As I have said before if we are lucky to draw a Prem team they will be unrecognisable from the one you see week in week out. Major changes would be made with one, maybe two of the regulars playing in amongst reserves and under 21's.
Cup surprises and upsets are not really upsets when it is not 1st team v 1st team.
Not sure that’s true for every single team though. Definitely the big boys and maybe even teams like Newcastle who will probably prioritise league form but there’s definitely a few teams who will field strong XIs.
Out of interest I took a look at the third round games last year.
Everton fielded a pretty strong side at home to Rotherham, as did Sheff Utd away at Bristol Rovers. Burnley gave Pope a rest but at least 8/9 of their outfield players were regulars at home to MK Dons. Leicester were also pretty much full strength away at Stoke. West Ham only rested 2/3 away at Stockport. Southampton admittedly made a load of changes for a home tie against Shrewsbury.
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Sorry my sweet lord
Out of interest I took a look at the third round games last year.
Everton fielded a pretty strong side at home to Rotherham, as did Sheff Utd away at Bristol Rovers. Burnley gave Pope a rest but at least 8/9 of their outfield players were regulars at home to MK Dons. Leicester were also pretty much full strength away at Stoke. West Ham only rested 2/3 away at Stockport. Southampton admittedly made a load of changes for a home tie against Shrewsbury.
”Oh ffs”.
*getting it in early
Arsenal
Norwich
Nottm Forest
So so close to getting Arsenal at the Valley.