Just thought for fun we would try and predict the team for Sunday, because I really cannot imagine who Arry will play...bearing in mind we have had a really heavy schedule behind us and an important match next weekend so here goes McCarthy Ned, Rio, Harriman/Donaldson, Traore Mutch, Vargas, Barton, SWP Phillips, Adel And you lot will all miss Adel and Phillips last match in a Rangers shirt
Not a bad call. It shows how much we are all sucked in by the financial might of the EPL. For the first time, I'm now completely indifferent about the FA Cup. And I suspect that I am not alone in giving the game on Sunday a miss. EPL survival is a must if we hope to retain the likes of Caulker, Isla, Sandro, Vargas, Fer and Austin next season.
........McCarthy Ned, Rio, Donaldson, Harriman Hoilett, Mutch, Henry, SWP ........Adel, ..................Vargas Good call, Beth, but I would not play Traore or Philips because they are looking for another club to play for (hopefully). Hoilett needs to gain some confidence, SWP on the other wing because he would cause them problems with his pace. Vargas needs to be up front and score some goals (on the understanding that we are trying to win(?)). Henry instead of Barton because he will better compensate for Mutch defensively. I hope we win, anyway, we should beat Sheffield United even with a team like this.
Do not want to play Henry...He is just TOO valuable to our survival to be risked HOWEVER...since initially posting I remembered that Barton has a twinge (which may or may not be real) so now predict he will not be played and so agree...Henry is the last person left in the squad and will play....and so Henry will be the recipient. of the coveted "QPR.vital player crocked in FA Cup 3rd round match".... award (see Mackie and Faulin for previous winners of the trophy)
I don't know about the team but I do predict a record low attendance: The cup is in a downward spiral: clubs field second string teams, fans stay away, cup becomes less important, more clubs field second string teams... Fans are also exhausted by the PL Christmas schedule A 1pm Sunday kick of will deter both home and away fans that have to travel any distance QPR's track record in cups in the last 20 years is probably the worst of any top club A win over Swansea would have encouraged waverers to attend but we all know what happened. So let's have a 'crowd for Sunday' thread instead. I'll kick things off with 4250
-----------McCarthy--------- Harriman--Ned--Rio---Traore Phillips--Mutch-Kranky--SWP -------------Hoilett---------- ------------Vargas-----------
Col's team, or -----------McCarthy--------- Ned--Hill--Rio--Traore SWP--Mutch-Kranky--Hoilett -------------Phillips---------- ------------Vargas-----------
If the roles were reversed and I was a Sheff Utd fan I'd definitely be wanting a ticket - great opportunity to turn over a Premier League side away from home However, despite being a (worryingly) dedicated Rs fan, I won't be there - just shelled out for my Burnley and Stoke tickets and these games deserve my support more IMHO. And I suspect (hope) that we'll be fielding a fringe player team anyhow. Progression in the cup would be great, but not at the potential expense of PL survival. I'd be surprised if most of the bottom 8 or so clubs in the PL didn't think the same
If Harry prepares his 2nd team, I think whoever does go are more likely to see us play some attractive football than what we are getting in the Leagues this season and last.
Players that have had virtually no match time to prepare themselves, nor any time to familiarise themselves in a match situation ? My prediction a scrappy game.
Is Harriman back & not cup tied? If he is it changes my expectations (the line up that is, not the result!) McCarthy Ned, Rio, Donaldson/Sendles White, Harriman SWP, Mutch, Niko, Traore Hoilett Phillips If Harriman is not available, Donaldson or Sendles White at left back. It could be both at full back with Ned in the middle. Hope you enjoy it Beth! Subs all from the under 21's.
I can see the back 3 getting wheeled out again and mainly squad players who need form and game time. I think I might be as below but if Arry wants to give the impression of taking it seriously then it could be Barton for Traore and Hoillett moves wide with JB sitting centrally. -----------McCarthy------------- --------Ned--Rio--Hill----------- SWP--Mutch-Kranky--Traore -------------Hoillett--------------- --------Vargas---Philips---------
No one has picked up on something I am genuinely worried about.... the coveted "QPR.vital player crocked in FA Cup 3rd round match award" (see Mackie and Faulin for previous winners of the trophy) I have a superstition these things come in 3's........ So anyone want to have a punt.....Henry? Vargas? Isla? McCarthy (with Rob Green getting injured next week?)
