This.. Start with our strongest team available, if all goes well and we're 3 goals up early in the second half, then take the likes of Suarez, Hendo and A N Other off. Do not do what we did last year FFS!!!!
I think the weeks recovery time after the game is less relevant than the fact this is our 4th game in 10 days, two of which were our toughest games of the season. It's all very well saying how important the cup is (and I don't disagree) but this season of all years we have a real chance to push on in the league and if we don't take it it could set us back another 4 or 5 years. I'm not advocating 11 changes but a few are vital....mix the youth with experience but DO NOT risk the star players. How romantic would the cup feel if we got through to the next round at the expense of Suarez and Coutinho getting crocked?? Who'd wake up Monday morning being delighted about that?
Your reasoning is why I made the point at the end of my post about playing a weaker side if we're willing to let the Cup go in order to have a better chance at the top 4. Imo, we have to make up our minds. The Oldham game aside, we're going to have to make this decision on every game in the Cup because in every one we'll risk losing someone to injury.
Bit different time, but we got to the final of a Carling cup in Rafa's first year with the likes of Pongolle, La tallec, Nunez, Josemi, etc as he was playing the bigger players in the league and CL. Not saying it is ideal but with the right mindset and if these fringe players are hungry then it is a chance for them to not just get playing time but more games to get playing time!!!
This is simple really. If anyone is carrying an injury as BR has suggested, why even risk them? Then it comes down to who's played 5 matches in x days and whether there is any additional risk of injury to them (than a normal game) - if there is and they're key to a top four push....why risk them? Our injury list, remaining squad depth and our priorities should drive decisions here.....iTop four or a cup run??? t's not as though you can't intro the players from the bench if absolutely needed. If we lose, so be it.
we should give players time we hope to send out on loan to get experience or hope to move on, still jan window. who they are no idea, but key players shouldn't be risked, cups are worthless apparently, its top 4 or you have had a ****e season.
By the sounds of it Suarez has picked himself, that's the impression I got listening to Pascoe's interview!
I'd go with something like this. Mignolet Kelly Toure Agger Cissoko Alberto Allen Gerrard Aspas Suarez Sterling Strong team but a few fringe players get a chance to make an impact. Try and get the game won in the first half then rest Suarez, Sterling (or Gerrard if can't complete whole game) & Agger for Ibe, Moses (if eligible) and Ilori.
the boss said he learned from last year on the lfc website article. I think biscan probably has to be close to it.
great if there is any ****ing pointless injuries in a comp that is considered worthless by many, then i wont be fecking impressed. top 4 is more important than a cup run, isnt that right King Kenny.
--------Mingolet--------- Kelly--Toure-Agger--Cissikho ------Hendo-Gerrard------- --Aspas-Alberto-Sterling- ---------Suarez--------- Would like to see that!
Unfotunately i think BR will play a near full srength team and my worry is the same sort of injuries we had against Notts County in league cup i'd be happier with mig kelly Toure Agger Cissokho Gerrard Rossiter Albero Sterling Aspas Moses please no Suarez ,except PL, unless Studge is fit
Welcome to the board fella I agree on the Suarez thing. I don't care how much he wants to play, he isn't the boss. Let's do what is best for the club rather than trying to keep an individual happy.