Given that our management team have had about 10 days to prepare for what is arguably the biggest game in the clubs history, we are going to play a spot of Fantasy manager.
So put yourself in the shoes of Lawrie Sanchez - you have been parachuted into the club to save them from the dreaded drop, how would you go about getting the 3 points required on Saturday?
Firstly, I am assuming that all sqaud members, except those that have long term injuries are available for the match, anyone carrying minor knocks or strains will be forced into acton if called upon - no shirkers on my shift!
Thanks to some bizarre goalkeeping signings over the last few years (and imo the clueless Dave Beasant) we are left with little choice in goal, so Niemi starts.
The back 4 has been all over the place all season and we have struggled to keep any consistency in Central defence.
Controversially, the fisrt name on my team sheet will be Ian Pearce. We need someone to win the physical battle against Roberts and McCarthy and Pearcey has the stomach for a fight. Up against his previous club, Big Ian is literally playing for his Premiership future as he is unlikely to get another chance at this level.
Philippe Christenval will partner Pearce at the back. He is one of the few classy players left in the squad, can defend well and has good distribution. Any niggling injuries can be rested in the summer.
Tough decisions have to be taken in the Full back positions. Up against the influential Bentley and Pedersen whoever fills these positions will have a crucial role to play.
Despite a poor performnace at Reading, I would stick with Queudrue at LB. Bentley is not the type of wide player to skin the full back too often so Frank's weaknesses in this area will hopefully not be exposed. His aggression and physical presence can hopefully unsettle Bentley and his height will be useful in both boxes. Can you pop up with a vital goal Franck?
There is no real choice to make at RB, Liam Rosenoir is one of the most talented players at the club. His defensive capabilities, drive and energy down the right flank make him an automatic choice. In fact I have decided to give the England U21 international the captains armband for the rest of the season.
My only slight concern with Liam is that Pedersen has the height advantage, and he has a nasty habit of arriving at the back stick and winning headers. We need to be mindful of this and give Liam as much aerial cover as possible.
One thing you can't deny about Chris Coleman, is that he liked a midfielder, there are literally hundreds of them scattered around the Mostspur Park training ground. So probably my biggest challenge is to select the right players and then mould them into an effective unit. First things first, I would match Blackburn and play with a 4 man midfield.
Given the similarities between most of our midfielders it is perhaps easier to decide who will not be involved fom the start. There has been a lot of debate about a lack of creativity in the side, but imo now is not the time for re-introducing Claus Jensen into the team and the talented Dane will have to make do with a place on the bench.
My toughest decision as fantasy boss so far is that of skipper Michael Brown. After a less than impressive start at the club Browney has toiled away week in week out and has done a decent job, but I have decided to give him a total rest from the action - he will be needed at the Emirates Stadium.
I have given Alexei Smertin the nod in a holding midfield position. His experience and discipline are vital and hopefully he can protect the back four effectively.
Bouba Diop keeps his place alongside Smertin. We just need one massive performance from the Senegalese international. His height is another major factor for his inclusion.
I have to find a place in the starting 11 for Moritz Volz, we need 100% commitment and drive on Saturday and Volzy offers this in abundance. I am putting him in at Right Midfield, and expect some decent supply from down that side with him and Liam in combination.
Left midfield is a tricky decision between Wayne Routledge and Simon Davies. Routledge offers us pace and ability going forward, but is suspect defensively. I am therefore reluctantly going with Davies in this position. His ability to deliver set pieces could be crucial and I can keep Routledge back as an impact player for the 2nd half if required.
I have pretty limited options up front and ultimately a lack of pace up top is what has cost us this season imo.
When you have a goalscorer available to you who is living legend from Serie A, it would be foolish not to include him in your line up even if he is not 100% match fit. So Vincenzo Montella starts his first game at Craven Cottage. Just one piece of magic could be enough to justify his loan spell.
Alongside Montella is the battle weary Brian McBride. Jut one more big effort required from the big American forward.
On the bench we have Latuvska, Bocanegra, Jensen, Routledge and Collins John
So there you have it, my team to keep us in the Premiership - any fantasy managers out there who can do better? Post your teams on the message board and see how you get on.
Source Paul Browne