Here we go again folks, its the third round of the FA Cup. Leeds face a tricky away tie at the Spotland Stadium, home of Rochdale. Rochdale have had a good start to their season in league two. They currently occupy fifth place, but are only one win away from second place. A lot of their success has come from young Scott Hogan who has scored 11 goals in all competition since signing with the Dale Defender Michael Rose will have to watch the game from the sidelines having been sent off during their 3-0 loss at Scunthorpe midweek. Rochdale's Manager described Leeds as an excellent Championship Club, and went on to say he had respect for Brian and his team, but no fear Surely the third rouind of the FA Cup will give McDermott a chance to rest most, if not all of his first team. Mowatt is suffering from a back injury, McCormack has a hamstring problem, and Kenny's ankle injury sustained at Forest is still bothersome. Gboly Ariyibi should make his first start of the season for Leeds. I am hoping for debuts from goalkeeper Grimes, midfielders Dawson and Lenigan. If fit, I would love to see Warnock, Diouf and Hunt all start.
Unfortunately I dont think anybody is particularly bothered about this game. Maybe we have to win it for the money you get for making it through these days? But that aside, I wouldn't care if we got "cup killed" as long as it wasn't a stupid hammering
I couldn't care less about the cups anymore. Actually sick of them. No reflection on your match thread Elland
This is our opportunity to use the squad & give the likes of McCormack and Austin a break. Its also an opportunity to progress and bring in some big pennies in big draw further down the line. This is a game we should win at a canter. But we need to be up for it from the first kick because this is their cup final.
Grimes?????????? does one mean Cairns old chap....... I love the FA cup and although it mighten mean as much to the sky premier clubs, it still excites me.... Eric Grimes is young, think about 18. Lot of potentiasl. Republicof Ireland u19 keeper
I also love the cup,can't believe the comments by paul lambert the other day. And the comment,now we can concentrate on the league,is one of the stupids load of bollox ever. Players and fans love the cup.
Shaks, you got a point. Cairns has been warming the bench all season, even when Kenny was injured,k he wasn't used. Play half each
BeeMacDee spoke about reaching the quater finals with Reading and how it kicked on their season. My lineup for the game: Cairns Zaliukas Pearce Wooton Byram Ariyibi Green/Tonge Warnock Hunt (if 100% fit now)/Smith Poleon Subs Kenny, Peltier, Mowatt/Thompson, Brown, McCormack
I reckon McD will probably play half the first team, making sure that he rests Austin and McCormack but will only rest others if they are struggling with injury e.g. Kenny and Mowatt
Best approach is to pick a strong-ish team but rest 2 or 3 key players and bring in just a few younger players on the fringe But don't play any old lags If you fill team with too many youngsters you won't learn as much about them and it won't teach them much I'd rest Austin and Ross, at the least
Don't care about the result btw, except another round would be another chance to give youngsters experience
Think we should give 4-4-2 a go Kenny Peltier Zaliukas Wootton Warnock Byram Austin Murphy Ariyibi McCormack Smith
We are doing ok m8 as baffled as i am that your load of dross are top half,im just as baffled as to how our team of superstars are bottom half it will level out always does so see you in the middle soon ?
Id pack a reserve team on the bus and send to game. Keep first team squad at Thorp arch training after the recent abysmal performances. This is a nothing game today thanks to the disrespect shown by PL teams in recent years to the Cups