Shrewsbury v. Fulham [R], Carling Cup, Round 2

What kind of squad is typically used in cup matches like this? I know Sanchez said earlier in the season that Fulham would apply themselves in cup matches and I know the team really could use a win right now. With that in mind how many of the 1st squad would you expect to see on Tuesday?

 

I would hope we field a strong team tomorrow at Shrewsbury. Regardless of the team we are playing, it is important for Fulham to make strong cup runs. I would hate to risk an early exit playing guys who might not be up for it. I would expect at least half the first team to play with Kamara opening his account with a brace.

 

Can someone fill in a rookie on what the Carling Cup is? I see all these "Cup" that teams play in but have no idea of their significance...

you can send me a personal message if this is something too obvious for the board.

Thanks for the help!!!

 

Re: RE: Shrewsbury v. Fulham [R], Carling Cup, Round 2

I would be glad to help you out with this. There is no such thing as a dumb question.

There are two cup competitions in England. The Carling Cup and the FA Cup. The FA Cup is the more prestigious of the two, but both winners of the respective cups earn a place in the UEFA Cup, a European competition pitting teams from other leagues around Europe.

The Carling Cup is a knockout tournament, similar to that of the NCAA basketball tournament, that is played throughout the season. All 92 teams from the Football League, Premier League all the way down to the League Two teams are involved in the competition.

Premier League teams get byes in the first round and start play in the second round. The draw is picked out randomly meaning Premier League teams can play other Premier League teams and so forth and so on.

If a match draws after 90 minutes, there will be a replay at the visiting team's home ground. If the tie remains after 90 more minutes extra time will be played and a penalty shootout will take place if needed.

The semifinals are a home and home tie where winner on aggregate advances. The final is a one-off game that is played usually the last Sunday in February.

The FA Cup is run the same way, except non-league teams can enter and go through the qualifying stages similar to that of the US Open Golf tournament and other sporting events where amateurs can qualify.

I hope this makes sense. Fulham begins round 2 of the Carling Cup tomorrow at Shrewsbury. IF they win, they will advance to the third round against an as of now unknown opponent.

The draw for each round takes place after the previous round. So, we will know the third round draw on either Sunday night or Monday morning of next week.

Did that help?

 

Thanks for the explanation. I know it filled some holes in my football knowledge. Here is the wikipedia version of an explanation:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carling_Cup

 

I hope we field a strong squad because I think a strong win would do much to put a psychological face-lift on the way the season has started. I am just not sure with the thin squad depth LS is faced with right now if he can justify to himself the risk vs. reward of playing a lot of 1st squad players.

 

We need a win and to make up for losing to Wycombe last year.

 

Thanks a lot guys...I get it!!!

A win is a win in my book...here's hoping we can at least beat a 2nd league squad????

 

Wycombe gave a few folks trouble last year. Swore Jermaine Easter would be headed somewhere after their run. Amazing how unpredictable the league cup can be. The genious I am, swore a Rooney/Ronaldo led United was a lock against Southend even though it only paid 40 cents on the dollar. Needless to say I took a HUGE hit on that one. Ouch.

 

Yeah, Wycombe got a draw in the first game of the semifinals with Chelsea... but still.

 

4-0 to Fulham

Goals - Kamara (9') and (31')
Davis (45')
John (77')

 

I think LS will field a side of players needing some first team action for this CC match. Cook (if he is healthy), Timlin, Volzy and so on.

I hope Fulham unleashes a barrage of goals and please, please keep a clean sheet.

Detailed explanation Tom... way to educate the masses.

 

One thing is always for certain in these cup ties....the small clubs will always play like this is their Super Bowl against a Premiership team.

That being said, it is important for Fulham to score early and take the wind out of Shrewsbury's sails. If they can do that they will have no problems tomorrow. If they do not and they let Shrewsbury hang around deep into the match, who knows what will happen.

 

I think you're right. Maybe Niemi in goal if he's close to ready, otherwise I guess Keller to help him get back to top fitness. Volz and Liam and Pearce, Bouba Diop and Cook, John.

We've got enough guys in the squad that we can play folks who haven't been playing and still put a pretty good group on the field.

 

I'm in agreeance with most everyone else. I would like to see a good mix of 1st team players with some players who need some playing time.

My prediction is a bit realistic, and I am going with a 3 - 1 win for the Boys in White.

Goals - Kamara (25') and (67') and one going to Duece (40')

 

When I previewed the match yesterday I wasn't overlly anxious or excited for any apparent reason. Just viewing this match for what it is... A second round CC match against a side that Fulham should defeat easily, but this morning I find myself believing this match couldn't have come at a better time.

The player's confidence must be shot, the defense letting up three match winning goals in the last five in minutes in a mere 4 matches and the midfield has lacked the creative edge to hold possession. What better for a confidence booster?

Hopefully Fulham gets a clean sheet and wins by a few goals. The players need the boost in morale and Shrewbury might just be the ticket to get the Whites back on track.

Might just be looking too much into it, but it never hurts to be optimistic.

 

Exactly! I was thinking the same thing. I feel this game is more important than just being a Cup match. This is a game that can rectify the last few weeks with a solid showing and a win. Let's be honest, to lose so many close ones can get you down. No matter who you are.

I am hoping to see this game more as an emotional boost than just another game.