Match Day Thread Cardiff City FC v Sunderland AFC – Friday 29th March 2024 - KO 15:00

There's absolutely no reason to rush anyone back when we're basically just playing for pride at this point. We should go the other way and be super conservative to protect them for next season.

 

I agree, but I also disagree. There is a lot to be said for ending the season strongly and taking that form into the new season. Ipswich are a prime example of that.
It would be mad to rush these lads back, but they're either fit or they're not. Assuming their injuries are healed, I'd have Evans, Alese, Roberts and Dack all on the bench as a bare minimum. We are still in the business of winning games of football - something we haven't done for a LONG time.

 

Agree. If they're fit to play they should be available for selection. We should be putting out our strongest team for every match,doesn't matter what stage of the season we're at.

 

Whilst I sort agree I would also like to see us blood a few of our (even) younger players as soon as we are mathematically safe. Just to give them a taste and see how they cope.

 

Depends on how we're playing. I've always thought it best to feed younger players one by one,not too many at one time, into a side that's playing well and with confidence.

 

In ideal circumstances I'd agree, unfortunately they aren't, so maybe it's time to take a chance and throw a couple on for the last 20 minutes
Youthful exuberance against tiring legs

 

If they're 100% fine then there's no reason they shouldn't play, but if there's even the slightest tiny concern that we might be rushing them then keep them out of the team. Especially with the young lads like Alese.

Evans is the one we need back most urgently, he played the other day didn't he and did well. I wouldn't be surprised to see him get 60 minutes.

 

It's about winning matches though mate. Youthful exuberance probably won't be enough in a team struggling for confidence and hanging on for a draw.

 

To what end
If we won say 6 games we still wouldn't have learned anything and we wouldn't get into the play offs Yes we would have a bit more confidence for next season which may help to attract players.
I'm more for the long game and looking to the future, I certainly don't want to write off the season and would be looking for results perhaps the return of Evans with his defensive nous in midfield would allow the younger lads a bit of licence.
I just hope that it's going to be interesting, in a good way.

 

https://x.com/sunderlandafc/status/1773313083366113672?s=46&t=bFwez-5oi7CdxUG56_1QKg

Our Twitter admin absolutely love Callum Styles, no way he doesn’t sign on a perm, hope we can find his best position we’re doing him no favours playing him here there and everywhere

 

If anyone would like to upset their family, drive hundreds of miles, sit in a windswept rainy stadium, hear hundreds of people singing about how much they hate the English, see Sunderland come back with three hard earned points and ruin their family's Easter ...

... I still have a couple of spare tickets for Cardiff

 

I like the look of this team and the thinking behind it It would get us to the 60 min mark shut the t***s up then bring on the cavalry. . .

 

You.ve sold the experience to me, I'm in, except I'm not as i'll be here in the north east

 

Cannot help it. As poor as we have been this is still my team so a win it is. Not bothered how just 3 points please.

Cheers RTB............again.

 

Throwing Evans in is asking for trouble. He needs a few reserve games first to gradually get his body used to the cycle of training and playing again.

I'd put money on him being thrown in and getting a knock though. That's what we do now.

 

No you wouldn't

 

He's been playing in the reserves

 

Two 45 mins so far after being out a year, a bit risky , is it worth it , maybe not.