The League Cup (or 'Carabao Cup', if you buy into that nonsense) isn't usually a happy hunting ground for City, but I'm hoping a 2nd string line-up can do the job and show we have strength in depth and players competing for places. Who do you expect/want to lineup? 4-4-2 again, or 4-5-1/4-3-3? I'd go for something like: Lucic Golbourne Magnusson Baker Vyner De Girolamo O'Neil Morrell O'Dowda Djuric Engvall Thoughts?
It's the sort of game where we want to do well but it has lost any real significance until the latter stages, and what the hell is Carabao? These games are also a good chance to blood some different formations and players but will Lee use that opportunity or will he go with what was a pretty good looking unit on Saturday?
1) I think it's some nasty energy drink. I think the League Cup is a Brucey Bonus - naturally it'd be nice to win, but if not, it's not something to get angry about down the line. Though fatigue shouldn't be a factor yet, I think the team that won on Saturday have all earned the right to start again next Saturday, so tomorrow night should be an opportunity for those that weren't involved/didn't start.
THE LEAGUE CUP... it should be treated with respect by all clubs outside the prem, would we turn down a £m or so for getting to the final or semi's! Plymouth aint a push over
I think even if we went with our perceived strongest line-up in every round, reaching the final, or even semis would be a big ask. I don't know how Plymouth will treat it when they name their line-up, but I wouldn't be surprised if it also contained a number of 'fringe' players. I say, we have a squad of players that should all be capable/fighting for their right to play for the first team, so they should be given suitable opportunities when they come up, which I would suggest this is. As you say, Plymouth won't be pushovers (they possibly see it as an opportunity to bloody the nose of the 'big' team in the South-West), but if people see us playing the likes of Engvall as us 'throwing in the towel', or not 'showing the competition respect', then maybe such players ought not to be at the club at all...
It's only worthwhile financially if you get to the 5th round. Even drawing a big club in earlier rounds wont result in a sell out. But hey, our LC form has to change sometime doesn't it ?
For me the league comes first. End of. A cup run is nice - and I never ever don't care - I always want us to win games (with the caveat below), but the league comes first. I will be cheering on the lads from my Swindon bedroom tonight but I will be more upset if we WIN but with injuries or bans than if we LOSE with everyone fit ready for Saturday's game.
Ok, two swallows doesn't make a summer, but hopefully we're on our way to a flock! Very impressive, whatever the circumstances.
Very pleasing to see the shots on target ratio improving in the last 2 games. Regardless of opposition if shots aren't on target you won't score, last season I would regularly read reports where we had over 15 shots at goal with maybe 3 or 4 on target, tonight 9 shots, 6 on target and 5 goals! Admittedly it won't always be this easy, however teams who have a high ****s on target ratio generally go well. Let's hope this keeps going and we learn from last season.
I think you've been auto corrected! According to the stats, Plymouth didn't even have a shot on goal. Dominant.
Nice to see a good comfortable win in a competition where we have usually failed at the early hurdles. Also a pretty good crowd for the competition and all looks well down your way.
Goals from last night. http://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/10980515/bristol-city-5-0-plymouth
Looking at those highlights (thanks ROD for posting the link), the Plymouth keeper looked like he had an absolute stinker - he should have stopped at least 2 of ours relatively easily. Still, the stats show we were comfortably in charge - not taking anything away from the lads.
