So how will Simon set up the team on Wednesday? Go for it with the first team Or play the reserve squad
Can't see Watmore playing a part just yet. I'd go with. Steele Love Kone Wilson Oviado Ndong Gibson Macca Gooch Greenwood Asoro
Ate the Everton loanees allowed to play? Would gave thought not. Therefore pretty much this team with maybe even Rodwell at centre half to save against another potential injury.
Always in two minds about the cup. On one hand I couldn't care less and would rather we concentrated on the league but the other is the fact that a good cup run might well be good for both players and fans confidence, especially if we can take a scalp on the way. If we beat Everton away I bet the lads would be full of beans and we'd see a different team. No better time to play them as well, spent fortunes and in the bottom 3.
I can never decide whether we should go for it in the cup or rest up for the league. It's probably best to do a bit of both, I'd definitely play Steele and see how he goes. Throw in a couple of fringe youth players but not go all out experimental.
How far off is Maja from returning, any chance he could get a few minutes here, I'd not be against Watmore being given 20 minutes just to ease him back in. As for the result a win would give us a boost, playing a weakened side and loosing then we move on, I'd not let Vaughan anywhere near this game he must be kept fit for the league.
I would agree about a cup run but with our under strength squad and busy fixture list I would play a number if our achieving young academy players (if fit) for their development including Beadling , Embleton, Asoro, Greenwood with experience leadership support of Catts and Jos EDIT h (predictive text typo) Stick with Ruiter.
With Everton's current form, I can see them playing a strong side in the hope that they batter us and instill some confidence in their club/team.
Is Asoro fit? Don't think he's started last few U23 games. No way id play full strength team and no way can we play Vaughan. Cardiff is a must win so I'd be playing back up and youngsters even if it means playing no out and out striker. ----------------------Steele------------------ Jones----Browning--Oshea--Galloway --------E.Robson--Gibson--Rodwell----- Molyneux-------Gooch--------Greenwood
Browning and Galloway will be ineligible I'd guess - probably a good thing. I'd have a few more seniors in as well because that team could get an absolute tanking.
Didn't think about them 2 being ineligible. In that case I'd play Beadling and Tom Robson get them some experience. Don't think the result really matters. We aren't progressing to the next round regardless of the team but it's a great opportunity to get experience for the young lads. Some might even put in a performance and stake a claim. Ethan Robson scored in back to back U23 games from central midfield. Surely pushing Gibson and Rodwell for a place in the first team squad
Oh god, we're on to the must win bollocks already. ****ing hate that cliche, it's used out of context so often INCLUDING NOW. we've still got 38 games left. Even Bolton who are slap bang bottom on don't have a must win game. Why? Cause if they don't they've still got time to save themselves Can we use the term correctly this season peeps? When time is against us so it actually means something?
Think we should have a go. Especially at this stage of the season nothing to lose in cups or the league just yet so may aswell try for an upset.
Agreed, strike a balance between senior and youth considering injurie, than have a proper go at them. We've beaten these while we've been in disarray before. Now both teams are, it's worth a pop I say.
I agree until the last line as we could win unlikely on paper but they will probably underestimate us and will be shell shocked and early cup upsets are a regular thing I'll still be but
Good game for JoS, Rodders and Gibbo to earn their coin, maybe rest one or two, and use subs to spread the load a bit. In these cup games I think it would be advantageous to allow up to five substitutes, in the earlier rounds at least, just a thought.
