Ok, I know, I know......new season - same old chestnut debate.....
But, in the context of last season where there was (allegedly) some 'difference of opinion' between our chairman and manager as to the importance of our cup run(s), I'm convinced that we shouldn't play the same full strength team 3 times in an 8 day period - case in point being:
Saturday 7th Aug - Plymouth (league)
Tuesday 9th Aug - Bournemouth (cup)
Saturday 14th Aug - MK Dons (league)
Pardew's hand was forced somewhat last season in that some players were cup tied so it will be interesting to see what he does this season with a fresh deck of cards.
I've actually switched sides on this argument over the years as I've historically been in the "they're fit professional footballers so they should be able to play more than one game a week without any trouble" camp but this season it is paramount we channel every single ounce of effort into a push for the league title.
And, yes, I'm also mindful of the other-side-of-the-coin logic which ventures that success in one tournament breeds success in another, and, yes, that can be true. But absolute concentration on one tournament at the expense of the others can also pay dividends too.
So, start with Rickie on the 7th August v Plymouth and pop him on the bench on the 9th August v Bournemouth?
IMHO.....yes.