I think that we know that in recent years we have not performed that well in the LC. Managers like Warnock and Redknapp don't seem to be too interested and see it as a distraction. So do we take it seriously or just an opportunity to give the likes of SWP a match? We could play the team that started against Spurs at Burton with instructions to stuff them and see what sort of reaction we get. Should we make a few changes but leave 5 or 6 of Saturday's no-hopers to prove themselves?
After much reflection, I would play a relatively strong team with the objective of getting a win. If we do a Man U at Burton the atmosphere could be toxic and confidence low.
Don't think we can afford a Knock back at this stage, we need to start building some confidence. I'd say rest few players (Rio for one), but still strong team should be fielded.
Another one of the things that I absolutely hate about modern football is the attitude to the Cups of most teams (and Rangers have been worst culprits of this for years). We are entered into 3 tournaments this year. One (the League) is no longer possible to win and we hope to have a campaign that is slightly less miserable than at least 3 other teams. The other two (as proven by powerhouses such as Swansea and Hull in recent years) have the massive carrot of a Wembley appearance and all the associated joys for actual fans (you know people that have been watching football before Sky "invented" it in 1992). Yet, you can be sure that the powers that be will be hoping for a swift exit tonight "so we can concentrate on the league". How about a swift win "so we can concentrate on how to score goals again and stop conceding them", or "so we can concentrate on how we integrate a whole slew of new players". Now I know that Wigan went down despite winning the Cup a couple of years ago, but why is the equation that cup runs adversely affect league position treated as gospel? If you see the play-offs as the ultimate cup run - look at how the team spirit was galvanised! Surely that should be long-term gain? Instead, we will meekly go out of the cups (either today or in the next round) and then go out of the FA Cup in the 3rd Round as always (whatever our league position is at the time) and then when we should be playing on the last weekend of January in the 4th Round of the Cup we will be doing some warm weather training half way around the world "to build spirit in the camp" I was just a kid during the 82 and 86 cup runs and there was nothing like the joy of winning a cup match and getting to Wembley... my kids' generation can look forwards to celebrating 17th in the League... Whooppee!
If we need more 'gelling' and we need to get those who are 60-70% to 100% fitness then we need to play a pretty strong team. A little determination and desire wouldn't go amiss either.
100% agree, Royal Bank of Scotland. I've spent 42 years waiting for us to win something and we haven't even come close for nearly 30 of those. The Cups are our only realistic chance. Sadly they have been devalued so much that even fans find it easy to rationalise being knocked out early time after time. Not me though, each time that happens another opportunity has gone.
It has to be a half way house for me Look at last nights results...the "lesser" teams seem to lose/let it go Middling teams (Southampton, Newcastle, Swansea give it a go) Rest Rio, Dunne and Barton, play Murphy instead of Green... I would also only bring Ale on as a sub (we need him for Saturday) But then go for it with the newbies ..................Murphy............. Simpson, Ned, Caulker, Hill, Isla Fer, Henry, Mutch Vargas (is he eligible yet, if not Hoillet), Remy In answer to Stan's question....I assume it IS my turn to chose the team tonight!
Really hope we go for it. I would bring in Hoilett, Onuoha, Faurlin and Yun into the starting line up otherwise the same team as started against Spurs.
Nope, we don't. But not having a choice doesn't stop posters here having opinions about picking teams, new signings, tactical formations, etc, etc, so why not about what our attitude to the LC should be?
I think we already discussed this on another thread, but I think Arry should field what he thinks is his best team available, the formation he wants to use, and go for it 100%. It's the best practicse of both the system and getting to know each other for the upcoming PL games, and I blieve the players also get an International break soon. Sunday showed this practice is sorely needed. Wht's more a Cup run would be very enjoyable, and with a confidence boostiing win tonight, Arry would be able to review what prority he wants to give the LC next round. Now the Team looks to need to practice and getting to know each other.
Sorry for being facetious Eamon. I have actually given my view on the Cups above. I think we should play our strongest possible team (I don't know what that is though) and 100% effort and concentration. I'm afraid that I have zero expectation that this is what we will do.
Well after our last outing, I'd very much like another trip to Wembley. So I'm all for playing our strongest team in both Cups. Let's go for it!!!
We need to go for it and win. Here are LFW thoughts: http://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/footba...der-ahead-of-dreaded-early-cup-round--preview
I believe it's seven games even if you get to the final. Go for glory Harry. I think we'll lose tonight. I've backed it- they are a good side and in confident mood.
