Progress in the Cup?

[Salopian 1]

We have a tough month ahead of us in the Premiership, so it will be interesting to see to how many of the "usual" team PL decides to give a rest or partial rest next Saturday.

 

Progress of the cup is good financially and perhaps to give experience to fringe players, but any mid-week replays with travelling mean added exertion for the team. Drury, Lappin and Jackson did not let us down. Could they figure on Saturday, and even Willbraham? Could we have a new signing by then?

 

We need to win, to maintain momentum, but a draw and replay at Burnley would not be attractive - could it even be better to lose? So PL has a problem. Burnley have been performing well in the Championship, and if we are to win he can''t afford to weaken the team unduly. Team selection and tactics will be interesting to see.

[zak123 0]

I hope we lose.

Our mission for this season is to stay up. Staying in the Premier League this season is our objective. Staying in the cup puts that in danger. Simple.

Also, look at Birmingham. I know it''s League Cup however same same but different.

[dylanisabaddog 6,147]

Put out a reserve team.First team squad had 4 tough games over Xmas period and would probably benefit from a rest

[AJ 1,359]

I expect anyone who has played 3 games of Christmas will be rested. Expect a reserve/fringe side. We should have enough there to win the game

[Jacko 0]

Not fussed either way. If they are fit and available I think it is important to give first team football to the likes Rudd, Francomb, Ward, Barnett, Wilbraham etc. That also gives some of the other first teamers a rest. FA Cup is not a priority

[Norfolk Mustard 106]

This week''s subject on McVeigh & Butler:

Paul McVeigh This week''s Big Question on McVeigh & Butler on BBC Radio Norfolk from 6-6.30 pm: After another great win in the PL, are we even bothered about the FA Cup?

 

[Gingerpele 0]

I really don''t think cup run=relegation.

Brum did it wrong/got unlucky.

The first team players (the ones playing pretty much every game) won''t be playing, but that doesn''t mean the reserve players should put in no effort like the MK Dons game, why don''t we let the back ups like Lappin, Wilbraham, Drury then any youngsters like Francombe who may get a game, really go out and try to win the game? That didn''t seem to be the objective against MK Dons. I''m going on saturday, but if the first half is dire, I will be seriously tempted to just go home at half time, the MK Dons game was pathetic, the club shouldn''t charge fans, for the players to then go and not even bother playing properly.

Holt, Morison, Hoolahan, Fox, Whitbread, Martin, Ruddy etc will all be rested, but a team something like this: Rudd, Francombe, Ayala, Barnett, Drury, Bennett, Crofts, Lappin, Surman or Pilks, Jackson and Wilbraham, then maybe taking 3 of the ''first team'' players off after an hour, is capable of winning the game, without too much risk.

Against MK Dons, Ayala injured himself because he went half heartedly into a 50/50, thats how we suffered an injury in a cup game, not because of some special cup intensity, because we didn''t try hard enough, If Ayala really committed himself, he would have won the ball, but instead he just injured himself. None of that on Saturday please.

[paul moy 235]

[quote user="zak123"]I hope we lose. Our mission for this season is to stay up. Staying in the Premier League this season is our objective. Staying in the cup puts that in danger. Simple. Also, look at Birmingham. I know it''s League Cup however same same but different.[/quote]

I totally agree. Remember West Ham away in our last visit to this level. Three injured players including Hucks effectively cost us our place in the Prem.

[Ren 75]

...and I always though football was about winning things.  Who will remember in 3 years time who finished 17th in the Prem, but should we get to the cup final it will be the greatest day ever as an NCFC fan.

I suspect all you moaners will be on here claiming you deserve a ticket to the final.

[lake district canary 0]

When I came down for the Stoke game, I decided to stay on a couple of days and see the mkdons game.  This cost a bit in extra accomodation fees as well as the match (admittedly a cheap ticket).  

 

 There around 12,000 fans there and we were treated to a less in commitment by mkdons - a good team.

 

I am sure PL wanted and thought we would be able to win that match and there were players trying to impress - Jackson running like around like a man possessed, for instance.   Maybe that is the problem with these kind of matches, players don''t go into it for the right reasons.  They are trying to force their way into the premiership team and maybe play more for themselves in these kind of matches. Thus the teamwork just isn''t there.  

 

If the club is charging entrance fees for cup matches there has to be a commitment for the club to play to win them.  People pay good, hard earnt money to folow their team and should expect no less.  By all means put out the fringe players, but that team must give it''s all in pursuit of a win against Burnley - and any other cup matches there may be.   

 

I suspect that the loss against mkdons will have been playing on PL''s mind and he won''t want a repeat.   If we win cup matches with a fringe team and carry on with the others in the prem, its all good as far as I am concerned.   The manager is a top man manager and he will not let there be any conflicts between cup and league.

 

 

 

 

 

[ryan1992 0]

I can''t believe people want us to lose! If we somehow got to the final of the FA Cup, we would still play less games than we did last season. It''s a great chance to make decent money, give the fringe players a few run outs, blood in the recently injured players, and let any new players show what they can do with no pressure from League rivals. And who knows, a decent run could mean European football next year (Birmingham and Stoke did last year in different cups, so why can''t we?!)

[blahblahblah 2]

Without meaning to go all hallmark on everyone, some of my fondest childhood memories come from watching Norwich in the F.A and League Cups.  I''m taking my boy to his first match this Saturday, it would be a shame for him if we got humphed by the 7th best team in Lancashire.

[Mungo Bumpkin 0]

A cup run means a winning streak and the associated confidence that comes with that. Ultimately, football is about trying to win somehting (if not, what''s the point?) - we have no chance whatsoever of winning the Premier League but the FA Cup??? A run of 3-4 home ties against lower league opposition and suddenly you''re a game or two away from Wembley and an occasion to savour. I think it is a disgrace the way in which this proud of competition has been allowed to fade over recent years. Young''uns on this board probably  have different views because of this decline, they don''t know any better. Some of us remember when this was pretty much the only live club match screened (simultaneously by BBC and ITV!!) on TV with the build up (It''s a knockout, the road to Wembley, the progress of the team buses etc) taking from 9.00 until kick-off.

Misty-eyed Mungo

[paul moy 235]

[quote user="ryan1992"]I can''t believe people want us to lose! If we somehow got to the final of the FA Cup, we would still play less games than we did last season. It''s a great chance to make decent money, give the fringe players a few run outs, blood in the recently injured players, and let any new players show what they can do with no pressure from League rivals. And who knows, a decent run could mean European football next year (Birmingham and Stoke did last year in different cups, so why can''t we?!)[/quote]

I wouldn''t want European football until we are established with a squad capable of performing in the Prem and the other competition. Ipswich and Reading were both relegated in the season after qualifying for european football and subsequently failing to handle the additional commitments. We would not be ready for that next season and the Prem is simply far more important financially for the club.

[HazzaJet 267]

[quote user="paul moy"]

[quote user="zak123"]I hope we lose. Our mission for this season is to stay up. Staying in the Premier League this season is our objective. Staying in the cup puts that in danger. Simple. Also, look at Birmingham. I know it''s League Cup however same same but different.[/quote]

I totally agree. Remember West Ham away in our last visit to this level. Three injured players including Hucks effectively cost us our place in the Prem.

[/quote]Me too. In my opinion we need to be out of the cup as soon as possible, as then we can concentrate on the league. A good cup run does not help you in league, it just increases the chances of fatigue, injuries and suspensions to players which is not what we want.In our League One season Leeds went on a good cup run, including victory at Old Trafford and handed the title to us. Last season, Ipswich reached the League Cup semis but were fighting for survival in the league. Birmingham were in the top-flight last season and won the League Cup. This season they''re playing Championship football. QPR striker Jamie Mackie received a broken leg in the cup last season. I''m desperate for us to be knocked out.

[Graham Humphrey 13]

[quote user="paul moy"]

[quote user="ryan1992"]I can''t believe people want us to lose! If we somehow got to the final of the FA Cup, we would still play less games than we did last season. It''s a great chance to make decent money, give the fringe players a few run outs, blood in the recently injured players, and let any new players show what they can do with no pressure from League rivals. And who knows, a decent run could mean European football next year (Birmingham and Stoke did last year in different cups, so why can''t we?!)[/quote]

I wouldn''t want European football until we are established with a squad capable of performing in the Prem and the other competition. Ipswich and Reading were both relegated in the season after qualifying for european football and subsequently failing to handle the additional commitments. We would not be ready for that next season and the Prem is simply far more important financially for the club.

[/quote]Not this nonsense again.  Reading never qualified for Europe.  Look it up.Oh and once again, Huckerby did not get injured in that Cup match at West Ham.  Heaven forbid we let the facts get in the way.

[paul moy 235]

[quote user="Graham Humphrey"][quote user="paul moy"]

[quote user="ryan1992"]I can''t believe people want us to lose! If we somehow got to the final of the FA Cup, we would still play less games than we did last season. It''s a great chance to make decent money, give the fringe players a few run outs, blood in the recently injured players, and let any new players show what they can do with no pressure from League rivals. And who knows, a decent run could mean European football next year (Birmingham and Stoke did last year in different cups, so why can''t we?!)[/quote]

I wouldn''t want European football until we are established with a squad capable of performing in the Prem and the other competition. Ipswich and Reading were both relegated in the season after qualifying for european football and subsequently failing to handle the additional commitments. We would not be ready for that next season and the Prem is simply far more important financially for the club.

[/quote]
Not this nonsense again.  Reading never qualified for Europe.  Look it up.

Oh and once again, Huckerby did not get injured in that Cup match at West Ham.  Heaven forbid we let the facts get in the way.
[/quote]

He injured his calf I recall, but it could be that he made a quick recovery. Two other players were also injured, one was Helveg, the other Bentley, or do you dispute that also ?

OK, Reading finished 8th in the Prem and got relegated the following season, so just as well they had no european competition to contend with. One more place up and they would have had. 

[paul moy 235]

[quote user="paul moy"][quote user="Graham Humphrey"][quote user="paul moy"]

[quote user="ryan1992"]I can''t believe people want us to lose! If we somehow got to the final of the FA Cup, we would still play less games than we did last season. It''s a great chance to make decent money, give the fringe players a few run outs, blood in the recently injured players, and let any new players show what they can do with no pressure from League rivals. And who knows, a decent run could mean European football next year (Birmingham and Stoke did last year in different cups, so why can''t we?!)[/quote]

I wouldn''t want European football until we are established with a squad capable of performing in the Prem and the other competition. Ipswich and Reading were both relegated in the season after qualifying for european football and subsequently failing to handle the additional commitments. We would not be ready for that next season and the Prem is simply far more important financially for the club.

[/quote]
Not this nonsense again.  Reading never qualified for Europe.  Look it up.

Oh and once again, Huckerby did not get injured in that Cup match at West Ham.  Heaven forbid we let the facts get in the way.
[/quote]

He injured his calf I recall, but it could be that he made a quick recovery. Two other players were also injured, one was Helveg, the other Bentley, or do you dispute that also ?

OK, Reading finished 8th in the Prem and got relegated the following season, so just as well they had no european competition to contend with. One more place up and they would have had. 

[/quote]

Forget Huckerby, the other injury was to Simon Charlton (Ankle/foot). Bentley sustained an medial knee ligament injury and was out for about two months and Helveg suffered a calf muscle strain, all thanks to that one superfluous Cup game.  If they had been fit we may well have picked up the extra point we needed to stay up.

http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/clubs/27/norwich_city_injuries.html

[Hardhouse44 289]

Winning breads winning I believe. Let rack up another victory on Saturday, let build confidence. Yes some players will be rested but I expect a good few first teamers to start the game. I for one don''t buy all this about not risking players. You can break you leg in training. Good players can play twice a week every week if needed.If I''m honest I sometimes wonder if managers and yes even our manager, tinkers with their teams and make changes for the sake of it and even to look good. Our manager gets it right more times than not but I reckon at time even the great PL get it wrong and the excuse of players needing a rest is an easy cover up.Start a strong team win the game. Get 3 up by 50mins then rest the star players that would be my way. But hey if I was as profound as Mr Lambert I''d be a top class football manager to.OTBC

[barclaystand 0]

Would never want us to lose a game. Quite like the idea of a bit of a cup run. It''s certainly overdue.Would be interesting to know if those who say they would like us to be knocked out are too young to have ever seen us in an FA cup semi-final and experience the excitement it brings.

[Yorkshire Canary 118]

Got my ticket but not holding my breath. Has got to be better than MK Dons though

[Shyster 0]

Don''t foresee much progress in the Cup if Lambert fields too many reserves:

Premier Reserve League 11/12, South League Table
		Overall							Home						Away
#	Team Name	GP	W	D	L	GS	GA		W	D	L	GS	GA		W	D	L	GS	GA		GD	P
1	Aston Villa Reserve Amateur	11	6	3	2	16	9		4	1	0	9	3		2	2	2	7	6		7	21
2	West Bromwich Albion Amateur	11	6	1	4	19	13		3	1	2	12	7		3	0	2	7	6		6	19
3	Chelsea FC Reserve Amateur	13	5	4	4	23	20		3	3	1	15	10		2	1	3	8	10		3	19
4	FC Arsenal Reserve Amateur	12	5	3	4	18	20		4	1	2	11	11		1	2	2	7	9		-2	18
5	Fulham FC Reserve Amateur	11	5	2	4	24	13		4	2	1	21	8		1	0	3	3	5		11	17
6	Wolverhampton Wanderers Reserve Amateur	12	4	3	5	15	17		0	3	3	4	7		4	0	2	11	10		-2	15
7	Swansea City Reserves	12	4	3	5	16	24		4	0	2	11	10		0	3	3	5	14		-8	15
8	Norwich City Reserves	10	1	3	6	12	30		1	3	2	8	11		0	0	4	4	19		-18	6

[shiplee15 0]

For me, every game is just as important as the rest (except friendlies) and a cup is there to be won just as the league is there to stay in.

As the OP said this is going to be a tough month (as they all are) so yes the rest for players may seem appealing but if we lose a couple then the cup run may keep the morale up.

Also, if we''re going to just bow out with no fight then i''d rather know before hand as it''s a waste of time going otherwise. If i''m there i want to see some fight.

[Bryangunnshairline 0]

I can see your point but you are just looking at the negatives. Look at stoke they never got relegated. Injuries can happen anytime. We are not Birmingham, ipswich ect. We are Norwich , managed by one.of the best in the business, i think we are.more than capable of a cup run aswell.

[robertociNCFC 107]

A cup run certainly can''t hurt, would make up for all the rubbish ones we''ve had in the past few years, but the main priority is still survival in my opinion and hopefully not do a Birmingham as I know whose position i''d rather be in :)

[......and Smith must score. 1,599]

If we win the Cup it''s probably worth £2 or £3 million and a few acres of newsprint.. Staying up probably worth 20 times that and little media interest. Bit of a no-brainer really.Seeing that we''ve only progressed beyond the 3rd Round twice in the last 14 seasons - according to the EEN - a good run is long overdue. Don''t hold your breath that we''ll get one though......