Gallowgate Toon

He should have started really, I prefer him in a middle 3 in general but I think he'd have done a lot more damage instead of Jonas out wide.

If we continue to play with the same style and shape when he's back, he'll be a monster. He'll add a lot more threat in the final third with his short passing, vision and shooting.

The way the midfield was organised was appalling in the first half, 2 players either following Toure or following the ball, Anita closing down the full back from their goal kick when it was Jonas' job. It was no wonder they sliced through us so easily in that half, we were all over the shop in the middle. We shored it up in the second half, the players seemed to have more defined positions and consequently protected the back 4 better, as well as retaining possession more easily too. Credit for the second, we actually made some chances and played well, it's great to see us mix it up a bit now too, hopefully our approach won't change when others come back from injury.

Excellent today, his one touch play around the box is fantastic and something we should really try to build on. I always thought he was a good player, but not as diverse as he's shown.

I'm not at all confident of a win but I don't think we'll get hammered. Could be the best time to play them, after their result from last week.

I think they've been linking up a little better of late but I think that's been aided by having someone occupying an attacking midfielder's space. Anita, Marveaux and HBA have all had periods of the game playing just behind them, in recent matches.

He slotted in there really well before he went off last night, gave them a headache. He certainly wasn't playing wide at that point.

One of these and I'd be happy: Krul Simpson Perch Colo Santon Anita Tiote Marveaux Ben Arfa Cisse Ba Or Krul Simpson Perch Colo Santon Anita Tiote Marv Ben Arfa Ba Cisse I can't see us winning but we might as well have a go and try to get something. We won't be able to simply contain them.

Cisse's underrated in terms of his general play, he's useful with the ball at his feet, he played a lovely through ball to Ba in the second. I think he's played relatively well of late.

Literally the last person you'd want to put crosses in when you're chasing the game. He shouldn't have started and it was unbelievable that he lasted the full 90.

Interesting watching the first half back. It was good to see us not resort to lumping it, even if we were given a lot of time on the ball, we weren't particularly creative but apart from the odd daft mistake, we looked OK and kept it well enough. We do however, really need to work on getting the strikers moving in the box when a cross comes in. We managed to get some decent balls in there but there was no movement from strikers or midfielders in the area, Fulham found it far too easy. We also really needed/need a creative attacking presence in the middle, to drive us forward and add some variety to our play. Ba did drop back a bit, especially after we went 4-4-2 but his link-up play, more often than not, wasn't good enough. We do have players that can fill that void, HBA, Marveaux, Cabaye and possibly Anita as well but I can't see Pards going for it. Watching the second and for a good 10 minutes before he went off, HBA was playing behind Cisse and Ba, and he was dangerous. I hope it's in Pards' thoughts, he should have persevered with it with Marveaux.

Because he's not being deployed deep. In fact he's being played the opposite way, the furthest forward midfielder who often pressures defenders in play, which is what he did last night.

I think we seemed to play better as they were unbelievably deep. Essentially, they were doing an 'us', trying to preserve their lead and we had a lot of time on the ball as a consequence. Let's not kid anyone, our attacks culminated in us floating balls into the box, which was too easy for them.

Always had faith in him, great to see him looking the part.

A step backwards again today, very disappointing. Fulham were massively lacking in confidence and the best we could muster were rubbish crosses to their massive centre back and some ambitious efforts. Needs to stop shitting himself as soon as we go a goal down too, the players need to get some rhythm going, you'd think he'd have realised his usual plan never works when we go behind.

Depressingly obvious regarding Jonas/Marveaux. Decent enough otherwise.

Is there anyone currently/recently in their prime that would make the list in people's opinions? I agree with all the suggestions but I was more thinking about the current crop plying their trade. The likes of Silva, Hummels etc. As Tooj said...

Just out of interest, would anyone put any current defenders in an all-time great list?

Interesting comments from AP there, interesting to see how he goes for it tomorrow. Nice to hear him talking about taking risks for once too.

Shola was woeful, the other 2 weren't as horrible. Positive comment for Marv though, I think he has a chance on Monday and I hope he starts, the situation's set up much better for him.

Same team as Wigan but with HBA in for Jonas.

Rubbish. The most impressive part of his game on Monday was getting through tight gaps/situations and being able to keep the ball/create something.

He's going to be inconsistent for the sheer fact he's barely played competitive football for the best part of 2 years. He should still play on Monday though and I have a feeling he will.

Really don't get Amalfitano not getting much time on the pitch.

I'd play him primarily on the left against Fulham but encourage a fluid front 3. He's the best mover in the team and was played in nicely a couple of times last night running in from wide, I think he might have buried one of those chances if they'd been on his right foot.