I’m sure many of you know my views on the cup.
While it’s not as popular as it used to be, it’s still holds a big attraction for me, even though it’s become lessened by the bigger teams putting out their second string.
Which is exactly what Pochettino will do, if his “sweeping changes” statement is anything to go by.
It annoys me really and even a Man U fan of all people, I spoke to a while back, said it’s disrespectful to the opposition.
Steve Bruce meanwhile, has said that he’s going to play his strongest team, which seems a bit of a misnomer after Monday’s showing against Cardiff.
But fair play to him, he’s going to give it a go, just as I think he ought too.
I mean, ok, I don’t think we’ve got a cat in hell’s chance of beating even Tottenham’s second string, but imagine the boost it would give us if we were to progress into the next round.
I wouldn’t think anyone fancies us to get anything from this one anyway, so to my mind we’ve not much to lose.
What is a concern though, could be the nature of a defeat.
Spurs have some very good players on their books and they are probably capable of giving us a bit of a battering, especially as we’ve been pretty poor of late.
So I’m not even going to hazard a guess at who Spurs will start with, but they’re in pretty good shape, with only Erik Lamela being out with a hip injury.
On our part, it could be interesting, as although Bruce says he will put his strongest team out, it’s still very possible he might change things after the previously mentioned debacle.
Surely he won’t persist with Westwood, will he?
I’d expect Sam Johnstone to come straight in.
You can bet Gabby will get a start after the manager raved about how brilliant he was against Cardiff. Hmm.
Actually I’d suggest this graphic won’t be far off the mark;
So you might have guessed that I can see us getting a tonking.
Except you just never know. It’s what the FA cup is all about after all and there have certainly been bigger shocks over the years.
And the even better part is we’re on BBC.
I’ll go for 1-3, although I can’t think who’ll score for us.
well done bruce strong side regarding our starting lineup. also encouraging to see young decent committed kids on the bench. green and davis latter is a decent forward, hes pretty good at holding the ball up and bringing our midfielders into the game.
hope gabby can perform like he used too. i heard he was decent coming on last weekend. hes starting and upfront his preferred position. no excuses this has to be his last chance, back fit leaner focused and on the beeb
Johnstone to make debut. Best of luck Sam, I’ve got a feeling you’re going to need it.
Shabbys starting can’t see why
Perhaps SB is hoping Gabby has a half decent game so someone will take him off his hands!
34 Sam Johnstone
21 Alan Hutton
12 James Chester
2 Nathan Baker
23 Jordan Amavi
37 Albert Adomah
25 Mile Jedinak
8 Aaron Tshibola
11 Gabriel Agbonlahor
7 Leandro Bacuna
40 Jack Grealish
Substitutes
19 Andre Green 39 Keinan Davis 44 Ross McCormack 6 Tommy Elphick 28 Aly Cissokho 15 Ashley Westwood 1 Pierluigi Gollini
Well done Plymouth! Must be something in those pasties after all
A perfect example of Liverpool not giving a FUCK about this competition
Probably the strongest team he could play.
Gardner not even on the bench.
Gollini over Bunn?
RHM might have got a start today if……..
Expecting nothing from this game only disappointment is Gabby, he is on the field.
The FA cup lost its place in English Football due to the so called big teams disrespecting the cup. Money again.
This is the FA cup any thing can happen
Yep, anything can happen, but I can’t see it today, in all honesty.
Agree about Gabby, but realistically there’s no-one else is there?
McCormack can’t lead the line, imo.
Gabby could do himself a big favour if he can actually get a goal, but I’m not holding my breath.
Great support, as per.
i doubt thats a 433 as they keep stating
i reckon bacuna and adomah are widemen and grealish is the midfielder closest to gabby 4411
Yep, same as the graphic, pretty much.
Looks like we’ve parked the bus with this one
It’s going to be a long afternoon.
Gabby did well then and not a player anywhere near the box.
How are we supposed to score without a bit of brilliance out of the blue?
I can’t see the point of this if we’re not going to try.
I know Gabby is on his own, but he dose’n’t anticipate a move of players balls. If you understand what I mean.I don’t think he has a footballing brain to be honest.
Positive there from Johnstone.
He looks very composed which makes a pleasant change he looks quite a big dude
Wasn’t too keen on his earlier punch when it should have been an easy catch, but younger goalies tend to do that.
It’s also pissing down gollini would of dropped it he’s not that daft
Ha. Fair comment.
I don’t think we’re doing too badly. Defence looks solid. Bit of movement going forward. Gabby shit. Grealish overrated. Tish looks good.
Think the idea of that punch was because it was pissing down with rain,
Interesting pov Bum Bum.
It seems to me like a practice match on how to shut up shop.
Given how well Spurs are doing, their support is piss-poor, imo.
And fair play, the Villa fans are leting them know 🙂
Even Bacuna is going it a go. We’re getting there. That’s all I’m bothered about at this stage. Lerner was/is a **** that very nearly killed our club and I’ll always despise the bastard for that.
Our away fans ROCK! And I don’t give two hoots if the pundits think we’re parking the bus – which we’re actually not! Bruce is cutting his cloth accordingly and that shows intelligence, not foolish bravado. COYL!!!!!!
Tsibola has to get a run after this first half showing, imo.
Hope I’m not jinxing things but Hutton always puts a shift in. Gotta respect the guy for that, especially after how he was treated. Baker, Chester and Amavi looking good.
Talking earlier about pkayers being a bit thick, young Jack doesn’t doesn’t seem the sharpest tool in the shed! Lol!
Oh well job half done 😁
Blimey our first team are nearly as good as Spurs reserves
Yes, if you’re playing for a draw Giddy.
I feel much more comfortable with Johnstone at first glance.
He certainly beats Teflon
Blimey, talk about a game of two halfs.
I thought Adomah was at the ACofN?
Nah, Ayew and Kodjia., Adomah’s country got knocked out, iirc.
Delli Alli coming on.
In his girly undershirt…Wuss!
Great save there!!!!
Cracking save Johnstone villa legend