As you will all be aware, there are 2 cup games before the massive game at Swindon. Cotts has already said he will give the fringe players some game time, and I think that's a good idea. Personally I would start with JET, Waggy, Pack, Cunningham, El Abd and Osborne in both games. I would then rotate the other outfield players so that they play one game each - mix into that some game time for Burns and Wynter. Thoughts gentlemen?
It's a fine idea Personally I'm not bothered about either remaining cup this season, and I actually wonder from the off, quite how serious we were about the LC, given that Oxford are the only team to have beaten us this season. I'd also play Burns.
Our hands are tied slightly by that stupid rule that you only make 5 changes for the JPT - so that's in the mix as well
Paint pot cup is only worth the day out at Wembley- I wouldn't want it to get in the way of the main objective, that being promotion. FA Cup is again worthwhile with a good draw. The last thing we need out of Gillingham is a replay.
In fairness we can afford to rest players for the JPT and still expect progress. The fringe players need to play and even then, without meaning to sound too cocky, much of our second string is still made up of top-half League One players anyway!
Why rest them for the JPT ? At least we have a chance of winning that. Most supporters would opt for a trip to Wembley in a minor cup competition, (as well as promotion).
Sooner out the fa cup the better, play same or similar for jpt as did Cheltenham strong enough to make progress then let him go until the next round .....bringing back in players who sat jpt out back for away game at swindle ....simples
Where we are covered Pack for Smith Cunningham for Bryan Wagstaff for Little El abd/Osbourne for Flint/Williams/Ayling
My thoughts exactly. If we're aiming to be a Championship team then we should hope that some of our younger players are up to the standard of the JPT. If anything, I'd like to see those young players being told now that they will be playing in these cup matches, so they have ample time to prepare for their opportunity. It's also a great chance for these players to prove that they are capable of being in the first team.
The league has to be our priority but it would sure be good to have a decent cup run as for years it's been poor. At the end of the day, all of the squad players should be capable of slotting into the team. Rest a few of the starters as they are due some R&R.....
Not if we start with a 5-6 outsiders in the squad on Saturday, then you're allowed to make 5 changes so we could effectively start with reserve team on Tuesday, and staying within the rules.
I would definitely like to see some fringe players given a run, Pack certainly will.. Osbourne and El abd should too.! The JPT is a fantastic day out and would be great as long as it wasn't a distraction to the real objective, if it's a gamble then no thanks, promotion only.!
Who cares about the little cups, when we have a serious job on to win the league ? The JPT and the Clippety Clop Cup are just an irritation, especially when we are drawn away because that is traveling expenses. The FA Cup does still introduce a bit of glamour in the later rounds, when we could have the treat of being dismembered by one of the top 5. What joy then ! Progress should be gradual and then its more likely to last. This season Div 1, next season The Championship, the season after our new ground entertaining the hoi paloi. Sod the pisspot cup
I know Wembley is a great day out, but I've got my heart set on winning the League 1 title Present the trophy to the lads on the pitch after the Walsall game - how good would that be!!
Pack and Osbourne a 'yes'. El Abd - Never. I'd play as strong a team as possible in both cups, maybe 2 changes, 3 at most. Take your foot off the pedal and it's usually impossible to get it back. Winning/not losing is the best habit of all. Let's be fair, since last Saturday and including 13th December (6 weeks)we have 4 league fixtures and 2 cup games(might be 3 if we beat Gillingham). Not taxing. I expect Cotterill to hardly change at all.
I certainly see a few changes, maybe Ayling, D Williams, Wilbraham, Elliott & Little, well that's who i would be resting.
They need a rest though RP and we did alright getting back to form after the Oxford defeat.. I'd try them, El Abd did ok last time he played (MOM if I remember rightly)
No need for wholesale changes tbh as momentum is a wonderful thing, that said. and noting RP's point about a fairly steady next 6 weeks to mid Dec, it does get crazy then and a lot of games are played in quick succsession, so if we pick up some injuries/suspensions then the players that come in need to have had some time in the team to understand the tactics, so I would expect to see JET, Pack, Waggy, Burns, Cunningham & Osbourne to play at least 60-70 mins spread over the 2 games, not necessarily all together, but integrated around the 1st team regulars so they can be thrown in if required at a later date, if only for their match fitness/sharpness as well.
