Huh? We haven't played an FA cup match this season so how are taking it seriously "so far"?
Strongest team in every game.
People who are paying deserve it;the players in the strongest team deserve it.Whichever competition it is deserves it.
Basically the Albion are a smallish fish in English football.We are not serious competitors at the highest level,and the prospects are,we never will be.
Leave "weakened team syndrome" to those few clubs whose reserves will probably win whichever team they play,and whose supporters don't mind watching reserve teams of international footballers being given a go.
"Resting" against Newcastle would be an insult to the folk who've paid top money for the game,and would not guarantee a better league finish. It's a nonsense.
I would love a full strength side to give it a right go.
Slightly separate point but I'm assuming Bridge and Hammond are available?
Bridge played in the League Cup game
It's the biggest and most important game of the season so far: you can lose a league game and still get promoted, lose in the FA Cup and you're out. With those facts in mind (plus the fact it's full price) I would sincerely hope we'll see our strongest possible team on Saturday. I'm not too sure what our strongest team is, but it's certainly not the time to be giving run-outs to fringe/youth players.