Ok, before you all stone me for being a heretic, I'd like to pose the following question, the subject of a rather lively debate between me & a mate last night... Should we set up to treat the FA Cup much like we did the Europa League? As a bit of background, the first Spurs trophy I can remember was the 1991 Cup, so the 'magic' of the cup will always have a special place in my heart. HOWEVER... As I think the xmas period- in particular our performance last night- made abundantly clear, this season has been extremely tough, extremely taxing, and is only going to get harder as the pressure increases. I think it was Lidls who pointed out that- based on current stats- it is highly likely that the teams who finish 3rd & 4th this year will probably have accumulated enough points to have won the title itself most years. To put this idea into perspective... - Last year, United clinched the title with 80 points. The year before that, Chelsea won it with 86 points. By either standard, we would have to drop another 14 points to fall short of Chelsea's total- I for one DOUBT even the mighty Tottenham 'Rollercoaster' Hotspur will do that! City would have to drop 17 points to fail to meet that. In fact, according to many pundits, it is highly likely that Chelsea's 04/05 record of 95 points may well be beaten this year. (City can reach a total of 102 pts this season). - Put simply, this season has probably been closer and more dramatic than any other. What worried me last night (and against Swansea) was that- despite having no Europa or Carling Cup games to contend with- key members of the 1st team looked utterly knackered. We have been playing footy of the highest quality this year and, truth be told, nothing less seems to suffice to keep the 'chasing pack' at bay (or frothing at the mouth, in Liverpool's case). - Add to this our mounting injury list (just when the mountain was actually becoming a molehill!)... - And the looming reality that City, Chelsea, United, Pool and maybe even Le Scum may well strengthen their squads this window... - And the fact that- although we have a magnificent squad, key positions are glaringly and indeed embarrassingly short of adequate cover (cf. Right Wing and Forward)... - And the fact that- as great as our footy has been thusfar- it'll only need to get greater, stronger, faster as the season progresses. SO: How much do we want a good FA Cup run? How much is it worth risking fatigue and injuries to key players? Unlike the Europa League where the next 6 games (group stages) are a known factor, what would you say if we get City Away in the next round? A trip to OT? A trip to Stoke? <vomits> A penny for your thoughts, ladies and gentlemen. In any event, I've written a letter to Arry requesting that ALL squad members be given a nice rest for the Cheltenham match. I have forwarded my suggested line-up: ______________________________ Pat's Big Hands___________ ____________Wandering Yid______KingHotspur (C)__________PerrymanLegend________Notsosmartspur __________ HIAG____________Spurf___________Schteffen Freund (Yid Vicious)___________HBIC ___________________________ Dona_Mara ______________ _________________________ L&T of Helder Postiga ___________ Manager: HarrysDisciple Referee: PleaseNotPoll
I need to be on the Left HP, and I am a bit worried about playing alongside a ronseal league ruffian. Aprt from that don't worry we'll be fine.
The Europa League takes about 15/17 games to get to the win whereas the FA Cup takes 6(+replays) so I don't think they're comparable. Given that we're out of the EL I think we should only be playing much weakened teams against lower league opposition, if we draw a big team I'm sure the majority of our first 11 would be able to play in both the FA Cup and PL. I'm a right back, by the way
I'd love to win the FA Cup again and I'd be very happy with that and a top 4 finish. I think that we need to rest players for the Cheltenham game though, if just to improve our chances of winning that tie! As you rightly pointed out, some of our players looked tired against Swansea and then knackered against West Brom. Redknapp doesn't seem to have learned from last season's burnout, unfortunately. He's done brilliantly in the league so far, but he seems to have virtually written off some members of the squad and we only rotate through necessity. If we do manage to reach the Champions League again next season, then I can't see how we'll compete in both that competition and the league without this changing. Now I'm just off to block you from posting on this board for suggesting that I ref.
In the 20th century Spurs were destined to win the cup in years that ended in 1. Now that we are in the 21st century it is years that end in 2 that ours so we have to take the cup seriously as we always should. It is our heritage we are if nothing else a famous cup team. Do not forget this!
I don't accept bribes and I'm not susceptible to intimidation. Apparently I'm not welcome at Old Trafford, for some reason...
Fair points, PNP. And i thoroughly agree; Harry's worst problem has always been that he bends over backwards to play the best players, which does not necessarily mean we play the best team. And as that point is WAY too subtle for a 'pool or librarian to possibly understand, I must beg for clemency (ray or steve) and plead with you to let me stay on the spurs board!
I reckoned that sticking Maradona behind Postiga would actually make our beloved striker look good! Come to think of it, that team has actually got a VERY good core in: Pat Jennings Steve Perryman Glenn Hoddle Diego Maradona Not too shabby...
On second thoughts, I just had a peek at the fixture list for the FA Cup. My main concern was that we avoid a clutter of games in Feb/March time, undoubtedly our hardest run of the season. However, it looks like there'll be plenty of recovery time should we advance... Jan 22nd: Man City (A) Jan 28th: FACup 4th round Jan 31st: Wigan (H) Feb 11th: Newcastle (H) Feb 18th: 5th Round Feb 26th: Le Scum (A) Mar 10th: Everton (A) Mar 17th: 6th round -I assume the Stoke "game" would have to be moved... Mar 24th: Chelsea (A)
Why is King captain, wasn't 600 odd games good enough with fewer injuries- stamps foot walks off muttering !!
Also bear in mind the xmas period when it comes to tired players. Even if they have followed Harry's instructions and not partaken of the happy juice the disruption to players routines; visitors at home etc will have taken it's toll. A week or so should see them looking fresher.
