Fielding under strength teams in the Cups

[Zippity]

Bit of a bug-bear of mine.

Teams tonight making 9 or 10 changes from the last league game they played. I know that football is a squad game but, to me, that's so that managers can make tactical changes, replace injured/out of form players, etc and not have one team for the Cups and one for the league.

To me, it devalues the cup (particularly the FA cup when it pisses me off much more) and short-changes the fans who have paid to see their team have a go. And I know that it gives a 'lesser' team the chance to progress against a weakened bigger team, but, still...a whole team is taking the piss, imo.

I'd be in favour of saying a team had to play at least half the outfield players they started with in the last game. No team ever has more than half a team injured in one game so that couldn't be used as an excuse. I know the league is more important but the cups are important too.

Well, to me, anyway.

Maybe I'm the only one who's arsed.

[toonfalifekevbrown]

We've done it ourselves but to me the cup is for the fans .you should really have a good enough squad to compete in both .it is the best league in the world isn't it?

[Zippity]

Oh aye, Kev, I know we have. Just speaking generally. Might be unrealistic but I think you should field the strongest team you can.

[Geordie1974]

Same for me.Strongest team wherever possible.

[pboromag]

strong team and try attacking

they will have watched our league games and wont be expecting it

let the lads play with freedom

[Zippity]

they will have watched our league games and wont be expecting it

This could be true, tbf.

Suspect we'll try to keep it tight, though.

[Jammy89]

Isn't there already a rule about outfield players? I'm sure some chimpo teams got fined for it last season in cup.

It is possible i dreamt this but could swear i didn't.

I'd also like to see us to field a strong team but equally i'd like to see Longstaff start so that would automatically not make it our strongest team.

[malamoto]

Jammy you may be right about the rule but all I can find is EFL teams can not make 10 or more changes for a game. As for PL teams I think your allowed to play anyone named in your first team squad. They definitely should make a rule to prevent teams fielding weakened teams though, its just one of the reasons the cups are loosing their appeal

[pboromag]

I think he was holding our players back sunday for this game

im expecting a full team 11 out

as long as they have all made up

[MidsMagpie]

Lone striker again tonight anyone