F.A.Cup Round 5

[Champagneblade]

PH will see this as an opportunity to give game time to the likes of Clark, Fleck and Coulibally. Spurs don’t have much else to play for this season, and it doesn’t undermine our first X1 by too much.
We still win and get another plum tie in the next round. Wots not to like?

I see this as advantageous to us.

When you are lower down the pyramid, it's quite feasible to have players who are similar in ability. Norwood has been outstanding but can you really say there would be a huge disparity if you have to perm two from Coulibaly, Fleck, Doyle and McAtee for instance?

Whereas a team that needs World Class players but might need to rest them will not have the same level in reserve. Spurs are simply not big enough or successful enough (ouch, I know) to have a number of forwards of similar ability competing at the top of the pitch.

I'd argue they have a lot to play for and mainly elsewhere.

Whilst the FA Cup is a nice to have, they are not going to be resting Harry Kane against Chelsea or a resurgent Wolves and reducing their Champions League chances to prioritize a game against little old Championship Sheffield United.

So either they ask Kane and Son to play 3 times and increase their chance of getting injured or we will be facing lesser players.

As much as it is a pity Egan will be out, as long as we have no further injuries. It might just be the result Clark needs to pick up minutes and also, let's be fair, he's had more experience than anyone, including Egan, playing against top level forwards.

Not getting ahead of myself but things could align a little. Also, fingers crossed, we hope our form doesn't tank. If not, then you might play a slightly stronger team against Spurs and rotate a little against Blackburn for example.

 

[Charlieblade]

As I have posted previously, an FA cup run does i us no harm. Now that most of the squad are coming available, it’s a chance for relatively relaxed minutes in a bonus competitive game. Gives players a chance to rest, rotate, and get minutes coming back from injury.
It helps a bit financially too, and keeps everyone busy and thinking about their place in the team. One more round of this and the management could benefit enormously. I’m hoping Coulibally starts to show some real promise in midfield for one.