What are people's personal opinions on FA Cup weekend games? Because I, for one, don't like it too much really. I mean, it's good for a refresher for a break from the PL but I do actually like to see the PL every week as it's more competitive. Reason is because you can guess which games are likely to become a shock now really, or there are very few games that I can't predict (although wouldn't put a bet/predict it anyway).
However, that's just my opinion on it, yours may be different. But, it does get a little more enjoyable when it slims down to better teams like in the Championship/PL teams are in it and not poor quality sides anyway. It is also quite enjoyable as a little break but I don't like it too much.
But anyway, shall we vote?
1 You don't like the FA Cup
5 You do like the FA Cup
FA Cup Games
posted on 4/1/14
Unfortunately, the FA Cup has totally lost its importance unless you reach the final. Most Premiership clubs put out weakened teams. It's becoming increasingly pointless for top-flight clubs.
They're just slightly more important than friendlies.
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I suppose that is slightly harsh but it is losing it's importance slightly, passion for smaller clubs and it's shine and glimmer over seasons. Not something that most clubs can not be bothered with, like Villa. But that was a little bit harsh on it.
posted on 4/1/14
Ji
posted on 4/1/14
Its not just premier league teams that field weakened teams, teams all through the divisions do it.
In the grand scheme of things it's really no more important than the league cup.
posted on 4/1/14
Ji, The only problem is what about the CL as well though? Would that take priority over the Winner of the game between the FA Cup winner and 4th? If that team finishes 6th (like United might).
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If that happens, then the CL winner would take the 4th spot, same as it is now.
the beauty is that the CL final is played after the FA cup final, so the FA cup would still be fiercely fought over for that play off place, even if there was a chance that an English club could win the CL and nulify that play off place.
Pretty sure I should be head of the FA
posted on 4/1/14
If that happens, then the CL winner would take the 4th spot, same as it is now.
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That's changing.
They're increasing the maximum a country can have from 4 to 5, so if the CL winners finish outside the top 4 they'll have 5 teams in the CL from that country.
posted on 4/1/14
They should scrap the Carling Cup to give more importance to the FA cup, all the fixture congestion makes it a hindrance for a lot of clubs which is a shame.
posted on 4/1/14
They're increasing the maximum a country can have from 4 to 5, so if the CL winners finish outside the top 4 they'll have 5 teams in the CL from that country.
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Personally, i think that's poor... there could be teams that are 20-30 points off the top spot breezing into the competition.... at least an FA cup winner would be considered a champion of that competition
posted on 4/1/14
Personally, i think that's poor... there could be teams that are 20-30 points off the top spot breezing into the competition.... at least an FA cup winner would be considered a champion of that competition
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That happens anyway.
The problem with the FA Cup winners being in the CL, I suppose, is that you don't have to win that many matches and may not even have had to play that many decent teams.
There's no ideal solution really.
EL winners get into the CL from next season as well. That's a really good idea.
posted on 4/1/14
Ji, The only problem is what about the CL as well though? Would that take priority over the Winner of the game between the FA Cup winner and 4th? If that team finishes 6th (like United might).
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If that happens, then the CL winner would take the 4th spot, same as it is now.
the beauty is that the CL final is played after the FA cup final, so the FA cup would still be fiercely fought over for that play off place, even if there was a chance that an English club could win the CL and nulify that play off place.
Pretty sure I should be head of the FA
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That would then surely make it a pointless game should someone win the CL? Unless the CL is put back a week from when it normally is (unless a English team doesn't reach the Final) and then you can have that game the week after. Then it might work.
The FA Cup can only enter you into the EL if you win it and that club isn't already in a European spot. You get that for winning the LC as well. It shows that the FA Cup isn't as special as what teams want it to be really. I'd love it if there was more passion and spirit was returned to the smaller clubs.
People at Non-League/small clubs pay to watch quality players come to their ground and that is the passion for these teams. Not to see a bunch of youngsters turn up so it is like a U21 friendly. It just seems pointless. As much as it seems that people have already payed, they will stop eventually if they know that big clubs don't send their strongest side. But no one can prevent them from not playing them, no rule can be made of that. It just takes the "WOW" factor of the FA Cup when teams do that. But who can blame them when they have played so many games in a handful of days over the festive period.
The beauty of the FA Cup should be the passion and desire to do well. For any club. But it isn't anymore. Or not as much anyway. All it gives you is a little bit more revenue and a little bit more money if smaller clubs proceed, which is always nice but it should be an enjoyable experience rather than a business idea.
posted on 4/1/14
I'm not sure the FA can do anything about it anyway. The premier league are the ones that own the rights to the CL and they won't give them up as it's not in their interest.
Good idea but not going to happen.