Heskey injured for a month.

[tsvet]

It looks like our injury free luck has deserted us along with MON.

It is also probably coincidental but last month some sports trainer criticised Mancini for causing injuries to his players by over training them during the week. Houllier has recently said he has changed the whole training regime and the players needed to train harder.

I'm not sure it is coincidence.

From what I gather, that's the correct answer.

[Dribbler]

Oh dear, it really does look as though the extra training is taking it's toll on the team. That doesn't mean that we don't need the extra training though. Essentially we have three injured strikers now, as Carew has been carrying an ongoing back problem for a while. I suppose it's four if you include Weimann. Now it's time for some of our more attacking midfielders to step up to the plate and get us some goals and maybe an opportunity for Delfouneso to get a run out, I doubt he will get a better chance than this, could be the defining point of his career.

What chance we could get a striker and midfielder on loan? Can't think of anyone to be honest.

[Concrete John]

I know some people rate Delfouneso, but I've been excited by him.

He should at least make the bench for Fulham

The way things are going, I should make the bench for Fulham!

I could never get a look in under Martin as my preferred position is right back.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

I know some people rate Delfouneso, but I've been excited by him.

He should at least make the bench for Fulham

The way things are going, I should make the bench for Fulham!

I could never get a look in under Martin as my preferred position is right back.

More like you looked at him a 'bit funny' on the training ground, so you were frozen out.

[frank]

I hope GH doesn't decide to go with no strikers against Fulham. That didn't work last time he tried it. Perhaps it's time for Delfouneso to get his chance, though he hasn't impressed me this season. I think on balance I'd prefer Carew, if he's fit and interested.

[German James]

Two big "ifs" there...

[TonyD]

If the Fonz doesnt start on Saturday he never will.

[supertom]

Don't think the training can be blamed. Heskey can't string more than 5 games together at time. Much as he's been excellent, his biggest problem is constant injuries.

Our fitness generally wasn't good enough either, so it needs addressing.

[Risso]

Against Fulham I'd go:

Young Collins Dunne Warnock
Clark
Downing NRC Ireland Young
Carew

With Ireland detailed to assist Carew with Clark providing cover in midfield.

[ROBBO]

Training the players harder will have an effect on those who are injury prone, Heskey and Carew are both crocs and this is probably their last season all we need now is for Owen to be signed in January and we can have a trifecta.

[pedro25]

Risso I'm surprised you'd give Ireland the nod over Albrighton from what we have seen so far this season.

[Concrete John]

I agree - I'd be hoping for Risso's team with the exception of Marc in for Albrighton.

[stevenjos]

Maybe time to give Delf a go. im guessing it wont happen but he should be given the nod to see what he can do.

If we dont sign a real striker in the window then we are royally f**ked

[PaulWinch again]

Oh dear, we really are getting crippled at the moment.

[Merv]

Risso's team is the one I'd go with - saved me the trouble posting it!

Start with that X1, then we've got Albrighton on the bench to change things if we need - we can either take one of the CMs off and go with a 4-4-2, pushing Young further upfield alongside Carew, or keep the same formation and replace Downing in the second half. Delfouneso on the bench if we need another striker.

Heskey's injury is bad news, things are really biting now. I thought I'd read Gabby might be fit after the Fulham game and come back into contention - if so, that at least gives us him, Carew and Delfouneso - plus Young, who we've used as a second striker often this season - until Heskey is fit again. Mind you, by the time Heskey is back we're not far off the transfer window re-opening...