A win would be nice. Hopefully a few legs rested and a few fringe players showing RLB they can step up if needed. I'll go for 2-0.
Roll on the 2pm team news. The Le Fee signing has me buzzing, but I'm really looking forward to seeing Samed play (if he starts) to see what he's all about. Wonder if Rigg will start? 3-0 to the lads, Adil, Rigg and Ogunsuyi with a late goal on his debut
We might even beat the following we took to Stoke in this game ... ... phenomenal support all day. https://oatcakefanzine.proboards.com/thread/188211 "The Sunderland fans were unbelievable that day. A second division club at the time and they came and swamped the place, 12,000 I seem to remember, out sung us all match. I recall Sunderland fans in the seats in the corner of the Butler St stand next to the Boothen End. And they made a hell of a din. Remember the coaches of Sunderland fans just coming and coming and coming. They were a second division team and I just never envisaged this invasion. I don't think I ever saw so many red and white scarves at Stoke in my whole life. You hoped they were Stokies but that little bit of black on the scarves told you they were not. I was 14 years old and the Sunderland contingent took my breath away that day and I knew, although I never admitted it, that our fans had a way to go to match that sort of passion. I can admit it now, it was truly humbling." "Sunderland brought thousands that day and in the replay they went one up before Denis Smith equalised and they went straight up from the kick off and reclaimed the lead ( Pop Robson ) and went on to win 2-1. I was at both games and we had our coach window put through right where we were sitting , and yes it was freezing !!"
Fair play to every mental bastard going to this one, moneys tight so opted for Pompey and Plymouth instead, half regretting it now mind
I enjoyed that a lot mate. Adding this from the Oatcake: "I remember the coaches of Sunderland fans just coming and coming and coming. They were a second division team and I just never envisaged this invasion. I don't think I ever saw so many red and white scarves at Stoke in my whole life. You hoped they were Stokies but that little bit of black on the scarves told you they were not. I was 14 years old and the Sunderland contingent took my breath away that day and I knew, although I never admitted it, that our fans had a way to go to match that sort of passion. I can admit it now, it was truly humbling."
There's a weird irony in this and a cheeky pragmatism from RLB. In his first cup tie, at Preston, he'd clearly realised that 46 Championship games was already more than enough for that squad ... ... he threw that match but now appears to believe a cup run could be very useful in giving some players time on the pitch. This game has suddenly become twice as interesting, for the line up and bench, than the result. Those attending today should be treat to an attacking display and truly entertained. I hope RLB uses it as a training exercise of how to approach a game if we need to score 3/4 goals to go up on goal difference against QPR. We've seen almost every other tactic and, lets be honest, the last thing Stoke will want is a grinding 0-0 and out on penalties. Nor will they want to be risking red cards through kicking us as they did down there ... ... I believe this could be a much more entertaining game than we'd have expected. Ha'way, 4-3 to the Lads and on to the next shyte draw, away to Southampton on a Sunday afternoon for the cameras!!!
We were in two minds earlier this week to be honest but really please we decided to go. Looking forward to it now, what with the transfer news and possibly seeing some of the fringe players back from injury. Think the club missed a trick with this one. With a bit of effort on the marketing and ticketing could have really pushed it as a chance for families and kids to fill the ground. The cup certainly doesn't have the pull it used to remember my first fa cup tie 1972 v Cardiff We were getting crowds of 12-15k Me and my cousins used to run around the Roker end like a playground. Can still remember the feeling coming into the Roker for the cup game about 40k turned up. Couldn't believe it
Was initially of the opinion to just rest everyone, but swaying toward keeping momentum. Really intrigued to see the starting XI.
After my rant about the FA Cup earlier in the thread I almost bought a ticket . I'm still skint though and getting over this ****ty bug so being sensible. Hope I've made the wrong choice and everyone going today has the best time ever. Wrap up warm though and take some Bovril in a flask.
Great thread again RTB thank you. I'll just take any win to keep momentum. Game time for those that need it. Scrappy home win after extra time for me and spurs away 4th round. Haway the lads.
