Fizzy Pop v Crusaders

[shedka]

Has to be a good blend of guys who are needing game time and less youngsters than last time, McMullan could do with a game for example

No way do I want us to lose to a team from NI in a competitive game, we need to go all out to win while not risking players who are starting just now, those that need game time plus 2-3 youngsters

Or record btw is
Coleraine p2 w2
Glentoran p2 w2
Linfield p1 w1
Crusaders...?

[Whitfieldarab]

Not one of the guys that started v St Mirren should be starting this. If the likes of Durnan or Robson were to pick up a meaningful injury playing in this you'd be furious. For the avoidance of any doubt, this is a completely meaningless competition that carries no weight whatsoever. Continued participation in it runs the risk of over playing the squad, resulting in too many games over the course of the season. Have people forgotten about its legacy when it came to the play offs last season already?

Giving young players valuable experience against seasoned pros is brilliant, offering experience that can't be gained in the Development League. And if they keep winning, all the better. But for goodness sake, no first teamers. Scottish Cup, yes. But this Diddy farce of a trophy - no danger.

You've nailed it there James.

Does anyone really think that losing on Saturday in this absolute waste of time cup will ruin the momentum that's been built up in the last 2 good wins/displays when we come to play Falkirk?

I don't.

[shedka]

Personally don't want to find out, embarrassing losing to this team so I'll take winning both, can play a relatively strong team without risking anyone that will play next week and without making it a development team like last month

[RAM1971]

For one thing this Fizzy Cup is not a waste of time. For Crusaders this is a very important tie and they will be up for it, as Linfield were. For us, we have just appointed a new manager and it is a real test, without the risk of losing 3 points, for him to assess first hand the quality and style of players he has at his disposal. This should be treated as a trial for the big game against Falkirk the following week. He will have a week to work on any weaknesses and tactics for that game and beyond. This Fizzy tie is a very timely and fortunate game at this moment in time. Our team is in dire need of learning to hit the back of the net far more regularly. Here s a great chance to practice how.

[SmedDUm]

For one thing this Fizzy Cup is not a waste of time. For Crusaders this is a very important tie and they will be up for it, as Linfield were. For us, we have just appointed a new manager and it is a real test, without the risk of losing 3 points, for him to assess first hand the quality and style of players he has at his disposal. This should be treated as a trial for the big game against Falkirk the following week. He will have a week to work on any weaknesses and tactics for that game and beyond. This Fizzy tie is a very timely and fortunate game at this moment in time. Our team is in dire need of learning to hit the back of the net far more regularly. Here s a great chance to practice how.

Thanks Ram, saved me having a rant.
No respect

Maybe we should stop training lest we get injured.
We will have 8 days til the next league game.
This game has gathered a totally different significance at a very opportune time & I'm intrigued as how we're going to play it.

[RAM1971]

Thanks Ram, saved me having a rant.
No respect

Maybe we should stop training lest we get injured.
We will have 8 days til the next league game.
This game has gathered a totally different significance at a very opportune time & I'm intrigued as how we're going to play it.

Good show Smeds. You should agree with me more often. I find that ploughing a lone furrow gets a bit tedious at times. It is nice to have a bit of harmony!

[Chick A Saw]

Not one of the guys that started v St Mirren should be starting this. If the likes of Durnan or Robson were to pick up a meaningful injury playing in this you'd be furious. For the avoidance of any doubt, this is a completely meaningless competition that carries no weight whatsoever. Continued participation in it runs the risk of over playing the squad, resulting in too many games over the course of the season. Have people forgotten about its legacy when it came to the play offs last season already?

Giving young players valuable experience against seasoned pros is brilliant, offering experience that can't be gained in the Development League. And if they keep winning, all the better. But for goodness sake, no first teamers. Scottish Cup, yes. But this Diddy farce of a trophy - no danger.

Thing is there is now adequate cover in all positions and an injury wont affect us as bad as last season. Yes in the grand scheme, i couldnt care less if we went on and won this again, but we have a new manager in place who may need to use this game for the greater good of the objective. He might even like it on his CV?

As for the Scottish, domestic cleans sweep again this season so no point putting in the effort for me!

[shedboy71]

Good show Smeds. You should agree with me more often. I find that ploughing a lone furrow gets a bit tedious at times. It is nice to have a bit of harmony!

wrong! i want total random nonsense (like shabbas interview) - durnan and lewis up front and a sprinkle of youth at the rear.

[RAM1971]

wrong! i want total random nonsense (like shabbas interview) - durnan and lewis up front and a sprinkle of youth at the rear.

That's exactly what I mean!! Field our strongest possible side!

[stokearab]

Is the match on telly?