This weekend brings one of the highlights of the football calendar, the third round of the FA Cup. While the competition has been downgraded over the last few years by the “Premiership is everything” attitude it’s still one I very much look forward to. While we can’t reasonably expect to win it and we’ve already played a lot of games I would still welcome a cup run. If nothing else we need the income a good cup run would generate. I don’t agree with those who want us to be knocked out as soon as possible to help us in the league. I can’t see how losing to Wolves tomorrow can help us in any way. Do people really want the Yam Yams from down the road to be the first English club to win at St Andrews this season?
As for the teams we can expect a lot of changes to be made by both sides and fringe players getting a run out. Wolves will definitely be without Nenad Milijas who is suspended and probably most of those who played against Chelsea will not start tomorrow. Newcomers Emmanuel Frimpong and Eggert Jonsson may well feature though. Blues will still be missing Stephen Carr but as for the rest of the team it’s anyone’s guess. The fact that the same eleven started against Blackpool and Peterborough suggests few of those will feature in this game. Youngsters like Jordon Mutch, Nathan Redmond and Jack Butland are tipped to feature and we will also probably see Wade Elliot, Morgaro Gomis and the human battering ram Adam Rooney in the starting lineup.
With a relegation battle to fight this is unlikely to be high on Mick McCarthy’s priority list but I expect them to give us a good game. Our cup games last year featured weakened teams and were poorly attended but were some of the most exciting games played at St Andrews all season (Not saying much I know). I particularly enjoyed the Coventry match where we came back from 2-0 down to beat them 3-2. A repeat tomorrow would be welcome although I expect a similarly sparse crowd with it also being shown live on ESPN. As I don’t get ESPN and my ticket only cost me £15 it was an easy decision to go.
Let’s hope the team are up for this one and the performance levels of recent games continue. It would be nice if they could miss fewer chances though. Here’s to the fourth round and an away draw at Arsenal.
My Prediction Blues 3 Wolves 2
C’mon you Blue Boys.
@Aylesbury_Blue
agree totally – apart from arsenal away next round. i want the Vile at Stans with the ginger haired twit (spelling?)
Are you going to the return leg Aylesbury_Blue?
Or you fancy watching it with me; BuckinghamshireWolves #AylesburyWolves
Sorry, just seen this. Couldn’t make a midweek game but I think I would have enjoyed watching it with you.