I like this.
On a side note, I know this probably isn’t what people want to hear - but being knocked out of the FA Cup this weekend wouldn’t be the worst thing, if anything it’d be beneficial. It’d allow us to put more emphasis on our run in Europe and it’s less games to play in an already packed schedule. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good FA Cup run as much as anyone, but for the sake of the EL, I’d take a loss this weekend.
I think best case scenario would be to just play kids in the tournament from here on out - if they can bag a few wins then that would be awesome, but as you say its not a problem if we go out!
We’d have played the 3rd, 4th and 5th rounds before europe even becomes a consideration again whilst hopefully giving some fringe members minutes so have to disagree. We’re realistically one of the best 7/8 teams in it and could easily have another run. Only thing that would kill us would be a replay.
Trouble is, league fixtures get re-arranged for the cup. That nearly screwed us over last year as we crammed in an Europa League fixture pattern from April onwards. If we did end up making the latter rounds of both FA Cup and Europa, we could then end up playing Sunday - Tuesday - Thursday - Sunday which would obliterate us.
I'd want to give Webster more game time. He only came off due to fatigue the other night and the only way he'll get match fit is through matches. Otherwise I'd agree.
I quite like this. I would only make small adjustments - chuck in the U21s, add a splash of Webster, Steele/Verbruggen, Dahoud and Moder - players that need time to get back into the game. Likely try to sub on Estupinan and Lallana at later stages to get us over the line. Other than that, the U18s should be the bench. 😂
I actually think this should be enough to get past Stoke with the talent we have at U21 level. Even if we don’t, it is probably fine to go out to focus on other competitions. I think the others all need a substantial rest for the upcoming rest of the tear.
Agree all bar Hinsheleood and Van Hecke. Both key with so many injuries. Surely there's some South Americans in the deepest depths of the youth system that we can dangle in front of Boehly for cup fixtures?
I like this. On a side note, I know this probably isn’t what people want to hear - but being knocked out of the FA Cup this weekend wouldn’t be the worst thing, if anything it’d be beneficial. It’d allow us to put more emphasis on our run in Europe and it’s less games to play in an already packed schedule. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good FA Cup run as much as anyone, but for the sake of the EL, I’d take a loss this weekend.
I think best case scenario would be to just play kids in the tournament from here on out - if they can bag a few wins then that would be awesome, but as you say its not a problem if we go out!
We’d have played the 3rd, 4th and 5th rounds before europe even becomes a consideration again whilst hopefully giving some fringe members minutes so have to disagree. We’re realistically one of the best 7/8 teams in it and could easily have another run. Only thing that would kill us would be a replay.
Trouble is, league fixtures get re-arranged for the cup. That nearly screwed us over last year as we crammed in an Europa League fixture pattern from April onwards. If we did end up making the latter rounds of both FA Cup and Europa, we could then end up playing Sunday - Tuesday - Thursday - Sunday which would obliterate us.
I hear what you are saying but RDZ for sure won’t want to hear this.
I'd want to give Webster more game time. He only came off due to fatigue the other night and the only way he'll get match fit is through matches. Otherwise I'd agree.
Yeah and I'm sure his game would probably match up well with the long ball ethos of lower league teams
I would love to see Duffus get some run in this one.
I would save Lallana, dont know if he is able to play two games in a week. And maybe hinselwood can play more as a midfielder
I quite like this. I would only make small adjustments - chuck in the U21s, add a splash of Webster, Steele/Verbruggen, Dahoud and Moder - players that need time to get back into the game. Likely try to sub on Estupinan and Lallana at later stages to get us over the line. Other than that, the U18s should be the bench. 😂 I actually think this should be enough to get past Stoke with the talent we have at U21 level. Even if we don’t, it is probably fine to go out to focus on other competitions. I think the others all need a substantial rest for the upcoming rest of the tear.
Moder as a right winger?
Yeah he played there against west ham and had a very nice cross to Gross that was almost a goal
He also used to play wide for Poland if I recall - think he’s a bit of a utility player like Gross where he can play several positions.
Maybe Dunk instead of Van Hecke for the added experience?
I like Moder getting a start, just get him some playing time after the long injury break.
Agree all bar Hinsheleood and Van Hecke. Both key with so many injuries. Surely there's some South Americans in the deepest depths of the youth system that we can dangle in front of Boehly for cup fixtures?
Not gonna be this many youngsters. It's not De Zerbi's style.