FA Cup - Does it deserve our respect?

[Jim Chimmerney]

We'll probably never be in a better position to win it all things being considered.

 

[ScottishBlade93]

I think we should start to take this seriously.

On the assumption that none of the replays yield upsets and likewise all the Premiership sides win out, the last 16 will include 11 PL teams of which we would be one.

So almost half the division gone.

Apart from against Liverpool where we were below par, we have acquitted ourselves well against all we have played.

If the draw is kind and some of that very top teams do for each other, then we could be in with a shout.

Yes, Chris has to take team selection seriously but how often do you have a chance to win something? And for once we are in a position where we can take on teams with no fear. So why not give it a go?

This entirely!!! It amazes me how much people are not even bothered about a cup that we have a genuine chance to win. One that has alluded us for so long.

 

[BushBlade]

We'll probably never be in a better position to win it all things being considered.

Why? I’m hoping we stay up, sign some good players and improve. Surely if we do that we’ll have a better chance of winning it?
This is our best chance in a number of years but it’s still a very small chance and there’s no reason we won’t have better chances in the future.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

Why? I’m hoping we stay up, sign some good players and improve. Surely if we do that we’ll have a better chance of winning it?
This is our best chance in a number of years but it’s still a very small chance and there’s no reason we won’t have better chances in the future.

We are in the best form level we have been at for years, the difference is, compared to recent cup runs, there's fewer teams in better form above us in the league pyramid and most, if not all, will be playing their reserve teams until the latter stages.

Hopefully we can kick on from here and of course, no-one knows how things will pan out but realistically, this is probably as good a chance as we have had for decades, that's all I'm saying

 

[BushBlade]

We are in the best form level we have been at for years, the difference is, compared to recent cup runs, there's fewer teams in better form above us in the league pyramid and most, if not all, will be playing their reserve teams until the latter stages.

Hopefully we can kick on from here and of course, no-one knows how things will pan out but realistically, this is probably as good a chance as we have had for decades, that's all I'm saying

The big clubs rotate their squads for the cup every season. Then they play their first team in the semifinals and final. Bear in mind Man City have lost the PL so will pay more attention to the cups, Liverpool could lose a few league games and still win the PL so there’s no reason they won’t play stronger teams going forward now the fixture congestion is over, Mourinho will want to win it with Spurs and I’d guess Arteta would also like to get off to a good start.

I think there’s a danger of overestimating our chances of winning the cup and of underestimating our chances of relegation. Which is fine until CW plays a weaker team in the cup and we go out, then he gets criticised by the nit pickers who think they’re being clever by highlighting every minor issue when they should be grateful we’ve got a manager of his calibre.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

The big clubs rotate their squads for the cup every season. Then they play their first team in the semifinals and final. Bear in mind Man City have lost the PL so will pay more attention to the cups, Liverpool could lose a few league games and still win the PL so there’s no reason they won’t play stronger teams going forward now the fixture congestion is over, Mourinho will want to win it with Spurs and I’d guess Arteta would also like to get off to a good start.

I think there’s a danger of overestimating our chances of winning the cup and of underestimating our chances of relegation. Which is fine until CW plays a weaker team in the cup and we go out, then he gets criticised by the nit pickers who think they’re being clever by highlighting every minor issue when they should be grateful we’ve got a manager of his calibre.

Without getting all complacent, I think we also over-estimate the quality of the 12 teams currently below us, we're all much of a muchness and whilst we might be in a slightly false position (arguably) it would be a monumental fook-up for us to go down not least of all because it would mean 10 teams below us having much better 2nd halves of the season. But yeah, the sooner we get to 37, 38 points the better and if that means we can concentrate on the Cup, even better.

 

[Le Cynique]

This entirely!!! It amazes me how much people are not even bothered about a cup that we have a genuine chance to win. One that has alluded us for so long.

Eluded, and our chance is just that - a chance. I'd sooner not risk our players and make the best attempt at finishing as high in the league as we can, because this will then help us to sign better players next season and push on from there.

 

[BushBlade]

Without getting all complacent, I think we also over-estimate the quality of the 12 teams currently below us, we're all much of a muchness and whilst we might be in a slightly false position (arguably) it would be a monumental fook-up for us to go down not least of all because it would mean 10 teams below us having much better 2nd halves of the season. But yeah, the sooner we get to 37, 38 points the better and if that means we can concentrate on the Cup, even better.

We’re not beyond monumental fucks ups though. This season is a weird one. If Wilder decides its right to play a weakened team in the cup I’ll support him in that decision.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

We’re not beyond monumental fucks ups though. This season is a weird one. If Wilder decides its right to play a weakened team in the cup I’ll support him in that decision.

No problem with that although he did say he wanted to put out a much stronger team than he did last weekend. It's not as big a risk hereon in in terms of tiredness as it's just another weekend and we haven't got the same midweek commitments so we'll see what happens.

 

[BushBlade]

No problem with that although he did say he wanted to put out a much stronger team than he did last weekend. It's not as big a risk hereon in in terms of tiredness as it's just another weekend and we haven't got the same midweek commitments so we'll see what happens.

Yeah, I looked the other day and I think we have a free week either side so it’s just a matter of risking an injury to a key player. I wanted a mix of first team and squad players against Fylde, until I saw how knackered we were.
There are some advantages in having a run as it will give more game time for the likes of Freeman (L), Osborn, Besic etc, players we may need in the latter stages of the season.

 

[Akinbiyi]

I'd go to Millwall and try to win.
It won't be easy, obviously. They're playing well, top 6 and they'll want to keep winning to push on.
If you get through this you're in the 5th round then in my opinion we should start to take it really seriously.

We can change about 7 players and the team will still play like the first team - if a bit less quality. You need to keep the staples of the team in if you want to play our system effectively.

As long as Bash, JOC, and Norwood are playing we can win.

I'd line up with this, all things considered:

Verrips
Freeman - Basham - Jags - JOC - Osborn
Besic - Norwood - Freeman
Sharp - McBurnie

 

[Rudders]

People talking about risks. If Hendo not Verrips had got injured on Sunday what then? A massive drop off in terms of goalie experience and quality for at least one prem game week. Moore currently injured as well.
What if he played Mousse and McBurnie and they had got injuries/suspensions? Massive drop off in Prem goal threat/record. Same goes for Egan/fullbacks etc
It seems to me our first XI can compete in the Prem but our 'squad' is very thin in terms of quality replacements in the key positions so we can't afford any injuries/suspensions if we want to stay up in the league. So totally support Wilder doing a full rotation even if the performance drops substantially in the cup.

 

[BushBlade]

I'd go to Millwall and try to win.
It won't be easy, obviously. They're playing well, top 6 and they'll want to keep winning to push on.
If you get through this you're in the 5th round then in my opinion we should start to take it really seriously.

We can change about 7 players and the team will still play like the first team - if a bit less quality. You need to keep the staples of the team in if you want to play our system effectively.

As long as Bash, JOC, and Norwood are playing we can win.

I'd line up with this, all things considered:

Verrips
Freeman - Basham - Jags - JOC - Osborn
Besic - Norwood - Freeman
Sharp - McBurnie

I’m not sure I’d risk JOC. Although he rarely gets injured as him and Bash seem to be indestructible.

 

[Ricky]

I'd go to Millwall and try to win.
It won't be easy, obviously. They're playing well, top 6 and they'll want to keep winning to push on.
If you get through this you're in the 5th round then in my opinion we should start to take it really seriously.

We can change about 7 players and the team will still play like the first team - if a bit less quality. You need to keep the staples of the team in if you want to play our system effectively.

As long as Bash, JOC, and Norwood are playing we can win.

I'd line up with this, all things considered:

Verrips
Freeman - Basham - Jags - JOC - Osborn
Besic - Norwood - Freeman
Sharp - McBurnie

Get your own line up. That's exactly the same one I typed in the shout box...

Ideally we'll have new signings to come in for K.Freeman and maybe Norwood.

 

[Akinbiyi]

I’m not sure I’d risk JOC. Although he rarely gets injured as him and Bash seem to be indestructible.

That's exactly why I'd play him
And plus, we'll know by then what we're looking like in the league. If we're looking like we have a real shout of Europa or have hemorrhaged down the league, I'd probably just make 11 changes. But I can't see it.

It's a chance to win the FA Cup at the end of the day. I think it's worth the risk.

 

[Akinbiyi]

Get your own line up. That's exactly the same one I typed in the shout box...

Ideally we'll have new signings to come in for K.Freeman and maybe Norwood.

Yeah, fuck Freeman if possible
I think anyone coming in will struggle to understand the role the way Norwood does. I'd play him if we sign someone new or not.

 

[Scooter_mcgavin]

If we win our next 4 cup ties, we have a good chance of winning the cup.

 

[ScottishBlade93]

Eluded, and our chance is just that - a chance. I'd sooner not risk our players and make the best attempt at finishing as high in the league as we can, because this will then help us to sign better players next season and push on from there.

Winning a trophy is what all supporters dream of. I agree the priority is the league but there is no reason why we can’t have both?

 

[Ricky]

Yeah, fuck Freeman if possible
I think anyone coming in will struggle to understand the role the way Norwood does.

I agree. And if Norwood plays in that line up, we should win if we play properly.

But Norwood would also be a good one to rest, leaving us with just 2 regulars but still a strong line up.

If a new signing came in it might mean playing him at RCM and Besic centrally - I think he's smart enough to adapt there.

Stevens and McGoldrick would be good to bring on for the last 30 minutes. Two more indestructibles.

Would keep Mousset in cotton wool above all others.

 

[Akinbiyi]

I agree. And if Norwood plays in that line up, we should win if we play properly.

But Norwood would also be a good one to rest, leaving us with just 2 regulars but still a strong line up.

If a new signing came in it might mean playing him at RCM and Besic centrally - I think he's smart enough to adapt there.

Stevens and McGoldrick would be good to bring on for the last 30 minutes. Two more indestructibles.

Would keep Mousset in cotton wool above all others.

With us playing a championship side, and all things considered we played the 5-2-1-2 mostly in the championship, we could make it even stronger and keep the equally indestructible Enda Stevens in, Norwood/Besic and Osborn in midfield and Freeman in front of them

 

[CarlMcBlade]

There’s plenty of things the FA and football authorities could do to enhance the competition. But unfortunately the FA cup is being left to “wither on the vine”.

A secured European place for the winner or runner up if winner is already in Champions league.

Bigger prize money pot

Make 3rd round matches part of Prem /Champs season ticket and in the event of an away tie, either carry the pre-paid sum over to the next round or gift it back in club vouchers.

More punitive measures for clubs who don’t play at least 5 first teamers.

Stop clubs shutting off part of their ground.

 

[I should coco]

There’s plenty of things the FA and football authorities could do to enhance the competition. But unfortunately the FA cup is being left to “wither on the vine”.

A secured European place for the winner or runner up if winner is already in Champions league.

Bigger prize money pot

Make 3rd round matches part of Prem /Champs season ticket and in the event of an away tie, either carry the pre-paid sum over to the next round or gift it back in club vouchers.

More punitive measures for clubs who don’t play at least 5 first teamers.

Stop clubs shutting off part of their ground.

Also, stop pissing about with kick off times. Apart from a handful of tv games, all games to kick off at 3pm on a Saturday and more importantly, the Final to kick off at 3pm Saturday, with NO Premier League games on the same day.

 

[BushBlade]

Also, stop pissing about with kick off times. Apart from a handful of tv games, all games to kick off at 3pm on a Saturday and more importantly, the Final to kick off at 3pm Saturday, with NO Premier League games on the same day.

That would necessitate an unusual level of cooperation between the FA and the PL. It would also have meant that they couldn’t do the same TV deal with Amazon as they’d have had to have one less round of fixtures (or we’d have played Thursday then Saturday).

The PL consider the FA to be little more than an inconvenience who should stick to grass roots football and the national team. For a start they like to distribute the TV money more fairly, that would never do, how the fuck would Man U pay £80m for Leadboots if that kind of communism was taking place.

 

[I should coco]

That would necessitate an unusual level of cooperation between the FA and the PL.

Inconveniently for the PL, they play under FA jurisdiction. The FA could grow some and insist that the Cup Final be special or else..... (the PL would lose UEFA/FIFA affiliation and all that would entail for the players).

Of course this will never happen as the current arrangement generate plenty of dosh and none of the old blazers seemed to have realised how this once proud institution, is sinking into irrelevance.

The Beeb will of course keep bigging up the FA Cup as these are the only live games they can afford to cover, but expect Amazon or similar to out bid them soon for 'exclusive' coverage. That really will be the final nail.

 

[BushBlade]

Inconveniently for the PL, they play under FA jurisdiction. The FA could grow some and insist that the Cup Final be special or else..... (the PL would lose UEFA/FIFA affiliation and all that would entail for the players).

Of course this will never happen as the current arrangement generate plenty of dosh and none of the old blazers seemed to have realised how this once proud institution, is sinking into irrelevance.

The Beeb will of course keep bigging up the FA Cup as these are the only live games they can afford to cover, but expect Amazon or similar to out bid them soon for 'exclusive' coverage. That really will be the final nail.

Did you see the documentary when the EFL tried to stop the breakaway and the formation of the PL? The best they could do was threaten the clubs with refusing them entry into the league cup.

UEFA will do what the big clubs tell them to. That’s why the ‘champions league’ contains loads of clubs that are champions of fuck all.

 

[Le Cynique]

Winning a trophy is what all supporters dream of. I agree the priority is the league but there is no reason why we can’t have both?

Because we haven't got the strength in depth to cover for injuries or fatigue. Staying up is a lot more attainable than winning the cup, and arguably of more benefit to the club.

If we want to push on next season and bring in better players, finishing as high up in the league as possible HAS to be the priority. No one is going to come to us based on a valiant cup run, whereas if we look like a decent Premier League outfit we'll be a much better draw for the kind of players we need to consolidate in the league. Cup runs can come when we have a squad with real quality in depth. Until then, we have to concentrate on the league.

 

[Ricky]

Hopefully we can get Elias Cobbaut in for this game to play at LCB. Would be good to not have to play JOC.

 

[blade67]

According to the FA Website the 5th Roy d is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 4th March

Is that a typo?

If they want people to respect it , then perhaps they should start themselves

 

[Silent Blade]

According to the FA Website the 5th Roy d is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 4th March

Is that a typo?

If they want people to respect it , then perhaps they should start themselves

Not a typo. We are having a two week break between the home games against Bournemouth ad Brighton. FA Cup 6th round will be played on 21/22 March weekend

 

[ZLB]

Not a typo. We are having a two week break between the home games against Bournemouth ad Brighton. FA Cup 6th round will be played on 21/22 March weekend

And no replays in the 5th round this season ??