Newcastle and the Quarter Final

[LC]

I've been looking forward to the quarter final game against Everton for a few weeks now and I just took a quick look at the fixtures list. We play Everton a few days after Newcastle.

Newcastle have been in poor form recently and have had a lot of injuries, it would be a good opportunity to pick up three points. But I have to say, I would be very tempted to rest a couple of players for the Everton game which I could argue is a much more important game- especially when you could be playing either Port Vale or Middlesbrough in the Semi-Final.

Given we have just crossed the 20 point mark before the half way of the season I would be very tempted to rest a few players.

What does everyone think?

[ianthailand]

It's a difficult decision for Marco. You are right the opportunity to get to a Cup Final may be too hard to resist. With Newcastle looking a very tired squad plus a midweek game in the CL, playing a few back-up players may still get us a result.

[hovewhite]

With this line up we can win at N.castle and they have a big game midweek which will tire them further .to get to around 30pionts when our super eagles depart in January for the Af con is as important to me.
Everton will be a difficult tie and not to worried about it myself would take the 30pionts over it.

[Jules]

No way should we rest players. Newcastle at St James is still a tough game but with our momentum we can get a point or 3 up there. That would be massive for us. Everton is another game,and we have 2 or 3 fresh players to bring in if needed.

[ffcthereligion]

The great thing is with our squad that you can rest players and not really be weakened.

Could easily bring ream in for Bassey, ballo toure for Robinson, tete for castagne, BDR for Willian and Wilson for iwobi and be at almost the same level.

I would consider making those changes but move iwobi central from the right and rest Andreas. I'd also play reed in this one as we need extra cover alongside palhinha against a far more dynamic attack than we've faced in recent weeks than Newcastle. We also  absolutely need cairney on top form for Everton. For me, the cup over league every day of the week and twice on Sundays

[Marcel_Gecov]

The great thing is with our squad that you can rest players and not really be weakened.

Could easily bring ream in for Bassey, ballo toure for Robinson, tete for castagne, BDR for Willian and Wilson for iwobi and be at almost the same level.

I would consider making those changes but move iwobi central from the right and rest Andreas. I'd also play reed in this one as we need extra cover alongside palhinha against a far more dynamic attack than we've faced in recent weeks than Newcastle. We also  absolutely need cairney on top form for Everton. For me, the cup over league every day of the week and twice on Sundays

Not to mention, Reed could start, even Lukic. Our strength in depth suddenly looks ridiculous. Very proud of our club on the field currently.

[Cumbrian White]

I've been looking forward to the quarter final game against Everton for a few weeks now and I just took a quick look at the fixtures list. We play Everton a few days after Newcastle.

Newcastle have been in poor form recently and have had a lot of injuries, it would be a good opportunity to pick up three points. But I have to say, I would be very tempted to rest a couple of players for the Everton game which I could argue is a much more important game- especially when you could be playing either Port Vale or Middlesbrough in the Semi-Final.

Given we have just crossed the 20 point mark before the half way of the season I would be very tempted to rest a few players.

What does everyone think?

Sports science, recovery sessions, adjustments to training, luxury travel. Play strongest possible team in EVERY game. Don't tell the players they're tired, plus winning breeds confidence and players want to play.

[ffc73]

Everton have won three on the bounce, are at home in a QF with a fan base rabid with a sense of injustice & would be above is in the table without the (justified) points deduction.

Both games will not be easy but arguably the cup game is harder.

Remember that Burnley & Bournemouth come soon after so the squad will have to spread the load throughout December, like Wilson did yesterday when coming on for injured Willian.

[SerbianLad]

I'd play the same 11 again against Newcastle. With our respective forms, their tough matches before and after their game with us, I'd argue we would be slight favourites if we play the same 11 again. There's no reason why we shouldn't hope to get a win their (although it will be very tough of course).

Everton will be a tough game, regardless of what lineup we put out. They are in good form, Dyche's teams are always very competitive and anything can happen in the cup. That's why I think that match is the prefered option for some squad rotation.

[H4usuallysitting]

Newcastle will be a very tough game.... I'd be happy with a draw, but would love a win

[Colton F.C.]

Have to go with the flow and keep the same team for Newcastle. The League is still more important and we have plenty of subs to replace tired limbs.

Its still a bit too early to get excited about the League Cup.  Maybe in the semi-finals (if we get there) and see who are opponents are. 

We are only five points shy of a place in the competition whose winners can apparently refer themselves s the 'Champions of Europe'.

[Carborundum]

Winning teams somehow don't register tiredness in the same way as others. 

I'd expect us to play our current starting XI to the fullest extent injuries permit.  Everton's surge means it's less likely that Dyche picks a focus-on-the-league second string, so we can expect a tough match there.  Newcastle have big problems and by the time we play them the effects of going for it against Milan may worsen their selection choice.

The prospect of a penalty shootout might point to making sure Willian is on at the end of the Everton game.  Wilson might be wondering what he needs to do to start.  Willian might have a knock.  If we mix things up, it could be around these two.

[Woolly Mammoth]

As has been mentioned winning teams do not feel tired, the adrenaline takes them that extra mile or ten.

Therefore we go to Newcastle with an intention to put them to the sword with our strongest available team.
Then we go to Everton with our strongest available team to progress into the semi final of the League Cup.
That is what successful teams do.

What is the problem with that, i hope the players do not have the same mentality as some supporters who clearly have not eaten dirt on a cold December day in Gravesend & Northfleet when a hairy centre back has fouled you for the umpteenth time, and as he helps you get back up from the mud whispers in your shell like ear, " there is plenty more where that came from grasshopper ".

Both the League and Cup matches are competitions which means you compete, not create problems that don't exist.
I remember Tigana continuing  going on about players feeling tired time and time again and convinced players they must be, and so players played as though they were tired.
I remember on a cold miserable February evening i travelled to an away match at Ipswich Town where we lost 1 0 playing like zombies.
That game showed that Tigana had lost the plot because he did not embrace that the next game is the most important.
He played Zak Knight in midfield and Goldbeck also out of position.

Shortly after Tigana deservedly got the Tin Tack.

He was replaced by a real Warrior Chris Coleman who steered Fulham to safety from impending relegation.
By getting back to basics and not playing square pegs in round holes, and convincing players to win their own battles, and stating to players that even if you are having a bad game you can still run around.

Tigana unfortunately, once Fulham had achieved promotion he allowed a soft underbelly to develop.
Thankfully Coleman installed a never surrender narrative to enable Fulham to roll their sleeves up and sweat blood with fire in their bellies.
That is what can win closely fought matches, not excusing poor performances because players may be too tired for the next game.

That is an inexcusable weakness, which contributed to his demise along with certain matters behind closed doors with the Chairman and his associates.

So let us look forward to winning both games, but concentrate on Newcastle first.
Then when that match has been played, we plot Everton's demise.

[H4usuallysitting]

Winning teams somehow don't register tiredness in the same way as others. 

I'd expect us to play our current starting XI to the fullest extent injuries permit.  Everton's surge means it's less likely that Dyche picks a focus-on-the-league second string, so we can expect a tough match there.  Newcastle have big problems and by the time we play them the effects of going for it against Milan may worsen their selection choice.

The prospect of a penalty shootout might point to making sure Willian is on at the end of the Everton game.  Wilson might be wondering what he needs to do to start.  Willian might have a knock.  If we mix things up, it could be around these two.

Strangely, Wilson appears to be enjoying his new impact sub position.....big smile on his face

[Woolly Mammoth]

It is also that time of year when Father Christmas wants to empty his sack.

[Grassy Noel]

What I am wondering with regard to the Everton match is whether Rodak gets the nod over Leno.

[Grassy Noel]

It is also that time of year when Father Christmas wants to empty his sack.

Please keep it clean Woolly.

[blingo]

We have to play our strongest teams in both games. Niether will be easy. We are on a winning streak so confidence will be high. We have every chance of winning both as we don't need to fear anyone on our current form

[WindyCity]

We have to play our strongest teams in both games. Niether will be easy. We are on a winning streak so confidence will be high. We have every chance of winning both as we don't need to fear anyone on our current form

This!  Do NOT submit to the temptation to rest some players in favor of theoretically offering a 'better' team for a chosen match.  Fools play, IMHO.

[StuinSalop]

Just concentrate on Newcastle for now, then take stock of how the players are and pick a best 11 for Everton.  One game at a time, both important and both tough but now winnable.  Target should be 3 points and semi final.