Dalek2003

We can beat them with a weakened team, they are likely to put out a weakened team as well. Should be entertaining and open game with little pressure to win on both sides.

If we pick up a few knocks and injuries you will not be saying that. We need to concentrate on the league, get as many points on the board as possible and see if our league position is comfortable enough to have a go at the FA Cup.

I would not risk Forster tonight. Rest our main players and give the fringe players a chance to show what they can do. The main thing is to avoid injuries.

We will gain much more kudos for finishing 8th than winning the League Cup. We will gain a reputation for being a solid premier club that is without doubt the 8th best in the league because we managed it twice over. We could even aim for 7th in future seasons or at least 12th. Personally, I feel we should be happy with 17th as long as we can occasionally show the likes of Manure that we are no pushover. Think realistically it is too much to ask against Chelski, but it could be a long term aim.

Points on the board every time. The League Cup is not worth half as much as the F.A. Cup. If we have a decent amount of points on the board by January, go for the Cup by all means. Until then, we need as many points as possible. Never take Premier safety for granted.

Admittedly, a bit of a generalisation about Stoke, but they are hardly famous for playing flowing football. Perhaps I am wrong, we shall see. On another note, Stoke do have a long pedigree but apart from very recent years they were stuck in the wilderness of Div 2 and 3 old money.

If Hoddle is appointed they may well escape relegation.

Hope we don't get too much rain. A wet pitch will fit in with their clog style of hoof ball and restrict our sharp passing game. As I said before, expect them to park the bus and try and muscle out a win. I still can't get my head round Stoke being a premier club, for the most part they remind me of a a very worthy lower 2nd Division club.

The Kat

I think we have put our 'yoyo' strategy in the filing cabinet.

Just brilliant !

Most premier managers will put the League before the Cup. Stop being a pudding.

I can see 'Arry giving up soon. Far too stressed out.

The league every time. In fact I would rest some of our best players for the Cup game.

'Arry is a conjueror. His illusions fool a lot of people.

This will be a very tough game, Stoke will park the bus and try an beat us on the break. We need to be patient and try and grind out a win or at least a draw.

Depends on what is your priority.

I should think Alpine is very content. He normally posts when he is worried and distressed about the club.

Can't see anything wrong with what this view tbh. Important that the club keeps its feet on the ground and I am sure that is the message to the players. Objective 1 = safety. Objective 2 = push up the league.

I will only start to allow myself to dream of a top 10 finish when we have the magic 40 points. Things can change very rapidly in football, as our manager said himself. Our first goal must always be safety.

The next generation will break through. What is up with Gallagher ?

and that is the essence of football. Your comment sums it up in a nutshell.

All good comments. Can't see J Rod back until about April.

Picture of the day !

16 points is very good at this stage of the season. A long way to go, but a day to remember.