We have been drawn away to Stoke in the 3rd round. Do you think Harry will try and win it or will he use it for the fringe players?
A few fringe players, a couple of first teamers to guide them, and maybe a couple of players coming back from injury needing match practice.
Crouch, Palacios and Woody to play against their old team. Tough draw but I wouldn't expect 'Arry to put a particularly strong team out.
Its a cup that we can win, but would being in 4 competitions be viable with our current players - no. so its kids and reserves and out against Stoke.
I expect Harry to use squad players in the Carling Cup, unlike desperate teams like Liverpool who pick their best XI.
Admittedly they are in the same no. of competitions but realistically we're more likely to win the Europa than them, I would've said.
yes, thats true - but they will also want to get back in again next season if possible, and the CC could provide them with that opportunity if they take it seriously to the detriment of the Europa, we on the other hand should hold an opposite view IMHO - sod the CC, either get in the CL places to encourage and attract new players or win the Europa to do the same!
Stoke away isn't a problem. The long trips to Russia and Greece are not good though but we all know PL is the priority and Harry will save the majority of the first 11 for the PL and play fringe players in the 3 cups.
I see it as a win-win situation for us. If we somehow win, we've beaten a a bigger team than us and it will be a night to remember. If you beat us, then we shouldn't feel embarrassed as you will be expected to (No matter what team you put out) and then we can concentrate on the League and Europe. Especially as all our away games in the Europa League are over 2000 miles away :/
If we put out a team, as expected, full of youngsters and reserves and you win, you won't really have beaten a bigger team to be honest. And if you lose, it might be a tad embarrassing if the team is as I said. However, I can see why you would view it as win-win, as its the same reason I see it as lose-lose for us.