommedahl for the two wide positions. If Curbs stays with the 4-4-2 formation, he usually only plays one winger, and Hughes, Kishishev, Holland, Euell, Ambrose, Thomas and Rommedahl will battle it out for the four places up for grabs.
Up front, it may be that Darren Bent is rested again if his ankle knock hasn't recovered sufficiently to see him play all four Easter games. That would mean a return to the side for cup-tied Marcus Bent, and maybe (if two forwards start) a starting place for Bartlett or Bothroyd too.
The team I would expect to see take the field at Craven Cottage is -
Myrhe, Spector, Perry, Sorondo, Hreidersson, Ambrose, Holland, Kishishev, Thomas, Bent (M), Bothroyd.
Subs from Andersen, Powell, Fortune, Euell, Hughes, Bartlett, Bent (D), and Rommedahl.
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Pedro45's score predictions have not been too good recently; heart ruling head most of the time, so I am going to predict another tough day at the office for our boys - a tired 3-1 defeat. Of course, the lads usually prove me wrong, so I'm hoping the Addicks get all three points and finish the season on a high.
Come on you reds!