And what if the 16 or 17 players are injured?

The 16 or 17 players named would probably reflect the teams used this weekend anyway.

Scrap the capital one cup or whatever it's called.

That's what will make the cup special again

The best way to restore some glory would be reduce the PL to 18 teams, the Championship to 20 and make the other leagues feeders into the Championship with a maximum of 20 teams in them.
Then schedule the FA Cup so that it doesn't have PL and Championship games the midweek before or after the cup game.



I would personally make the 3rd-5th (or maybe 6th) rounds run consecutive weeks. That was a club can focus on the cup, and would be more inclined to name stronger teams (although no doubt some players would be given time off)

You have to accept that it's been riding on an inflated status for a while now, it needs to reach its fair worth. That will mean clubs with bigger things at stake in their league and/or Europe, will increasingly field young/emerging/squad.. Players. At least til the later stages.

I've always wondered whether regional cup competitions would be a good concept eg. London cup. At least it would play on local rivalries, and reduce travelling.

I like the idea of having a break from the league dj but then too many teams would go weeks without playing.

We should have 1 cup not 2 and the incentives should be better

They should just start fining PL teams that get knocked out in the early rounds.

I think the most important thing is that a managers plan to play kids is transparent to the match going fan, tbh.



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I like the idea of having a break from the league dj but then too many teams would go weeks without playing.
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One fear would be a team going out in round 3 after playing a weakened XI then turning up in Asia or the US playing friendlies!

fa cup will have little meaning for the clubs if there isn't a good prize or reward. The money in the cup is nothing compared to the league or champions league, so it'll be way down the pecking order.

Massive prize money or entry to the CL for the winners is really the only way to see teams take it seriously

Really don't think a CL place is a just reward for 6 games, especially with the "luck of the draw" meaning you could have a winner who doesn't play a single PL opponent.

I'm not suggesting it's a good idea or even one that'd ever happen, but the point still stands

How many changes did City make for this round? (Take out injuries and suspensions).

Aguero was injured and Fernandinho was suspended. They are first teamers. So is Kompany when fit (back today). Delph is back from injury too though he's probably a fringe player.

You could only argue that Bravo ( ) and de Bruyne were left out from those available.

I'd argue that, injuries and suspensions aside, CIty only dropped 2-3 first teamers which is hardly the 9 or 10 Liverpool did.

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CL would mean relatively nothing to teams that main aim is to be in/stay in the PL. Would only be worthwhile to teams like Man United or Southampton, who can't get CL in the league but are at no risk of getting relegated.

Don't PL teams have to have a set squad of 15 players? Just make them pick from that.

Liverpool are in a nose dive atm so why o why did they field a side like todays, risking more pressure and humiliation. How can pro footballers not play twice a week?

Don't PL teams have to have a set squad of 15 players? Just make them pick from that
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25 plus unlimited youngsters.

Yeah I meant 25