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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Milo on May 15, 2018, 09:59:59 PM

Title: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Milo on May 15, 2018, 09:59:59 PM
Watched Boro v Villa both legs. Hardly the resident Villa expert after seeing two games.. but this was my view of it. Thoughts?

Villa's main threat is in midfield. Grealish is some player - think a cross between Johansen and Cairney. Snodgrass didn't look too special over the two legs but i know he's highly rated by their fans. Jedinak is solid. In a sense, their midfield closely mirrors the structure of ours with two creatives and a holding midfielder.

Defence is solid with Chester (highly rated) and Terry. However surely the latter means they will struggle with our pace.

Finally a lot of hard work by their strikers .. quite similar to us in shape with two wingers who look to drive on the counter. However no real potency to speak of and certainly no Mitro figure in the centre.

Their keeper should have been sent off tonight. It was the most blatant red card you'll see.

I think the key to the game will be marking Grealish out the game with McDonald. I genuinely feel Villa offer very little apart from him. I certainly think we can afford to commit players in attack provided he's kept quiet because their strikers lack any real threat compared to Derby.

Feeling positive!
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: ChesterTheTabby on May 15, 2018, 10:03:12 PM
I posted something similar to this, and I think we arrived at similar conclusions. I am glad we are playing Villa, they will try to play "real" football against us, and in doing so that will allow us to use our possession and composure to unlock them piece by piece. I think if we score first and early, could be a wonderful night for the boys in White! Wouldn't surprise me if we had to wait for the 60th minute or so break them down though.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Milo on May 15, 2018, 10:16:32 PM
Quote from: WokinghamWhite on May 15, 2018, 10:09:43 PM
First odds appearing: Sky Bet currently offer Fulham 6/5, Villa 5/2.

Ouch! Sky pundits after game (that curly haired Irish bloke who seems to have become a permanent fixture on that programme without any real insightful comments) agree Villa would have to be at their very best to win.

Incidentally they had Paul Merson as a pundit tonight and analysed Boro tonight perfectly in 5 minutes. Finally someone who knows what they're talking about.

The ingame commentators by contrast close the game saying "no disrespect to Fulham.." (ie massive disrespect coming up..) "but Villa deserve to be a Premiership club".
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: bobbo on May 15, 2018, 10:18:52 PM
Not a sending off milo, yes he was out of his area but he wasn't the last man there were others behind him.
Ref got it spot on.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: EastEndWhite on May 15, 2018, 10:20:21 PM
Quote from: Milo on May 15, 2018, 10:16:32 PM
Quote from: WokinghamWhite on May 15, 2018, 10:09:43 PM
First odds appearing: Sky Bet currently offer Fulham 6/5, Villa 5/2.

Ouch! Sky pundits after game (that curly haired Irish bloke who seems to have become a permanent fixture on that programme without any real insightful comments) agree Villa would have to be at their very best to win.

Incidentally they had Paul Merson as a pundit tonight and analysed Boro tonight perfectly in 5 minutes. Finally someone who knows what they're talking about.

The ingame commentators by contrast close the game saying "no disrespect to Fulham.." (ie massive disrespect coming up..) "but Villa deserve to be a Premiership club".

Listened to the game on the radio and the pundits seem to have Villa back in the Premiership already! 
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Woolly Mammoth on May 15, 2018, 10:50:42 PM
Quote from: EastEndWhite on May 15, 2018, 10:20:21 PM
Quote from: Milo on May 15, 2018, 10:16:32 PM
Quote from: WokinghamWhite on May 15, 2018, 10:09:43 PM
First odds appearing: Sky Bet currently offer Fulham 6/5, Villa 5/2.

Ouch! Sky pundits after game (that curly haired Irish bloke who seems to have become a permanent fixture on that programme without any real insightful comments) agree Villa would have to be at their very best to win.

Incidentally they had Paul Merson as a pundit tonight and analysed Boro tonight perfectly in 5 minutes. Finally someone who knows what they're talking about.

The ingame commentators by contrast close the game saying "no disrespect to Fulham.." (ie massive disrespect coming up..) "but Villa deserve to be a Premiership club".

Listened to the game on the radio and the pundits seem to have Villa back in the Premiership already! 

We will have to disappoint them then.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Milo on May 15, 2018, 10:54:42 PM
Quote from: bobbo on May 15, 2018, 10:18:52 PM
Not a sending off milo, yes he was out of his area but he wasn't the last man there were others behind him.
Ref got it spot on.

Terry wasn't going to get back in my eyes. Was certainly a goal scoring "opportunity" and hence a red card for me.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Nick Bateman on May 15, 2018, 11:08:38 PM
It was a stonewall red card, even Talksport have stated - shockingly bad decision by Mike Dean to deliberately aid Aston Villa who would have had the goalkeeper banned for the final.  Dean knew this so gave an inexplicable yellow.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Fulham Joe on May 15, 2018, 11:14:14 PM
These statements can always come back and bite you on the arse, but I saw absolutely nothing from Aston Villa for us to worry about.
If we get beaten, it willl be because we're Fulham and we never ever win a final.
If we're on a going day, and get even a tiny bit of luck, we'll take care of them, I'm certain of it.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Woolly Mammoth on May 15, 2018, 11:38:02 PM
If there is any Justice in this world when it comes to footballing teams, then we will conquer, if there is a God, after all they are the Villians.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Andy S on May 15, 2018, 11:55:57 PM
For the one and only time this season Win and we are promoted lose and we are not. It is in our hands. We will win
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Milo on May 16, 2018, 01:13:18 AM
Incidentally Bruce argued they beat us at home and we beat them at home so it's equals equals.

However their victory was in October with no Mitro, Sess LB, Fonte upfront for 80 mins, and Cairney on as a sub still recovering from injury. Completely different team.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: ChesterTheTabby on May 16, 2018, 04:39:45 AM
Quote from: Milo on May 16, 2018, 01:13:18 AM
Incidentally Bruce argued they beat us at home and we beat them at home so it's equals equals.

However their victory was in October with no Mitro, Sess LB, Fonte upfront for 80 mins, and Cairney on as a sub still recovering from injury. Completely different team.

And they'll say no Grealish or Adomah, but I would also argue that whereas they were missing players when we beat them, we were not only missing influential players, but we still hadn't found our confidence or style. I think so long as we are not overconfident that we will win in the POF.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Sherlock on May 16, 2018, 08:39:02 AM
I think it's clear, if we play our best, we are a better side than Villa. But they have more experience on and off the field and after all it's football - the best team doesn't always win.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: peter w on May 16, 2018, 08:50:44 AM
Quote from: maoconnor on May 16, 2018, 04:39:45 AM
Quote from: Milo on May 16, 2018, 01:13:18 AM
Incidentally Bruce argued they beat us at home and we beat them at home so it's equals equals.

However their victory was in October with no Mitro, Sess LB, Fonte upfront for 80 mins, and Cairney on as a sub still recovering from injury. Completely different team.

And they'll say no Grealish or Adomah, but I would also argue that whereas they were missing players when we beat them, we were not only missing influential players, but we still hadn't found our confidence or style. I think so long as we are not overconfident that we will win in the POF.

You also have to add Kodjia to that; and Elmohamady went off injured at half-time. So, we did have big players out for us.

As for the game of course it'll be tough - even more than Wolves you are probably or have been the best footballing team we have come up against, but we can also point to several performances where we have out-footballed, outplayed, and out gunned teams. Wolves 4-1 being the obvious starting point, but we were excellent 2nd half v Cardiff; brilliant at Ipswich and Sheff Wed, stuffed Derby at home but drew 1-1 - in one of those games where it looked like we could play all day and not score - hit the bar; post etc and then scored late on.

bruce set us up a certain way to negate the one thing Boro had - pace from traore - and we did that easily enough. boro's stats last night showed that - 9 shots and 0 on target and the majority of those shots were as they were pressing int he last 20 minutes. We comfortably kept them at arms length - as we have done to many teams this season after going a goal up.

I've no idea how we'll set ourselves up and in the admittedly very few times I've seen you your threat is pace down both flanks. You keep the ball in midfield well but I'm not too concerned about that - the 2nd ball coming into midfield maybe where you gain an advantage but i think it'll be similarly tight. In all honesty at this point I have no idea what to expect but of course I'm hopeful. I'm not 'worried' by Fulham but am more than aware that you could win it comfortably. I'm looking forward to it - but easy to say 2 weeks in advance. Bring it on.

We haven't performed in our last 3 Wembley visits though; but in saying that we tend to win our big finals that our staged on May 26th...

Up The Villa
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: BestOfBrede on May 16, 2018, 08:52:06 AM
I wish they had to wear their second colours for the final - reminds me of what happened last time at Wembley against claret & blue! Not a good memory at all!
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: toshes mate on May 16, 2018, 09:03:10 AM
I am hoping for a game full of all the good things about football on 26th and not chock full of the tediousness of most of that match last night - team one-nil down from first leg with no shots on target says it all.  I did feel the Villa 'keeper should have been red carded but that is referees for you these days. 
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Twig on May 16, 2018, 09:04:39 AM
Quote from: BestOfBrede on May 16, 2018, 08:52:06 AM
I wish they had to wear their second colours for the final - reminds me of what happened last time at Wembley against claret & blue! Not a good memory at all!

That was a very disappointing day wasn't it. A complete anticlimax.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: toshes mate on May 16, 2018, 09:04:58 AM
Quote from: BestOfBrede on May 16, 2018, 08:52:06 AM
I wish they had to wear their second colours for the final - reminds me of what happened last time at Wembley against claret & blue! Not a good memory at all!
Unless, of course, it is redemption day....
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Carborundum on May 16, 2018, 09:15:10 AM
The Wembley pitch is five yards longer than Craven Cottage and a staggering ten yards longer than Villa Park according to Wikipedia.  Aston Villa have a defensive leader whose inclination will be to play deep and oblige his fellow defenders to play to his line.  There will be acres of space.  We will outplay them.  They can press hard in the first half and blow up in the second or we can do them slowly over 90 minutes.  We just have to be positive and not let the occasion get to us.  Then trust that the dominant side usually ends up with more goals.

If they had Mitrovic or Sessegnon my worry levels might increase.  But they haven't.  We have them.

If we had John Terry I'd be very worried indeed.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: peter w on May 16, 2018, 09:25:31 AM
Quote from: Carborundum on May 16, 2018, 09:15:10 AM

If we had John Terry I'd be very worried indeed.

Why? he's playing in a team that's conceded 4 less than you in the 46 games, and one less than you already in the play-offs.

And to carry-on the pointless comparisons he was part of the team at Boro whose pitch is exactly the same size as Wembley.

So, against a team with more pace (according to one of your posters), on a pitch comparable to Wembley in size, Terry was comfortable.

I think you may be over thinking this Terry weakness side of things but i guess that's due to his other footballing allegiances.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Carborundum on May 16, 2018, 09:29:31 AM
I think I've explained why.  Your staunch defence of John Terry is admirable in a way, but the game at the Cottage provided the evidence I draw on.

We will see on the day.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Holders on May 16, 2018, 09:41:43 AM
Quote from: Statto on May 16, 2018, 09:41:00 AM
Terry will struggle with Mitro, not least because Mitro is white, so Terry won't be able to rely on his usual tactic, racial abuse

Ah, but Terry's xenophobic as well, don't forget.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: peter w on May 16, 2018, 10:14:59 AM
Quote from: Carborundum on May 16, 2018, 09:29:31 AM
I think I've explained why.  Your staunch defence of John Terry is admirable in a way, but the game at the Cottage provided the evidence I draw on.

We will see on the day.

nothing staunch about it.

just pointing out that maybe your anti-Terry standpoint is clouding your judgement regarding his abilities. Why not say Chester is crap? Or Hutton is useless? i think your fans let yourself down regarding terry with same of your obscene chants relating to his mother, and I think your vitriol is getting int he way of any objectivity relating to his ability. Still, its a football forum and you support Fulham so I'm going to be a lone voice here.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Milo on May 16, 2018, 10:22:27 AM
Quote from: peter w on May 16, 2018, 09:25:31 AM
Quote from: Carborundum on May 16, 2018, 09:15:10 AM

If we had John Terry I'd be very worried indeed.

Why? he's playing in a team that's conceded 4 less than you in the 46 games, and one less than you already in the play-offs.

And to carry-on the pointless comparisons he was part of the team at Boro whose pitch is exactly the same size as Wembley.

So, against a team with more pace (according to one of your posters), on a pitch comparable to Wembley in size, Terry was comfortable.

I think you may be over thinking this Terry weakness side of things but i guess that's due to his other footballing allegiances.

Think that's a pretty fair argument actually!

But Traore looked like a headless chicken. He would just pick it up narrow and run at your defence head on. I think Paul Merson really nailed it in his post match pundit review. Traore just didn't have any intelligence to stay out on the wings and stretch you.. he constantly tucked in to help defend but then it meant he was always attacking from deep and far too central to really give your defenders problems.

I think by contrast if we play Kamara (think of him as a poor mans Traore) and Sess these are two strikers who hug the touch line. If we play Piazon (SJ has done that quite a bit this year!) then we will be far more narrow and play into your hands.

Even if you deal with our wingers, we have very quickly learnt how to adapt to the deep lying solid defensive line. We just had 2 games practice! Derby were defending for 100-120 minutes. That tactic is to play the ball into Mitro who holds it up and lays it off to our oncoming midfielders and wingers. It gives us shots just inside/just outside the penalty area on a regular basis. So the key there will be Mitro v Terry which is definitely a mouthwatering contest!

I think the game could be quite open. It'll come down to who takes their chances. I think we have more potency up front in that regard.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Woolly Mammoth on May 16, 2018, 10:34:38 AM
Quote from: peter w on May 16, 2018, 09:25:31 AM
Quote from: Carborundum on May 16, 2018, 09:15:10 AM

If we had John Terry I'd be very worried indeed.

Why? he's playing in a team that's conceded 4 less than you in the 46 games, and one less than you already in the play-offs.

And to carry-on the pointless comparisons he was part of the team at Boro whose pitch is exactly the same size as Wembley.

So, against a team with more pace (according to one of your posters), on a pitch comparable to Wembley in size, Terry was comfortable.

I think you may be over thinking this Terry weakness side of things but i guess that's due to his other footballing allegiances.

Thanks for the valuable information, it will stand us in good stead, I am trembling, oh and one more thing, what else do you know about this geezer Terry.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: peter w on May 16, 2018, 10:37:23 AM
Quote from: Milo on May 16, 2018, 10:22:27 AM
Quote from: peter w on May 16, 2018, 09:25:31 AM
Quote from: Carborundum on May 16, 2018, 09:15:10 AM

If we had John Terry I'd be very worried indeed.

Why? he's playing in a team that's conceded 4 less than you in the 46 games, and one less than you already in the play-offs.

And to carry-on the pointless comparisons he was part of the team at Boro whose pitch is exactly the same size as Wembley.

So, against a team with more pace (according to one of your posters), on a pitch comparable to Wembley in size, Terry was comfortable.

I think you may be over thinking this Terry weakness side of things but i guess that's due to his other footballing allegiances.

Think that's a pretty fair argument actually!

But Traore looked like a headless chicken. He would just pick it up narrow and run at your defence head on. I think Paul Merson really nailed it in his post match pundit review. Traore just didn't have any intelligence to stay out on the wings and stretch you.. he constantly tucked in to help defend but then it meant he was always attacking from deep and far too central to really give your defenders problems.

I think by contrast if we play Kamara (think of him as a poor mans Traore) and Sess these are two strikers who hug the touch line. If we play Piazon (SJ has done that quite a bit this year!) then we will be far more narrow and play into your hands.

Even if you deal with our wingers, we have very quickly learnt how to adapt to the deep lying solid defensive line. We just had 2 games practice! Derby were defending for 100-120 minutes. That tactic is to play the ball into Mitro who holds it up and lays it off to our oncoming midfielders and wingers. It gives us shots just inside/just outside the penalty area on a regular basis. So the key there will be Mitro v Terry which is definitely a mouthwatering contest!

I think the game could be quite open. It'll come down to who takes their chances. I think we have more potency up front in that regard.

for us the key will be who put in front of Chester/terry. Jedinak has the height so against bigger teams he's more of a threat. Against sides without the same height threat Whelan does the job better of sitting infront of the back 4 and sweeping everything up and has a better range of passing. if we want legs in there and more energy then it'll be Bjarnasson, but he isn't as strong defensively as the other two.

The worry for me is the flanks because you clearly have quality there. Although i hope it is a good game of football, forgive me for hoping you get a biblical amount of injuries between now and the 26th, just to help us out a little.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: peter w on May 16, 2018, 10:39:30 AM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on May 16, 2018, 10:34:38 AM
Quote from: peter w on May 16, 2018, 09:25:31 AM
Quote from: Carborundum on May 16, 2018, 09:15:10 AM

If we had John Terry I'd be very worried indeed.

Why? he's playing in a team that's conceded 4 less than you in the 46 games, and one less than you already in the play-offs.

And to carry-on the pointless comparisons he was part of the team at Boro whose pitch is exactly the same size as Wembley.

So, against a team with more pace (according to one of your posters), on a pitch comparable to Wembley in size, Terry was comfortable.

I think you may be over thinking this Terry weakness side of things but i guess that's due to his other footballing allegiances.

Thanks for the valuable information, it will stand us in good stead, I am trembling, oh and one more thing, what else do you know about this geezer Terry.

Why should you be trembling? What else do I know about Terry? Won loads of England caps and medals as a top professional.

before this season i can't say i saw him as a stand-up guy but on the pitch this season he's been brilliant for us.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Milo on May 16, 2018, 10:47:50 AM
I think your best chances will come from set pieces with Jedinak and Terry.

Ours will be Kamara on the wing causing havoc with Traore like runs but wider and more effective than Traore. How Mitro fares v Terry.. spinning and getting shots away. Sess picking up scraps goal poaching.

Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Lighthouse on May 16, 2018, 11:01:54 AM
It depends who turns up on the day. Which coach can adjust his tactics to fit the changing situations. On the day we will have to match Villa who like to play keep ball. It will be as nervy as the semi final was. More so because we know. unlike other big final occasions we have been involved in. We are the better side this time. But that means nothing.

Don't make stupid decisions, don't get sent off and play as well as we have and we will win. Fall below and we wont.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: cmg on May 16, 2018, 11:59:20 AM
This Terry business threatens to get a bit out of hand.
Sure he is a pretty despicable person, but he has been one of the best centre-backs around and, contrary to many expectations, has had an excellent season for Villa and is still one of the
best CBs in the league.
He might lack pace, but it won't be pace that Mitro will be challenging him with.
He has a great deal of (very) big match experience and is far fom being a stranger to playing at Wembley.
In contrast we have only Targett (v Spurs last Boxing Day) and Johansen (for Norway v England) who have ever been there except as a tourist.

Mind you, experience isn't everything. Not many sides go there with 2 blokes with as much Wembley experience as we did in '75 and it didn't do us much good!
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Woolly Mammoth on May 16, 2018, 12:04:31 PM
Quote from: peter w on May 16, 2018, 10:39:30 AM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on May 16, 2018, 10:34:38 AM
Quote from: peter w on May 16, 2018, 09:25:31 AM
Quote from: Carborundum on May 16, 2018, 09:15:10 AM

If we had John Terry I'd be very worried indeed.

Why? he's playing in a team that's conceded 4 less than you in the 46 games, and one less than you already in the play-offs.

And to carry-on the pointless comparisons he was part of the team at Boro whose pitch is exactly the same size as Wembley.

So, against a team with more pace (according to one of your posters), on a pitch comparable to Wembley in size, Terry was comfortable.

I think you may be over thinking this Terry weakness side of things but i guess that's due to his other footballing allegiances.

Thanks for the valuable information, it will stand us in good stead, I am trembling, oh and one more thing, what else do you know about this geezer Terry.

Why should you be trembling? What else do I know about Terry? Won loads of England caps and medals as a top professional.

before this season i can't say i saw him as a stand-up guy but on the pitch this season he's been brilliant for us.

Peter Wythe I presume.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: bwamy on May 16, 2018, 12:05:52 PM
Quote from: peter w on May 16, 2018, 10:37:23 AM
Although i hope it is a good game of football, forgive me for hoping you get a biblical amount of injuries between now and the 26th, just to help us out a little.

Villa at present would struggle back in the Premiership. You just don't have the strength in depth right now, though it is inevitable that you will be back sooner or later. The time is right for Fulham.

I hope that you are not pinning too much hope on Terry as presumably he will be off to another Championship team if you are promoted, to avoid playing against Chelsea of course. Given that he is such a loyal, honorable man who would would never do anything disloyal ever.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: peter w on May 16, 2018, 12:12:58 PM
Quote from: bwamy on May 16, 2018, 12:05:52 PM
Quote from: peter w on May 16, 2018, 10:37:23 AM
Although i hope it is a good game of football, forgive me for hoping you get a biblical amount of injuries between now and the 26th, just to help us out a little.

Villa at present would struggle back in the Premiership. You just don't have the strength in depth right now, though it is inevitable that you will be back sooner or later. The time is right for Fulham.

I hope that you are not pinning too much hope on Terry as presumably he will be off to another Championship team if you are promoted, to avoid playing against Chelsea of course. Given that he is such a loyal, honorable man who would would never do anything disloyal ever.

I agree. if you look through our team I think we'd need a fair few players - but we do have the financial muscle. Problem with that is having to buy too many players at the same time. Who would be good enough? Johnstone (we would buy him); maybe Chester; Grealish; Snodgrass (again a loan we would have to buy); possibly Jedinak - but luckily we have some decent kids coming through, too. but absolutely this team would struggle. As for Terry he's said that he'd stay if we were promoted.

As for the time is right for you, again I agree. I think your team would be decimated should you fail to go up. Cairney would probably go. maybe hendricks (I really don't know too much about your team), hopefully someone would have a word in Sessengon's ear about staying regardless given his age but a few 0's on the cheque speaks volumes. i think you have less surgery needed should you go up and would probably stay up comfortably the season after.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Milo on May 16, 2018, 12:43:22 PM
Quote from: peter w on May 16, 2018, 12:12:58 PM
Quote from: bwamy on May 16, 2018, 12:05:52 PM
Quote from: peter w on May 16, 2018, 10:37:23 AM
Although i hope it is a good game of football, forgive me for hoping you get a biblical amount of injuries between now and the 26th, just to help us out a little.

Villa at present would struggle back in the Premiership. You just don't have the strength in depth right now, though it is inevitable that you will be back sooner or later. The time is right for Fulham.

I hope that you are not pinning too much hope on Terry as presumably he will be off to another Championship team if you are promoted, to avoid playing against Chelsea of course. Given that he is such a loyal, honorable man who would would never do anything disloyal ever.

I agree. if you look through our team I think we'd need a fair few players - but we do have the financial muscle. Problem with that is having to buy too many players at the same time. Who would be good enough? Johnstone (we would buy him); maybe Chester; Grealish; Snodgrass (again a loan we would have to buy); possibly Jedinak - but luckily we have some decent kids coming through, too. but absolutely this team would struggle. As for Terry he's said that he'd stay if we were promoted.

As for the time is right for you, again I agree. I think your team would be decimated should you fail to go up. Cairney would probably go. maybe hendricks (I really don't know too much about your team), hopefully someone would have a word in Sessengon's ear about staying regardless given his age but a few 0's on the cheque speaks volumes. i think you have less surgery needed should you go up and would probably stay up comfortably the season after.

While Hendricks keeps most of us going through Fulham games it's in fact Fredericks who is at right back.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: ChesterTheTabby on May 16, 2018, 03:21:55 PM
Quote from: peter w on May 16, 2018, 08:50:44 AM
Quote from: maoconnor on May 16, 2018, 04:39:45 AM
Quote from: Milo on May 16, 2018, 01:13:18 AM
Incidentally Bruce argued they beat us at home and we beat them at home so it's equals equals.

However their victory was in October with no Mitro, Sess LB, Fonte upfront for 80 mins, and Cairney on as a sub still recovering from injury. Completely different team.

And they'll say no Grealish or Adomah, but I would also argue that whereas they were missing players when we beat them, we were not only missing influential players, but we still hadn't found our confidence or style. I think so long as we are not overconfident that we will win in the POF.

You also have to add Kodjia to that; and Elmohamady went off injured at half-time. So, we did have big players out for us.

As for the game of course it'll be tough - even more than Wolves you are probably or have been the best footballing team we have come up against, but we can also point to several performances where we have out-footballed, outplayed, and out gunned teams. Wolves 4-1 being the obvious starting point, but we were excellent 2nd half v Cardiff; brilliant at Ipswich and Sheff Wed, stuffed Derby at home but drew 1-1 - in one of those games where it looked like we could play all day and not score - hit the bar; post etc and then scored late on.

bruce set us up a certain way to negate the one thing Boro had - pace from traore - and we did that easily enough. boro's stats last night showed that - 9 shots and 0 on target and the majority of those shots were as they were pressing int he last 20 minutes. We comfortably kept them at arms length - as we have done to many teams this season after going a goal up.

I've no idea how we'll set ourselves up and in the admittedly very few times I've seen you your threat is pace down both flanks. You keep the ball in midfield well but I'm not too concerned about that - the 2nd ball coming into midfield maybe where you gain an advantage but i think it'll be similarly tight. In all honesty at this point I have no idea what to expect but of course I'm hopeful. I'm not 'worried' by Fulham but am more than aware that you could win it comfortably. I'm looking forward to it - but easy to say 2 weeks in advance. Bring it on.

We haven't performed in our last 3 Wembley visits though; but in saying that we tend to win our big finals that our staged on May 26th...

Up The Villa

Must admit, Pete, this is a fair assessment. Logical, and rational, thank you for your comments! I am really looking forward to this, and although I will absolutely gutted if we do lose out, I just hope that the football that is on display at Wembley is worthy of the stadium and the event. So long as we go at each other and get to watch some breathtaking football, in the end, I will be happy.

-Mike
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Bill2 on May 16, 2018, 05:45:10 PM
Quote from: peter w on May 16, 2018, 09:25:31 AM
Quote from: Carborundum on May 16, 2018, 09:15:10 AM

If we had John Terry I'd be very worried indeed.

Why? he's playing in a team that's conceded 4 less than you in the 46 games, and one less than you already in the play-offs.

And to carry-on the pointless comparisons he was part of the team at Boro whose pitch is exactly the same size as Wembley.

So, against a team with more pace (according to one of your posters), on a pitch comparable to Wembley in size, Terry was comfortable.

I think you may be over thinking this Terry weakness side of things but i guess that's due to his other footballing allegiances.
He is also playing against a team who scored 7 more goals than you did and our goals come from a range of players. Also you need review our performances in the latter part of the season as for the first part we were poor, where Villa have been consistent across the season.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: ffcne on May 16, 2018, 06:07:56 PM
Quote from: peter w on May 16, 2018, 09:25:31 AM
Quote from: Carborundum on May 16, 2018, 09:15:10 AM

If we had John Terry I'd be very worried indeed.

Why? he's playing in a team that's conceded 4 less than you in the 46 games, and one less than you already in the play-offs.

And to carry-on the pointless comparisons he was part of the team at Boro whose pitch is exactly the same size as Wembley.

So, against a team with more pace (according to one of your posters), on a pitch comparable to Wembley in size, Terry was comfortable.

I think you may be over thinking this Terry weakness side of things but i guess that's due to his other footballing allegiances.

Dont you just love these opposing fans ,who go onto rivals message boards.
We dont care what you think.
Yawn,Yawn.
Usually it starts i come in peace!!
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Luka on May 16, 2018, 07:09:28 PM
Quote from: ffcne on May 16, 2018, 06:07:56 PM
Quote from: peter w on May 16, 2018, 09:25:31 AM
Quote from: Carborundum on May 16, 2018, 09:15:10 AM

If we had John Terry I'd be very worried indeed.

Why? he's playing in a team that's conceded 4 less than you in the 46 games, and one less than you already in the play-offs.

And to carry-on the pointless comparisons he was part of the team at Boro whose pitch is exactly the same size as Wembley.

So, against a team with more pace (according to one of your posters), on a pitch comparable to Wembley in size, Terry was comfortable.

I think you may be over thinking this Terry weakness side of things but i guess that's due to his other footballing allegiances.

Dont you just love these opposing fans ,who go onto rivals message boards.
We dont care what you think.
Yawn,Yawn.
Usually it starts i come in peace!!

I agree, clearly got a high opinion of their own opinions.


Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: hovewhite on May 16, 2018, 07:32:45 PM
We will win,we have broke the winless run we have pace all down the sides,mitro is due a goal,we have seen sess who's sniffer in the box for the knockdown and rebounds.Terry  has no pace only slow very slow.
Off the pitch we have slav the orchestra,the conductder. the tactician. Only the team not applying the plan Will stop us.
Stand up if you BELIEVE and come on you WHITTEES!!
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Milo on May 16, 2018, 08:32:52 PM
Need some more contributions on here regarding tactics - get thinking everyone!
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Fulham 442 on May 16, 2018, 09:30:27 PM

Need some more contributions on here regarding tactics - get thinking everyone!

I'm sure the Villa bloke will be on here again with some more highly insightful observations shortly....🤣
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Fulham Joe on May 16, 2018, 09:34:44 PM
QuoteDont you just love these opposing fans ,who go onto rivals message boards.
We dont care what you think.
Yawn,Yawn.
Usually it starts i come in peace!!

What a pathetic attitude! Why can't the guy come on here and offer his opinions and try to hear ours without getting a load of abuse?
It's a bloody football match, we're not fighting a world war.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Burt on May 16, 2018, 10:20:31 PM
We allow fans on here from opposition clubs not to trade abuse, but to generate conversation, debate, etc.

So far Peter W has been respectful and offering his thoughts and insights, so let's keep it to that.

Cheers

Burt
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: davew on May 16, 2018, 10:30:19 PM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on May 15, 2018, 11:38:02 PM
If there is any Justice in this world when it comes to footballing teams, then we will conquer, if there is a God, after all they are the Villians.

But let us hope history doesn't repeat itself, weren't we in a similar position last year albeit just the semi final?
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: davew on May 16, 2018, 10:38:30 PM
Quote from: peter w on May 16, 2018, 09:25:31 AM
Quote from: Carborundum on May 16, 2018, 09:15:10 AM

If we had John Terry I'd be very worried indeed.

Why? he's playing in a team that's conceded 4 less than you in the 46 games, and one less than you already in the play-offs.

And to carry-on the pointless comparisons he was part of the team at Boro whose pitch is exactly the same size as Wembley.

So, against a team with more pace (according to one of your posters), on a pitch comparable to Wembley in size, Terry was comfortable.

I think you may be over thinking this Terry weakness side of things but i guess that's due to his other footballing allegiances.
Always welcome to have supporters of other clubs appear here on this forum, especially those who offer balanced and realistic views! It should be no surprise to you that many (but not me) are anti people who have played for our neighbours, Terry has been a great signing for your team. I have been away in Spain and just watched the 2nd leg tonight (without knowing the result beforehand), not sure which team I would have preferred Fulham to play in the final, on our best form it wouldn't matter, but anybody's game Saturday week!
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Carborundum on May 16, 2018, 11:00:15 PM
Just for the avoidance of doubt, I couldn't give a hoot whether he played for Chelsea.  He plays a deep line, probably because he is afraid of pace.  It seemed as clear as day at the Cottage.  This opened the field up nicely for our midfield and looking ahead Wembley is a big pitch. 

Huddersfield played a similarly deep line against us last season.  The bad news: they went up in the play offs.  The good news is that we mullered them twice, because we are a nightmare for teams playing a deep line. Only Villa, Burton and Sheffield United have been inclined to try it at the Cottage in recent months.

We got 88 points this season and struggled against teams pressing high.  We must be good against some tactic.  Deep line.  The thing Villa have just spent time perfecting against 'Boro.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: FulhamKC on May 16, 2018, 11:54:49 PM
Quote from: Fulham Joe on May 16, 2018, 09:34:44 PM
QuoteDont you just love these opposing fans ,who go onto rivals message boards.
We dont care what you think.
Yawn,Yawn.
Usually it starts i come in peace!!

What a pathetic attitude! Why can't the guy come on here and offer his opinions and try to hear ours without getting a load of abuse?
It's a bloody football match, we're not fighting a world war.

:plus one:
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: AVFC1982 on May 17, 2018, 11:20:10 AM
Hi all Villa fan here.

In regards to the game for me I believe it will be decided by 1 goal either way. Villa have the experience while Fulham is a more youthful team with a lot of ability also. Whoever has the better game out of Sessengon and Grealish will decide a lot. A little history lesson for all Fulham fans 26th May is the biggest day in AVFC history as it marks the date we won the European Cup in 1982 so with the game being played on 26th May hopefully a good sign for us!

082.gif
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Fulham Joe on May 17, 2018, 11:31:54 AM
The 26th of May is also important to us, because like every other day in the calendar, it marks the day we won ferk all.
Even if we win this, all we will have won is the play off for third place.
I wonder if I can possibly live long enough to see Fulham win a major trophy?
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: AVFC1982 on May 17, 2018, 11:35:23 AM
Quote from: Fulham Joe on May 17, 2018, 11:31:54 AM
The 26th of May is also important to us, because like every other day in the calendar, it marks the day we won ferk all.
Even if we win this, all we will have won is the play off for third place.
I wonder if I can possibly live long enough to see Fulham win a major trophy?

I was shocked when I found out FFC had never won a major trophy a while back. I was cheering you guys on in 2009 Uefa Cup final. I said to my friend who lives in West London before Chelsea's rise due to the money its crazy to think of the lack of trophies for West London football team's!
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Jimpav on May 17, 2018, 11:54:03 AM

Wimbledon asides, the South London clubs haven't done much better than the West London Clubs in modern times.

You may now know this but we did win the Inter toto though one time though.

Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: supersimmo123 on May 17, 2018, 12:07:19 PM
Villa worry me hugely. I think they have everything required to cause us trouble. I get people say we can hurt them with pace, but being honest they hardly struggled with Traore who is one of the fastest if not the fastest in the league. They have experience throughout their spine, Terry, Jedinak, Snodgrass etc whilst they have Adomah, Kodja and Grealish who are fantastic players and for me could play at a higher level, certainly the latter. They have players who have good playoff experience and Terry as well all know has played at the highest level and Wembley is like a second home for him after his England days. Giving him some stick me help with that one though!

Any Fulham fan that thinks this will be a walk in the park is wrong. They will be equally as solid as Derby in the first leg and will provide a better threat going forward. They have a good midfield engine room must like us and I think the midfield will be what decides who wins this one on the day.

Having said all that, we have a ability to keep the ball and work it from side to side to open up the space for the midfield runners and will require our full-backs to be brave and bomb on. This was the biggest difference for me in the 2nd leg against Derby. Fredericks inparticular was up and down that right flank which allows space for AK and the Midfield to run between the lines. I think the way to win this is no different to our usual game plan, stretch the game and make the pitch as wide as possible, have TC and SJ run in-between the lines and support Mitro up top. In regards to combating Villa, stick SJ on Grealish man for man, have him follow him everywhere and KMac can just sit and anchor that back 4 as he has done all season. Important that whilst we play out from the back, try to limit all mistakes and if we need to go long ensure we win second balls all over the place. The lads need to push for 90 mins and be at there best to get us back to the big time and then we can see if this team is ready for the Prem.

Its probably as even a final as I can remember in the championship but with 2 very different styles of football being played. Very exciting and lets hope we can come out on top! COYW!
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Lighthouse on May 17, 2018, 12:15:45 PM
Quote from: AVFC1982 on May 17, 2018, 11:20:10 AM
Hi all Villa fan here.

In regards to the game for me I believe it will be decided by 1 goal either way. Villa have the experience while Fulham is a more youthful team with a lot of ability also. Whoever has the better game out of Sessengon and Grealish will decide a lot. A little history lesson for all Fulham fans 26th May is the biggest day in AVFC history as it marks the date we won the European Cup in 1982 so with the game being played on 26th May hopefully a good sign for us!

082.gif

I think it depends on more  Cairney and Grealish. Both can orchestrate what is going on or pop up with a goal or pass. Sess can drift in and score and if we play and dominate possession than we can bring in the extra man in the area. But Villa will say the same thing. As a one off match Villa have a better chance than over two matches. Frankly anything can happen on the day. One poor tackle, one slip. I don't think we would argue that Fulham are the better footballing side. But Villa are not far behind and in Bruce has a tactician who has seen it all and has plenty of choices. Not a game for the fan of either club but for the neutral football purists it should be worth the wait.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: AVFC1982 on May 17, 2018, 12:26:44 PM
Quote from: Lighthouse on May 17, 2018, 12:15:45 PM
Quote from: AVFC1982 on May 17, 2018, 11:20:10 AM
Hi all Villa fan here.

In regards to the game for me I believe it will be decided by 1 goal either way. Villa have the experience while Fulham is a more youthful team with a lot of ability also. Whoever has the better game out of Sessengon and Grealish will decide a lot. A little history lesson for all Fulham fans 26th May is the biggest day in AVFC history as it marks the date we won the European Cup in 1982 so with the game being played on 26th May hopefully a good sign for us!

082.gif

I think it depends on more  Cairney and Grealish. Both can orchestrate what is going on or pop up with a goal or pass. Sess can drift in and score and if we play and dominate possession than we can bring in the extra man in the area. But Villa will say the same thing. As a one off match Villa have a better chance than over two matches. Frankly anything can happen on the day. One poor tackle, one slip. I don't think we would argue that Fulham are the better footballing side. But Villa are not far behind and in Bruce has a tactician who has seen it all and has plenty of choices. Not a game for the fan of either club but for the neutral football purists it should be worth the wait.

Agree with this 100%. I think for us maybe the experience can push us over the line and yes Bruce has 4 promotions from the championship believe it or not which was a big reason we hired him.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: AVFC1982 on May 17, 2018, 12:28:06 PM
Quote from: Jimpav on May 17, 2018, 11:54:03 AM

Wimbledon asides, the South London clubs haven't done much better than the West London Clubs in modern times.

You may now know this but we did win the Inter toto though one time though.

We also have an Inter toto cup  :003:

And yes I find it strange that apart from North London the capital itself did not win many trophies for a long time.

Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: NorfolkJim on May 17, 2018, 12:29:05 PM
I think it has all the makings of an amazing game. I'm much happier to be facing Villa as they are more likely to play football. Boro look dour. If anyone "belongs" in the top division based on history and being a big club it's Villa, but when we play right I think Fulham will come out on top this time. The fly in the ointment is if we don't perform on the day, like at Brum. I don't think I could cope with another nearly day - like Hamburg (I've never got over it yet).
Instead I'm thinking of the promotion at Huddersfield and that night away at Blackburn with 10 men. I was in tatters for the Derby game - couldn't work out if the trembling was the cold or nerves so while I am thrilled to be going to Wembley - I do wonder if the term "enjoy it" will be appropriate. Its taken 43 years but most of my football dreams have come near - following Fulham around Europe, seeing them in a major European final, an FA cup final (Though I was too young to know the significance of it) and winning against the like of Man U, Liverpool and Chelsea. Its one helluva roller coaster ride being a Fulham fan
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Holders on May 17, 2018, 12:33:38 PM
Tactics: we must practice penalties.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Milo on May 17, 2018, 12:48:43 PM
Quote from: Lighthouse on May 17, 2018, 12:15:45 PM
Quote from: AVFC1982 on May 17, 2018, 11:20:10 AM
Hi all Villa fan here.

In regards to the game for me I believe it will be decided by 1 goal either way. Villa have the experience while Fulham is a more youthful team with a lot of ability also. Whoever has the better game out of Sessengon and Grealish will decide a lot. A little history lesson for all Fulham fans 26th May is the biggest day in AVFC history as it marks the date we won the European Cup in 1982 so with the game being played on 26th May hopefully a good sign for us!

082.gif

I think it depends on more  Cairney and Grealish. Both can orchestrate what is going on or pop up with a goal or pass. Sess can drift in and score and if we play and dominate possession than we can bring in the extra man in the area. But Villa will say the same thing. As a one off match Villa have a better chance than over two matches. Frankly anything can happen on the day. One poor tackle, one slip. I don't think we would argue that Fulham are the better footballing side. But Villa are not far behind and in Bruce has a tactician who has seen it all and has plenty of choices. Not a game for the fan of either club but for the neutral football purists it should be worth the wait.

Disagree with the idea that Villa aren't far behind us footballing wise. They offered little outside Grealish in the Boro games. Unless the Boro game was not a fair reflection of their season? But I'd didn't get that impression with the reactions from their forum or the pundits. Happy to hear otherwise of course.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: General on May 17, 2018, 01:18:38 PM
Quote from: peter w on May 16, 2018, 09:25:31 AM
Quote from: Carborundum on May 16, 2018, 09:15:10 AM

If we had John Terry I'd be very worried indeed.

Why? he's playing in a team that's conceded 4 less than you in the 46 games, and one less than you already in the play-offs.

And to carry-on the pointless comparisons he was part of the team at Boro whose pitch is exactly the same size as Wembley.

So, against a team with more pace (according to one of your posters), on a pitch comparable to Wembley in size, Terry was comfortable.

I think you may be over thinking this Terry weakness side of things but i guess that's due to his other footballing allegiances.

Don't know about boro having more pace. In fact I'd comfortably say man for man we have much more. Sessegnon, Kamara, target, fredericks, odoi and cyrus christie all have pace to burn. I have yet to see any player in the division beat Fredericks in particular in a foot race.

I think our greatest asset if utilised properly will be our pace. At times it is visually explosive on the eye. Players tend to find another gear against almost anyone.

Our second greatest strength is our middle three and the familiarity they have with one another and technique. I watched the game again the other day and in particular in the second half we simply dominated due to our players ability to play one touch football. At least three or four passages of play bringing the ball from defence into the attacking final thiRd with one or maximum two touch movement from every player involved - that's why we have such high possession stats and why teams fade as games wear on.

Added to mitrovic who gives us that versatility up front to bring players into the game and hold up the ball and playing it well on the ground and in the air then I'm confident.

Our defence will need to be on top of their game though - villa will have chances or at least have players who can cause problems.

That said though our defensive record is still pretty solid.

In the second half of this season fulham have scored 46 and conceded 14 goals and have managed 12 clean sheets (including in our last game) out of 23 games played in the league.

Shut outs in over half of our games when our defence is arguably our weakest area.

Comparing that to villa...

Villa scored 40 and conceded 18. So over the same time difference a GD of +22 where fulhams is +32.

Now in a one off game nothing can be guaranteed but when you delve deeper into the stats it's more compelling.

Villa have failed to score in 5 of their games since start of this year, with a big bulk of their goals coming in 8 games. 29 of those 40 goals scored came in eight games. The other 15 saw two goals scored just once, and the remaining 14 games consisted of nine games settled by one goal.

For Fulham in our 23 game run we only failed to score once, only scored one goal in seven games.. meaning in 15 games we scored 2 or more goals... a third of those saw us score 3 or more.

So statistically those insights would suggest whilst there are two capable teams are the both ends of the park fulham have more consistency in scoring more goals (villa average one goal for most games) compared to our average of two and also, albeit just, having the knack to shut out opposing attackers.. and that could very much be the difference.

Of the two games we've played though both sets of fans seem to feel that neither team was at full strength. When fulham initially lost they were playing without cairney  (coming back from injury) for 60 minutes of the game and played with Fonte, Kebano and Ayite up front and sessegnon at LB. We even brought in ibrahima cisse for nearly 20 mins and he hasn't played since. Even through all of this Johansen scored a goal for us. We were extremely disjointed back then. Possession stats still were 68% in our favour. 

Looking at both our games against each other villa didn't field an exact team either time and didn't field the same team against boro than at any time against us.

Since then we've brought in mitrovic and target and moved sessegnon up the field. In mitrovic and sessegnon since January we've seen a combined total of 28 goals scored roughly and eight further assists.

Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: AVFC1982 on May 17, 2018, 02:16:41 PM
Quote from: Milo on May 17, 2018, 12:48:43 PM
Quote from: Lighthouse on May 17, 2018, 12:15:45 PM
Quote from: AVFC1982 on May 17, 2018, 11:20:10 AM
Hi all Villa fan here.

In regards to the game for me I believe it will be decided by 1 goal either way. Villa have the experience while Fulham is a more youthful team with a lot of ability also. Whoever has the better game out of Sessengon and Grealish will decide a lot. A little history lesson for all Fulham fans 26th May is the biggest day in AVFC history as it marks the date we won the European Cup in 1982 so with the game being played on 26th May hopefully a good sign for us!

082.gif

I think it depends on more  Cairney and Grealish. Both can orchestrate what is going on or pop up with a goal or pass. Sess can drift in and score and if we play and dominate possession than we can bring in the extra man in the area. But Villa will say the same thing. As a one off match Villa have a better chance than over two matches. Frankly anything can happen on the day. One poor tackle, one slip. I don't think we would argue that Fulham are the better footballing side. But Villa are not far behind and in Bruce has a tactician who has seen it all and has plenty of choices. Not a game for the fan of either club but for the neutral football purists it should be worth the wait.

Disagree with the idea that Villa aren't far behind us footballing wise. They offered little outside Grealish in the Boro games. Unless the Boro game was not a fair reflection of their season? But I'd didn't get that impression with the reactions from their forum or the pundits. Happy to hear otherwise of course.

In all fairness as soon as we scored against Boro in the away leg I think a lot of Villa fans knew how we would play in a defensive manner for the rest of the tie. I guess its just who turns up on the day IMO you've had big wins while we've beat Wolves 4-1 Bristol City 5-0 so we have a big performance in us on our day.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: peter w on May 17, 2018, 08:19:05 PM
It is easy to see why Fulham are favourites and I think most Villa fans would also accept that we are slight underdogs going into this. Regarding the stats above they are spot on but don't tell the full story; in the games we scored 4 or more, and most under Bruce, we tend to start slowly. When we get our noses in front we tend to win and when teams attack to get the goal back we either shut the game out or pick them off. I may be wrong but I don't think we've lost a game where we've taken the lead in the league so far this season. That could be what's crucial. If we score first I think we'll win. If not then enjoy the Prem next season.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: General on May 17, 2018, 08:51:00 PM
Quote from: peter w on May 17, 2018, 08:19:05 PM
It is easy to see why Fulham are favourites and I think most Villa fans would also accept that we are slight underdogs going into this. Regarding the stats above they are spot on but don't tell the full story; in the games we scored 4 or more, and most under Bruce, we tend to start slowly. When we get our noses in front we tend to win and when teams attack to get the goal back we either shut the game out or pick them off. I may be wrong but I don't think we've lost a game where we've taken the lead in the league so far this season. That could be what's crucial. If we score first I think we'll win. If not then enjoy the Prem next season.

That's interesting to see but what you're perhaps failing you concede  (although this is a final as so form should be taken with pinch of salt) is that Fulham have a habit of scoring goals.. usually 2 or more per game.. and whilst you say you're good with holding on to leads, fulham have a better defensive record since January which would suggest it could be hard for you to score in the first place... and even if you do, fulham have only failed to score in one game out of the last 23. Whilst we may not score, I'd be suprised.

Couple that with the fact you score an average of one goal in a lot of your games and we haven't failed to score in 22 of 23 games, then at least there's and draw on the books. Going on form and goalscoring ability and the law of averages, on top of the 68% possession in both our games in favour of fulham, it'd lean towards fulham meeting their average of two goals scored.

Now in order for that to change you'd need to score based on form need to score 2 goals which you only achieved 9 times since January... and you only scored two goals in a game once.. which unless you thrash us (which is a possibility) will see you most likely to score one or two goals. Our average being two.

So based on form, in theory to be safe you need to score two goals at Wembley and shut us out, (unless you thrash us) which would be as shown very rare.

It's anyone's guess what will happen.. it's a one off and there are players on both sides who can change a game..Steve Bruce himself has said he's hoping villas experience will help make the difference.

I think the game will be won depending on each teams mental preparation. If fulham get the balance right, like they did when we went on the run against you, wolves and the rest of the top six where we won all of the games.. or if fulham turn up mentally prepared like against derby in the second leg with more purpose to their possession play then we will score and goal at least.

We have yet to fail to score against your defence too.. to further enhance that argument.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Milo on May 17, 2018, 08:54:51 PM
Also we only ever turn up in the second half of games! Ha ha.

So it could well be 1-0 Villa at half time and then a big Fulham surge if (as you predict) Villa sit back. Would be kitchen sink stuff and we are used to grinding teams down eg Derby. However I don't think such a game would do wonders for the hearts of some of our aged members.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: KingofCheese on May 17, 2018, 08:58:00 PM
Quote from: Fulham Joe on May 15, 2018, 11:14:14 PM
These statements can always come back and bite you on the arse, but I saw absolutely nothing from Aston Villa for us to worry about.
If we get beaten, it willl be because we're Fulham and we never ever win a final.
If we're on a going day, and get even a tiny bit of luck, we'll take care of them, I'm certain of it.

Won the InterToTo I was there at Loftus road...
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: SP on May 17, 2018, 10:02:48 PM
Not an expert on the betting front but the current odds make no sense to me, I think this match is balanced evenly probably 50/50? Down to which team settles better for me.

FFC 6/5
Draw 2/1
AVFC 12/5
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: fulham traveller on May 17, 2018, 11:39:33 PM
I would make villa favorites, more expiernced players and manager, John terry been there so many times, my fear is we freeze
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Woolly Mammoth on May 17, 2018, 11:49:12 PM
If there is God, and we do win. What's the betting John Terry will change into a Fulham kit, and go and pick up the Trophy.
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: General on May 18, 2018, 09:23:52 AM
Villa fans have gone quiet...
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: Carborundum on May 18, 2018, 10:16:40 AM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on May 17, 2018, 11:49:12 PM
If there is God, and we do win. What's the betting John Terry will change into a Fulham kit, and go and pick up the Trophy.
Woolly, we really must stop picking on John Terry, you know how it upsets the Villa fans visiting here so!
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: fulham traveller on May 18, 2018, 10:25:32 AM
My concern is we will have all the play, and get done by two set pieces, which we are weak at, I make villa the favourites
Title: Re: Fulham v Villa
Post by: hongkongfulham on May 18, 2018, 03:18:21 PM
Quote from: supersimmo123 on May 17, 2018, 12:07:19 PM
Villa worry me hugely. I think they have everything required to cause us trouble. I get people say we can hurt them with pace, but being honest they hardly struggled with Traore who is one of the fastest if not the fastest in the league. They have experience throughout their spine, Terry, Jedinak, Snodgrass etc whilst they have Adomah, Kodja and Grealish who are fantastic players and for me could play at a higher level, certainly the latter. They have players who have good playoff experience and Terry as well all know has played at the highest level and Wembley is like a second home for him after his England days. Giving him some stick me help with that one though!

Any Fulham fan that thinks this will be a walk in the park is wrong. They will be equally as solid as Derby in the first leg and will provide a better threat going forward. They have a good midfield engine room must like us and I think the midfield will be what decides who wins this one on the day.

Having said all that, we have a ability to keep the ball and work it from side to side to open up the space for the midfield runners and will require our full-backs to be brave and bomb on. This was the biggest difference for me in the 2nd leg against Derby. Fredericks inparticular was up and down that right flank which allows space for AK and the Midfield to run between the lines. I think the way to win this is no different to our usual game plan, stretch the game and make the pitch as wide as possible, have TC and SJ run in-between the lines and support Mitro up top. In regards to combating Villa, stick SJ on Grealish man for man, have him follow him everywhere and KMac can just sit and anchor that back 4 as he has done all season. Important that whilst we play out from the back, try to limit all mistakes and if we need to go long ensure we win second balls all over the place. The lads need to push for 90 mins and be at there best to get us back to the big time and then we can see if this team is ready for the Prem.

Its probably as even a final as I can remember in the championship but with 2 very different styles of football being played. Very exciting and lets hope we can come out on top! COYW!

Best summary i've read so far