Carling Cup thread... 09/10

[Kieron]

Just been to see Spurs absolutely demolish Preston in the third round tonight - Crouch was on fire.

Not many minnows left in though - Barnsley perhaps?

Is this season's Carling Cup shaping up to be one to remember perhaps?

[Rorifett]

Here's hoping!

On a side note - I hope Mascherano gets hit with a restrospective 3 match ban for that 'turn' on Beckford's head! Can't believe he was trying to justify that lashing out lol.

Also the BBC's coverage is disgusting it has to be said, why don't they just get the BBC exec's to film themselves blowing Rafa and be done with it? A 30 second montage for Everton's 4-0 thrashing of Hull and yet they've enough time to show a post-match interview with Rafa? If I hadn't seen it for years I wouldn't believe it.

Back on footballing terms, there should be quite a few teams chasing this this year, Everton, City, Spurs and Villa should all be putting out strong sides and hopefully they continue to do so for the remainder of the season.

*EDIT*

Mascherano won't be done for 'turning' lol 'mon the FA, have you guys started employing some ex-SFA folks down there? :D

[thfccambs]

Originally Posted by Kieron

Just been to see Spurs absolutely demolish Preston in the third round tonight - Crouch was on fire.

Not many minnows left in though - Barnsley perhaps?

Is this season's Carling Cup shaping up to be one to remember perhaps?

Peterborough away for me. Just up the road and can take my lad and be home at a descent time for a mid week game.

[mabo]

I can't see the Carling Cup ever getting back to being a high profile competition. Too often the top four use it to simply blood their youngsters so it's really only chased by the next four which is a pity. I wouldn't be surprised to see any of Villa, City, Spurs or Everton in the final as they're more likely to play full strength squads throughout. It's sad but even the FA Cup is starting to lose its shine with those chasing the league title putting out their lesser names.

[thelegendofyrag]

Originally Posted by mabo

I can't see the Carling Cup ever getting back to being a high profile competition. Too often the top four use it to simply blood their youngsters so it's really only chased by the next four which is a pity. I wouldn't be surprised to see any of Villa, City, Spurs or Everton in the final as they're more likely to play full strength squads throughout. It's sad but even the FA Cup is starting to lose its shine with those chasing the league title putting out their lesser names.

I agree and disagree. I for one am pleased to see Arsenal giving the youngsters a chance in the first team. Especially if it means seeing a few 'homegrown' british players make the first team.

[mabo]

Originally Posted by thelegendofyrag

I agree and disagree. I for one am pleased to see Arsenal giving the youngsters a chance in the first team. Especially if it means seeing a few 'homegrown' british players make the first team.

Oh i'm certainly all for the devopment of youth talent, particularly if it's homegrown, but i like to think that a competition is won by the best XI, whereas in recent years there have been too many instances of the top four going out arguably because they were concentrating on the league and fielding an understrength side.

At times it almost seems like some managers are courting being dumped from certain cup competitions as it will put less strain on their squad for the league.

I'd almost welcome a final with none of the top four as it'd probably be more exciting and full blooded.

[thfccambs]

Chelsea and Man utd in last 2 finals so they must take it quite serious.

[mabo]

Originally Posted by thfccambs

Chelsea and Man utd in last 2 finals so they must take it quite serious.

...or they have squads large enough to beat most other teams with their second string.

[sdb123]

Originally Posted by mabo

...or they have squads large enough to beat most other teams with their second string.

Well I'll only speak about Chelsea however this is the first season in a long time that we have included youngsters/reserves in the Carling Cup. For the past few seasons we have nearly always put out close to our strongest team.

[kopchoir]

I would like to see maybe everton,city,villa win it.

[mabo]

Originally Posted by sdb123

Well I'll only speak about Chelsea however this is the first season in a long time that we have included youngsters/reserves in the Carling Cup. For the past few seasons we have nearly always put out close to our strongest team.

Tbh out of the top four Chelsea are perhaps the most likely to put out a stronger team in recent seasons but i'd put this more down to the managerial merrigoround, interchangeability of the midfield and defense and the lack of youngsters coming through as opposed to any great respect for the tournament.

[sdb123]

Originally Posted by mabo

Tbh out of the top four Chelsea are perhaps the most likely to put out a stronger team in recent seasons but i'd put this more down to the managerial merrigoround, interchangeability of the midfield and defense and the lack of youngsters coming through as opposed to any great respect for the tournament.

Hmmmm....okay.

Chelsea have taken this competition seriously for a good while tbh, still you're welcome to your theory.

[Abbeygoo]

Originally Posted by sdb123

Hmmmm....okay.

Chelsea have taken this competition seriously for a good while tbh, still you're welcome to your theory.

On this point, I thought Daniel Sturridge would appear in the Cup against QPR, did he? I was hoping to catch some action to see how he was getting on ....

[mabo]

Originally Posted by Abbeygoo

On this point, I thought Daniel Sturridge would appear in the Cup against QPR, did he? I was hoping to catch some action to see how he was getting on ....

Nope, but it wasn't exactly a fully fit first XI either, so i wonder if he's injured in some way.

Chelsea (4-1-4-1): Hilario 6; Ferreira 5, Hutchinson 6 (Terry 77, 6), Ivanovic 5, Zhirkov 5 (A Cole 69, 6); Mikel 6; Belletti 6, Kalou 7, J Cole 8, Malouda 7 (Lampard 46, 9); Borini 7.

Subs (not used): Turnbull, Essien, Matic, Bruma.

[thfccambs]

Originally Posted by Abbeygoo

On this point, I thought Daniel Sturridge would appear in the Cup against QPR, did he? I was hoping to catch some action to see how he was getting on ....

Injuried.