After the next two games we could be at a point to decide whether priority should be given to the FA Cup. A win against Norwich would give us 35pts and almost certain safety, if that were to be followed by beating West Ham we would be in the quarter finals. Then we have five games with a decent chance of accumulating more league points and securing a top ten finish. Even so, we are unlikely to get a European place although it would be possible with a strong finish. So, if we are fortunate enough to beat West Ham should we put out weakened teams in the league in order to give ourselves a better chance in the Cup (and a Europa place) or take each game as it comes and see where it takes us?
FA Cup has to be the priority now. I imagine Ralph will play near enough full team in both though. The odd change here and there more based on fitness and injury. I don't forsee a situation whereby we play a vs Coventry team again (thank goodness).
I hope that Ralph realises that he is 4 cup wins away from immortality amongst Saints fans. I really think that we can go for it in both competitions without the need to weaken a team drastically between matches. Injuries may happen of course but the squad depth is much better this season i'm confident of us keeping the good form going until the end of the season like we did a couple of seasons ago.
Easy one. FA Cup. West Ham are in a battle for Europe in the PL and have got a EL knockout match soon as well so they may not play a full strength team against us. We have to go full strength against them.
He won't. For a start we play on Friday night so we get a good chunk of rest between Norwich and West Ham.
TBH we should have no fear whoever we play in the FA Cup. Last season we were relying on kind draws because we were in wretched form in the league. It's a different kettle of fish this time around.
FA Cup is priority for me. And as I said a couple of weeks back, can someone please knock Chelsea out so we can play Broja in every game, including the final.
We have a squad down to compete on both fronts - prioritise both and keep the winning mentality. League position is very helpful for signing players while aiding keeping our squad together. While this team of Ralph's has real chance of getting some silverware.
Until we're mathematically safe (I know, I know) league is all important, but the chance of a FA Cup is huge. We're good enough to beat anyone on our day, but to win it would be the greatest achievement the club has made in my lifetime. If we beat Norwich and West ham then yeah, absolutely save players for the FA Cup. I just don't want to be looking over our shoulder at the same time. Besides, If Broja can score us a winner in the final then he can move on to pastures new without me being stroppy about it
I do think that 32 points that we have could be enough already. I would eat my head if we got dragged into and went down this year. For that reason I think we will field our strongest possible teaming both.
I want silverware. JPT aside, it's been far too long since we've gotten our grubby mitts on a big trophy do that's where my heart lies. I want us to do as well as possible in the league of course, but for once I'm not worried about it, so it's all about the cup
We have no realistic chance of reaching Europe. We also have no realistic chance of getting relegated. This is the sort of team that should push hard for a cup.
FA Cup or League is a subtly different question to Norwich game or West Ham game. I struggle to see how any Saints fan wouldn't see the West Ham game as the more important of the two.
How in God’s name is it now 46 years since we won the FA Cup? And 19 years since Cardiff? I demand a stewards enquiry, where did those years go?
I don't believe we're in a position we have to 'prioritise' i.e. we don't need to field weakened teams in either. More realistically the question should be 'should Ralph go full strength against West Ham in an attempt to go 100% for the FA Cup?' in which case this season the answer is very much yes. Let's not kid ourselves though, if we get through the West Ham tie we'd expect there to be a lot of the top teams still in, they've been conveniently kept apart thus far. No reason to fear any, but it's not yet wide open as it has been on paper in previous years
Our name is on it: 46 Years since we won. 4 Wembley appearances since then. 4 Semi finals since then 4 x 4 = 16 46 - 16 = 30 Shane Long is offside on average 11 times a game 30 -11 = 19 19 = Years since we were in the final. Stats mean everything.
The question wasn't so much Norwich or West Ham but more about after those two games have been played (and if we beat WH) should we sacrifice our league aspirations in order to give us the best chance in the cup. I don't think there's many who don't see the cup as priority but do we play weakened league teams? If we do there is a possibility of exiting the cup in the quarters and also nothing to play for in the league.
I just don't understand why any kind of sacrifice needs to be made. You just play your best possible team in each match as it comes up, and try and win every game. Winning league games gives you confidence and boosts morale to win the cup games.
