Which is a gradual process! Playing our first team tomorrow night will not automatically have those players firing on all cylinders on Saturday. Instead just banging another 90 minutes + into them tomorrow, with only 2 full days before Saturday will result in tired legs and tired minds at the end of the Middlesbrough game, and could be the difference between us getting a good result or not.
In the past Robins has treated the league cup as a bit of a pain in the ass, don’t think he will this time around our squad needs as many competitive games under its belt as possible.
I expect a decent number of yesterdays starting line
up to start Wednesday.
I think there's a few of you being a bit naive about this game. The Middlesbrough game on Saturday has to be our main focus this week. It is the start of the season and its natural that players will start to get a little leggy as matches go on, particularly with the extra added on time this season. Middlesbrough are playing tonight so any players they have that will play Saturday and also be involved tonight will have an extra 24 hours rest on our players. Such margins can make a big difference.
The League Cup is largely a waste of time these days anyway, and unless you get a draw against a 'big' club no money is to be made unless you can reach the semi finals. To that end I've never been too upset when we've been knocked out in recent seasons, and is why I'm perfectly happy for MR to rest as many as he sees fit. We are playing a League 2 club though, so I would hope that any player that didn't start on Sunday and plays tomorrow night should still be able to help us through to the next round regardless. If they can't beat a side from 2 leagues lower it doesn't auger well for those players wanting to break into our team and play for us regularly in the Championship.
There are these things called subs we can use so players don't have to play 90mins...
It was clear on Sunday that the players are still getting used to each other and game time will be the best way to get that, especially if it's against opposition from a lower league. If they can start the game, get their confidence up with a good performance, get the game won in an hour and then use the subs to give fringe/young players a run out then we get the best of all worlds.
I Imagine the changes will be Collins for Wilson, Binks for Fadz, MVE at right wing back, Bidwell at left wing back, Kelly and Eccles midfield, Sakamoto behind Simms and Wright
I Imagine the changes will be Collins for Wilson, Binks for Fadz, MVE at right wing back, Bidwell at left wing back, Kelly and Eccles midfield, Sakamoto behind Simms and Wright
Much stronger team than we usually play in this first cup game. Looking forward to seeing full 90 (well 60-70) from sakamoto and Wright if that team correct.