resting

Isn't there an argument for playing an entire reserve team against Arsenal, give the lads 2 or 3 days off, give Edmondson a game up front?

 

There is, but I doubt he will

 

Kiko, Roberts, Douglas, Berardi, Struijk, Hosannah, Casey, Gotts, Bogusz, McCalmont, Stevens, Edmondson 12 there plus subs from first team?

what better way to see if these kids will be able to contribute for the run in. Can Bogusz play first team No10, can Hosannah be that flying RWB, can Struijk and Casey replace Cooper and White...

 

I’ve said that for several years but I suppose the 8k Leeds fans travelling to London won’t agree

 

...............kiko

Berardi...White......Cooper.......Davis

...................Phillips

Costa.......Gotts.......Bogusz..........Alioski

......................Bamford

 

This is one game where I really don't think Bielsa should name his lineup early.

If possible wait for Arsenal to show their hand.

 

I’ve always disagreed and felt a cup run would be nice, that was prior to Bielsa arriving. Previous seasons we’ve had little chance of promotion so I’ve thought let’s have a cup run. Last season injuries got us at the end so I agree with you, put the kids in. I’d probably give Berardi, Shackleton, and Roberts a run. I’d like to see Douglas starting for us in the league so I’d give probably only give him 45 minutes

 

Strongly disagree with fielding a weakened side.

Last 2 seasons we've gone out in the 3rd round and the season before (under Monk) in the 4th round.

There's no evidence that those early exits aided us in any way shape or form for the remainder of each of those seasons. In fact given how our points per game average declined significantly (after those losses) you could argue that losing has a far greater detrimental effect than any perceived gain from resting players.

 

Exposing the kids and squad players to an Arsenal team who are desperate to please both their new manager and fans is foolhardy in my opinion.

The damage done by a heavy defeat could set some of those youngsters back significantly in their developement. If the ones we had at the time couldn't do it against the likes of Sutton and Newport then what makes you think that this years crop are capable of dealing with the challenge that will face us on Monday.

Play the best team we have available and try to win the game, if we do it's a massive boost for the players, if we're defeated then hopefully everyone will have enjoyed the experience in a fantastic stadium. It's a taste of what's to come (if we achieve promotion) which should serve as an insentive, providing motivation and inspiration to all the players to get the job done.

Going down to the Emirates and having a negative experience will be exactly that...negative.

 

The only downside to this would be potential injury to a key player, but thats a risk every game

 

What can be more negative picking up a bunch of injuries that has a knock on effect on our promotion hopes
Arsenal can go do one for me
Just a personal opinion

 

Assume Bielsa plays a full strength squad and we get beat 6-0 does that not kick our confidence? Throw in an injury to Bamford, a red card for Cooper or White, I just don’t think it’s worth the risk

 

Of course its not. Cups a meaningless distraction. We've been lucky with injuries this season so no point in tempting fate.

 

Wednesday - Monday - Saturday isn't a tough schedule and if they're playing they aren't training, when Bielsa pushes them hard. For most of these players a trip to the Emirates could really fire them up. I seriously doubt Arteta is going to play his best team so, given how we are digging results out, I'd like to see us give it a go.
I understand the trepidation but I think we're better against better sides. Arsenal aren't going to sit 10 behind the ball at the Emirates.
I'm sure Eddie has given them the full SP on us.
It would be funny if he played actually

 

Theyre all supposed to be athletes, they shouldnt be knackered doing 90 minutes a week

 

They can just as easily get injured in training, or even injure themselves at home. Nketiah got injured at his place the night before he was due to start a game for the first time.


I also remember when we signed Ferdinand. He missed the first few games as he managed to damage his knee by resting his leg on his coffee table

 

On Nketiah's self-inflicted injury, now he's left maybe they can tell us how he did it

 

For me he definitely needs to rest Klich who has just looked shattered on occasion, Bamford now that Eddie has gone as our only fit CF. I would rest KP & White as well, those four at the very least.

 

Fair point (I'd still be tempted though).

 

First thing for me is to understand how many Arse play up front. If 1, then it's usual tactics, if 2, then we play 3 at the back. Relevance? If we play 3 at the back, we can still play 2 experienced CBs & either blood Casey / Struijk from the start, or reintroduce Davis.

I'd also blood Gotts as he's on the fringe & is clearly being prepared for a 1st team start.

Personally I'd play Meslier, but suspect that this might be a big decision for Bielsa (might not want to undermine Casilla after his recent poor defensive record).

Finally, Roberts starting at CF, with Bamford on the bench.

Even the above might be too many changes for Bielsa, tbh.

Btw, agree that Klich being rested appears to be a priority.