This will be tougher opposition than last Sunday. PNE will be well up for a chance to knock out a top Prem team whoever we play.
tbh i wouldn't be surprised if they didn't put out a weakened side* as they are 19th in the league which will be their priority . * Though wouldn't imagine they have that big a squad to make wholesale changes .
Preston will have a few subs surely they will use a few of their squad but then again the championship teams have to slog for 46 league games plus whatever cup games they can get. This is their cup final in the end isnt it? Hopefully the players we have are more than enough to win this
An extended cup run brings in dosh though, so they could take a chance on catching us out. They know that if we played a full strength side they'd need a bloody miracle - but they also know we're highly unlikely to do so. It depends which way they gamble - could their best team catch our second string out ? Even a replay would benefit them financially. If, as you say, they have enough players to make a choice.
Yeah but only if they get home draws. Otherwise this comp isnt worth a damn It's a vastly improved second string once three senior players turn up. Ox, minamino and origi. These three are the key. If they bother (and two are playing for new deals here or elsewhere) then we will win. Our defence imo is more than good enough and keeper. Theres strong improvement in William's and I am looking forward to jimmy seeing it for himself The rest just depends on a bit of desire. Minamino and origi should be dieing for a game.
its not home draws PNE need it is the possibility of an upset as it that which brings the TV coverage .
one more option might be ritaccio. the yank lad frauendorf, balagizi and musialowski are really all attackers. Though klopp made elliott into a CM, none of these went on preseason.
maybe so. It'd be a lot to ask but minamino moved there in last game cos ox was disastrous. Kelleher Williams Gomez Konate Tsimikas Minamino Morton Ox Gordan Origi musialowski I think we need to give jones the recovery time I would be a bit resistant to him playing. Back 5, i think its really good now. I'd be happy to say that with klopp is a top half of the table back 5, maybe even top 6. Really happy with development of the kids and the performances of konate and tsimikas so far. Gomez is gomez, oozes class. Midfield has 3 injures. Is what it is. Jones, milner and keita would be playing this game if thiago, henderson and fabinho has played v utd. Front 3 is our weakest area and continues to be.
We should be able to see Preston off, I believe some players are going to be rested. We have Brighton at home West Ham away and Leicester away too.