A'Villan

My anticipation has been one of resolute confidence in the team. Would be lying if I told you the nerves and excitement aren't creeping in. No point doubting ourselves here in anyway. Respect Fulham, play hard for 90 minutes and it could be our day.

Spoke well enough in his interview. Discussed remaining calm and focused on the dynamics of the match to ensure he can offer the players any edge possible. As he said himself, the two or three bits of information you relay at HT can be pivotal. On'ya Bruce!

I think we have a lot of winners for this level in our squad. Anyone of them could step up. This man just has that special extra something to his game and I can't wait to see him on the ball.

Fair point. For what it's worth I have backed Bruce since the start of the season. This is one manager who I would consider replacing Bruce with should we make a PL return.

Ranieri has left Nantes by mutual consent.

And Antonio Valencia. Both attacking players in their prime.

Alex Song

Anyone notice Claudio Ranieri has decided to part ways with Nantes? Would take him as our manager.

His 'hopeful' chips against us were half decent, at worst, passes in my mind. He's got some vision about him, just lacks finesse. If it weren't for his robust pace he'd be marked easily enough, but he does have it and it causes opposition problems. That's probably his main flaw as an attacker, so if he can add to his game he could easily be worthy of a place in the top division, perhaps Europe. It would seem like some have a bit of a hang up about his departure, which is their prerogative, but I think it clouds judgement.

Looking forward to this. It'll be the first football outside of Villa I have watched in some years, not including the Champions League. Surprised to see Loftus-Cheek in there. Never seen him play but at 2 goals and 4 assists, I don't understand why you over look Wilshere, Lallana and even our own Grealish. Sterling is your best threat from midfield, after that I'd say it would be Alli or Grealish, although I haven't seen Lingard play. Maybe he went for physicality? I want to see England do well, it's overdue, and would make it a better competition. My tip is Brazil or Belgium. I don't think I have many prejudices, but just anyone but Germany.

"You know.. fish chips, cup o tea, bad food, worst weather.. Mary effing Poppins, LONDON!"

Confident about this one. The anticipation I'm experiencing isn't one of nerves, more resolute belief in our club and everyone involved.

Thought he was decent in our last match. He so frequently beats his man down the wing. It wasn't a game where we spent large periods on the ball and clear counter opportunities weren't plentiful. Thought his runs down the wing were almost as important as Jedinak's winning of the ball, Snodgrass' intensity or even Grealish's control. Helped play a part in keeping Middlesbrough out of the game.

Hear, hear. Irrespective of individual stance on Bruce, you can't argue as to whether or not the door is open to him completing our objective. It's a time to be celebrated.

Great pass last game. Deserved a goal. Good example of the rewards you can reap through effort and dedication.

Talent you have naturally. Skill is only developed through hours and hours of beating on your craft.

Edit: Not sure my post was relevant to this comment.

You'll have to elaborate. I don't see him as particularly fast, more agile. Skilled rather than talented.

"Aussie, Aussie, Aussie. Oi, oi, oi!"

Not seen a lot of Green, from what I have I've never really given him much thought. Certainly not caught my eye like O'Hare or Davis. Encouraging to read that he has potential and could feature in the first team.

I've been mulling over who should start between Grabban and Kodjia. For me it should be the player better equipped to impose himself on the game, score or create chances (rocket science, I know). That player is Kodjia in my mind. Even if he doesn't last 90 minutes, he can always be replaced by Grabban when the time comes. Though it's hard to overlook a player with 19 goals this season, Grabban has proved his ability. The possibilities are infinite as to how the game will play out, I just see us creating more through Kodjia. On the floor or through long ball. We are looking for any edge over Fulham, and Kodjia has that over Grabban in my book. If JK has 60-70 minutes in him, start him. An early lead could be decisive in a game where both teams should be competitive.

And he's wily. Not blessed with pace or talent but he can get down the pitch by out-witting his opponent. He's obviously not as accomplished as Terry, but I get the impression he's been just as positive an influence on a presence level.

It possibly means that his shirt didn't sell well.

For all the nerves that have crept up this season, I am confident going in to this final. Fulham are obviously no mugs, but who are we? Grealish (I'll leave it there). Adomah, 14 goals from the wing. Snodgrass, wily, passionate, dedicated. The man you want in your corner. Kodjia, 19 goals last time around, looking like he's ready to put his injury woes to rest. Grabban, 19 goals. Hourihane, an engine, 5 goals. Jedinak, Australian (yes that qualifies quality). Hutton, aka Scottish Cafu (and might I add, what a ball in to Grabban that was this morning). Terry, multiple UEFA defender of the year award, champions league winner, you name it, if it's in reach of his team, he's won it. Chester, am I right in thinking he is the supporters player of the year? Johnstone, a fine shot stopper. Then those who I won't mention, most having proven their worth in this squad and division. Last but not least, Bruce. A man who has taken on a big job and despite any criticism you want to level at him, a man who is doing his job thus far. If Fulham can do that line up in, they deserve to go up. I have a lot of confidence in our club to get it right in this fixture. Exciting times.

Well said. Against Middlesbrough we were able to get the ball up the pitch because of Jack, allowing the rest of the team to move up the pitch and be a potential threat.