Carling Cup - Serious effort or token?

[Superphil]

What is the club/mangers point of view on the Carling Cup game? Is it a full on let's go for it, or will Gus be fielding the development team? Only fair that the fans know in advance so they can decide whether they are going to bother either.

Doh, meant to put this in ATC, could a Mod please move it? Thanks.

 

[Springal]

Taking it more seriously than last season. I think we'll see Bergkamp, probably Hoskins if fit, JFC, Toby, Navarro, Taricco maybe? Hopefully keep Ankergren in goal, surely consistency in that position is better than chopping/changing.

 

[Bwian]

Gus has said that this season he will be taking the cup competitions seriously.

 

[kingcole]

Your language stinks!

How can it ever be a 'bother' to go to the Amex?

 

[Hotchilidog]

Gus says he is taking it seriously and I believe him. However given the overhaul of the squad even if there are significant changes it means we get a chance to look at development players such as Jake Forster-Caskey, Steve Cook, Toby Adgestein who I would be interested in seeing play, not too mention an early peek at Will Hoskins. This year these games will not be littered with the likes of battipiedi and baz, but will feature fringe players with geniune aspirations of first team action, could be very exciting.

 

[Springal]

Buckley 'almost guaranteed to start' also

 

[SULLY COULDNT SHOOT]

We have to take it a bit more seriously this year but won't expect exactly the same team.

BTW hello all again.. away in Blighty for two weeks with hardly any internet connection and absolutely no chance of gettign to Brighton. Feel like I missed the most important day of my life but pleased for everyone else )

 

[Gritt23]

All a matter of degree isn't it?

Yes, Gus will take it "seriously", I don't imagine he can ever be flippant about any form of competition in his life. I bet he gives it his all if his kids say "race you to the car dad". BUT, it's not going to be anywhere near our strongest side. We'll see the likes of Brezovan, Cook, Vincelot, Caskey, Navarro, and Bergkamp come into the side.

As managers put it when they "weaken" teams as part of "rotation" it will still be "a team that should be strong enough to win the game."

 

[mcshane in the 79th]

Am expecting half a dozen changes to Saturday's starting XI

 

[Seagull over Canaryland]

Squad rotation is key, gives others a chance and valuable time on the pitch. We have depth across most places in the squad so can still field a very strong team, not take the risk of a banana skin. Hopefully get back to keeping regular clean sheets at the back and bang in a few goals to help build confidence early in the season.

Would be good for us to show the Gills how to play footie with a commanding win at our new home. Is that prat Scally still involved? If so rub his nose in it after he ripped us off. Lay the Priestfield ghost to rest.

 

[Lady Whistledown]

Would like to see Vincelot, and Hoskins if fit, and Buckley starting, though not so keen on Brezovan given how he's performed in every game I've seen him in recently.

 

[Superphil]

Is that prat Scally still involved? If so rub his nose in it after he ripped us off. Lay the Priestfield ghost to rest.

 

[Seagull27]

I think either Agdestein or Bergkamp will at least be in the squad, expect Hoskins (if fit) and Barnes to starts.

I do think we'll see a near-first team starting though. Maybe the likes of Vincelot and Smith getting involved.

 

[bhaexpress]

Serious effort this time, Gus probably sees cup runs as a means of generating revenue as quite clearly consolidation and not promotion is the priority.

 

[Gazwag]

At this stage of the season, with the new faces, surely it better to give them all another game to learn more about each other and develop their understandings. I know it risks injuries but after one competative game the players can hardly be tired.

 

[Notters]

I don't think it matters who the players are, it's their attitude that must be right to secure a victory... and I hardly think they'll make an announcement regarding the players' attitudes. Just get down there and enjoy it.

 

[8ace]

Does Poyet have a touchline ban for his sending off on Saturday? Does it start tomorrow?