http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/july/28/cup-of-traditions-live-stream If you have FFCTV subscription a live stream is available, our first match starts at 4pm.
The game against Bilbao will only last 45 minutes, with the winner taking on the victors of the Duisburg vs Fiorentina game that kicks off an hour before Fulham - who start at 4pm UK time. Andre Schurrle could be in line for a debut too today - he starts from the bench for the Whites, who also have Luca Ashby-Hammond, Steven Sessegnon, Kevin McDonald, Luca de la Torre and Rui Fonte on the bench. Fulham: Fabri, Christie, Ream, Odoi, Le Marchand, Seri, Johansen, Cairney, Sessegnon, Kebano and Kamara
Kamara was our liveliest player and well deserved his goal. The dink forward by Seri for our first was exquisite, and great anticipation by Kebano to slot it home. Now the claws come out. Neither fullback looked comfortable defending and both were far from quick when having to chase back. Seri was off the pace. Far too many wayward long balls - indeed the game passed by our midfield in the main. The team was: Fabri, Christie, Odoi, Ream, Le Marchand, Johansen, Seri, Cairney, R.Sessegnon, Kebano, Kamara Still 3-1 in our favour so roll on the Final and some new faces.
I thought Fabi's distribution was good. Both fullbacks played high up the pitch, always a risk, but Le Marchand seemed to be linking up well with Sess near the end of the half. AK's goal was a belter and well deserved. I thought I had the prediction right until we went and spoil it by getting 2 more, typical!
Final kicks off at 6pm Our team being, Fabri, Christie, Odoi, Ream, R.Sessegnon, McDonald, Johansen, Schürrle, Seri, Kebano, Kamara
Ouch!! We wuz robbed (9-8 on penalties after 0-0 at full time). However, much more like the Fulham we've come to know and love in the game proper; dominating possession. And a much more balanced side: Fabri, Christie (S. Sessegnon 31'), Odoi, Ream, R.Sessegnon, McDonald, Johansen, Seri, de la Torre. Kebano, Schürrle [Kamara was pulled out at the last minute and Luca de la Torre replaced] Seri looking good and Kebano buzzing. But the man who made all the difference? .... Super Kevin McDonald.
In the first game against Bibao, thought both Christie (RB) and Le Marchand (LB) were poor defensively. And Le Marchand in particular caught out of position frequently and looked slow getting back. In the Final against Fiorentina, Ryan Sess came in at LB - did okay and linked with Schurrle (ahead of him) well. Christie was a transformed player though - great runs, dribbling and looked strong. A major difference of course was that we were controlling the game and rarely got pressed. Christie came off after half an hour - don't know if had a 'tweak' or it was because he'd already played the earlier 45 min - and Ryan Sess came on. He also did okay and looked quite accomplished going forward. [Gutted for the young man that it was his penalty miss that made the difference. That said, don't quite understand why Johansen didn't step up to take the kick before him.]
Not sure if anything has been mentioned on here or elsewhere, but is there any particular reason why Ayite hasn't been seen much during pre season? I can't seem to remember him being involved in any games so far. Injured or just not part of the plans this year?
Shame, but with the arrival of Schurrle you'd have to say his chances of getting games would be limited anyway. Even before the signing of Schurrle I always felt Ayite would struggle to break into the team this year, not sure if he's what we need for the premier league.