Are we better off now that we are out of the FA cup?

[eelpie]

I think so. We have a smallish group of players who really are of good premiership quality, and when all are fit and in top form and with the rub of the green we can beat anyone. But injuries are mounting, and we can do without the extra matches and distractions that a longer cup run including replays would entail.

 

All of our closest rivals (except Newcastle) are still involved:

 

 

Macclesfield Town v Wigan/Bournemouth

Millwall v Aston Villa

QPR/West Brom v Sheffield Wednesday/MK Dons

Bolton/Sunderland v Cheltenham/Everton

 

I foresee some testing tustles against lower league opposition, probably a few knocks, and possibly demanding replays in the fourth round there.

 

We have some crucial games ahead. Better to be focused on these and get all our team fit and recovered whilst others are preoccupied with the cup.

 

The second half drubbing by Chelsea may have been humiliating but the result does us a favour.

 

And just possibly the scoreline might galvanise NC to get those crucial players we need signed up and playing sooner rather than too late.

 

I believe that we have now a better chance of avoiding the drop because we are out of the cup, whilst our rivals are still embroiled

.

May they all reach the fifth round and have a long and successful run!

[LostBoys]

Yes but I did not want to get dicked by Chelsea who we have to play in 10 days time

[KelvinsRightGlove]

Yes but I did not want to get dicked by Chelsea who we have to play in 10 days time

 

In fairness we didn't have Rickie, Gaston, lallana or Clyne, which also meant Cork was out position.

 

Some of our best players.

 

That said, early on I think Jay looked lively, I doubt how much more impact Rickie would have had. Would he have been able together into that position like Jay?

[david in sweden]

well, it won't be a distraction to worry about, and we did learn some useful lessons - and without losing three points - let's hope we can use that to good effect in the two upcoming League fixtures.

[Saint Fan CaM]

Yes but I did not want to get dicked by Chelsea who we have to play in 10 days time

 

This. Completely.

[eelpie]

So the pressure on Villa increases after their hammering by Bradford, and they now have to claw back a two goal deficit in the second match. But will they abandon prospects of a League Cup final? Whatever anyone says about Premiership survival being their priority, all players dream of playing at Wembley and league form usually suffers.

 

Let's hope Villa make it to Wembley!

 

(and lose to us on Saturday)

[Windmill Arm 2]

Yes but I did not want to get dicked by Chelsea who we have to play in 10 days time

On the contrary I think being dicked by them in the cup may be beneficial. We now face them away and at home where our players will be desperate not to be taken for mugs again, this could lead to at least one decent result. We also have the added bonus of having played them, this will allow the coaching staff to analyse them and perhaps formulate a decent strategy.

[Barry Sanchez]

No but the bonus of it is we are actually having a discussion about the weakness of our squad, in our first XI there are only a handful of players who would be 1st teamers at others premiership clubs, this speaks volumes.

Should of strengthened a long ago perhaps last July?

[Windmill Arm 2]

No but the bonus of it is we are actually having a discussion about the weakness of our squad, in our first XI there are only a handful of players who would be 1st teamers at others premiership clubs, this speaks volumes.

Should of strengthened a long ago perhaps last July?

 

I think you're on your own there, I wasn't discussing that. Perhaps you'd like us to go all out and phuck ourselves like P*mpey did? Our squad is capable of competing, that is clear to see. We were never going to be high flying this season. It takes time to build, but thats the trouble with society these daays, people like you want it all on a plate yesterday.