It's funny because under Lampard we regularly blew away lower-tier opposition in cups while playing youth players. Personally, I just think a cupset is a completely unfounded worry. And it's fine for us to disagree on this. As I said... different priorities.

Is everybody tuned in via the red button...?

HD picture if you go via channel 115

"You're worried about an cup upset at home against a team 100+ places below us because we play 3/11 non-first teamers."

No I am not. Only Lukaku and Kovacic get in our first XI out of the current line up. We have 9/11 who are not first teamers.

"Whereas I'm more concerned about not burning out our first teamers and giving our youth players opportunities to impress."

I think getting the game won and then taking Kovacic, Lukaku and some of the more senior second stringers like Pulisic and CHO off will actually save more energy than risking the game becoming a contest and having to actually put players on to chase the game.

I also take the FA Cup seriously, so while I have no issue giving one or two young players a start, to me it is different to Carabao Cup where you can go full youth.

"Don't forget that skipping out on giving our youth chances like these will play a role in whether we can convince them to sign a senior contract and accept the loan roulette as opposed to jumping off at the earliest opportunity (e.g. Livramento, Lewis Bate, Lamptey)"

I don't blame the club for any of those departures to be honest. Lamptey played vs Arsenal in the PL.

The reality is no club really bleeds players at 18 into the first team, there normally is a requirement to go and earn your position on loan - which is exactly what our best youngsters do.

If we have to sell youngsters with a buyback, and let them treat our academy more like a finishing school - i don't think anyone is to blame for that.

Livramento wanted weekly PL football, starting against minnows in the cup wouldn't have changed his mind.

Same way Gilmour still wanted to go on loan despite being a regular cup starter for us.

Last chance to get predictions in

My prediction is minididi will continue to spout nonsense.

5 subs allows us to get the youth on quick if we build a lead early.

comment by NPE - Justice for RtM (U22712)
posted 7 minutes ago
We are carrying 2 or 3 players who aren't first teamers - what do you think Hall and Bettinelli are.

There is a balance, and to me TT has got it right - playing some key players, some second stringers and a few D options.

So, I am literally in favour of the idea you are proposing, and simultaneously calling laughable.

What I am not in favour of is going too far and risking potential issues in the third round - which will expend more energy, put more players at risk by having to chase a result, and could lead to embarrassing outcomes.

Forgive me - but I happen to remember being schooled by Bradford, Burnley and Barnsley.




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Bradford was a while ago now. We dont get cupset that much tbh

I remember going to that Bradford game. Glad the ticket price was only £15

Took too long CHO

comment by g7 (U12473)
posted 1 second ago
Took too long CHO
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Yeah should have started Harvey Vale instead

comment by NPE - Justice for RtM (U22712)
posted 3 minutes ago
My prediction is minididi will continue to spout nonsense.
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Ziyech almost fecked that

If only Vale had started lads..

That'll do

Starting Kovacic was clearly an error

Well played all there. From Hall to Timo, well worked goal.

That's a silly challenge

comment by NPE - Justice for RtM (U22712)
posted 15 seconds ago
Starting Kovacic was clearly an error
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Completely misunderstands my actual point but OK.

comment by minididi (U17584)
posted less than a minute ago
comment by NPE - Justice for RtM (U22712)
posted 15 seconds ago
Starting Kovacic was clearly an error
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Completely misunderstands my actual point but OK.
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I didn't see your point but I can't imagine why Kova starting would be an error

Red button iplayer not working pour moi, damn

comment by CSTP (U1453)
posted less than a minute ago
Red button iplayer not working pour moi, damn
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Mine buffered a minute ago

Try channel 981... Don't think it's in HD though

Ok I just had to start it again

Somebody got to tap that in

This is why I never ever watch streamed football