The League Cup.....

[all_funkt_up]

Most teams probably see this as beneath them. A spivvy way in to Europe maybe, but I dunno, it still gets me excited! I think people do it a dis-service really. Yeah the trophy may have 3 handles but it's a place in Europe and a day out to Cardiff.....

Makes me laugh when lower-mid table Prem teams snub the C.C. Think its funny how teams like Spurs and Charlton and Newcastle too are always in a mad scramble for Europe each year. They all moan about a lack of Silver-ware and then bitch slap the poor old league cup accross the chops by putting out a team who's combined age is less than that of Bobby Robson....

Canny fathom it like...

Oh........hats off to Sunderland who are charging £5 a ticket for tonight's game.

Much better to have 48'000 people at £5 a pop rather than 10000 at £24 a pop. Empty stadiums dont look good......

[GaNgStA kEeKs]

Your just excited because its the only piece of silverware your team is going to come close to winning this season

I have to admit the competition doesn't excite me no more but this is mainly because of the clubs attitudes to resting players which takes a lot of talent etc out of the game.

I can see why sides like Chelsea, Arsenal etc would be looking to rest players as they have European football to contend with but you really wonder when your Charltons, Man Citys or whoever are resting players as this is a gateway through to European football next season as well as a trophy and some decent some of tv revenue generated also.

I found it completely bizarre though when some Championship sides were resting players last season. Don't know who exactly they thought they were but that was one too many imo.

And hats off like you say to Sunderland for reducing prices. Shame not many other sides can take after them with reducing prices for games like this.

[all_funkt_up]

Deffo Kiko - the cup is there for anyone that wants it. The Prem and the FA cup are anything but. As a smaller club, you could be guaranteed a place in Europe by February... magic! Dunno why other teams dont opt for this rather than the inevitable last day of the season scramble that more often than not, sees clubs like Charlton end up disappointed.....

[MickeyPaul]

I actually find it amazing that the clubs outwith the big guns don't go all out for this. A place in europe is worth quite a bit these days and bloody fun for the fans.

[crowie]

Whats more important though? A place in the UEFA Cup or a place in the Premiership? A lot of teams see it as one competition too many. And the fact that there is not much difference between a lot of these clubs means that any long involvement could affect league places and form.

Chelsea reserves will no doubt win it. The one side who can put out a weakened team where the majority would be good enough for most other EPL sides.

As for Sunderland reducing prices, no wonder, they are cack, they should be letting fans in for free. Still wouldn't get 48,000 though. No one's interested in the competition, teams or fans. It should be scrapped and give the teams less of a hectic first half of the year schedule.

[Winrew]

I found it completely bizarre though when some Championship sides were resting players last season

Same here Kiko.....i couldnt believe it :loon

[all_funkt_up]

Apparently it was £5 for adults and £1 for under 16's - probably cost Wenger £11 to get his squad in there tonight..... Cant wait to see the highlights - spot the one thats shaving......

[zonker84]

Originally Posted by crowie

As for Sunderland reducing prices, no wonder, they are cack, they should be letting fans in for free. Still wouldn't get 48,000 though.

It was sold out tonight though?

[GaNgStA kEeKs]

Aye.

Biggest attendance of the season for Sunderland it said too.

Pity its been a bit of a dire match even with Arsenal being 2-0 up with very little chances going about.

[crowie]

Originally Posted by zonker84

It was sold out tonight though?

I am surprised about that. Dropping the price must work.

[Bigkegman]

Supply and demand Crowie - did Jonnie Neil teach you nothing !

[Jesus]

Well im a Newcastle fan and im very excited about this cup. I can see us fielding a full strength team and getting to the final stages. (Grimsby will probably put us out now)

Souness seems to have a great record in cup competitions too so i can only hope!

[all_funkt_up]

Jesus - which cup competitions are they then? Dont get me wrong I think Souness is a good guy and doesnt deserve the flack he gets - but to say he even has a half decent record in cup comps is pushing it

Me mate in work is predicting 7-1 to the Toon - not suprising coming from a Toon season ticket holder mind.....

1-1 at best = come on you Seamen...................

[Jesus]

He does have a decent record in cup competitions. Last season he took Newcastle to the semi finals of the FA cup and the Quarters of the Uefa Cup...he also won the League Cup with Blackburn.

That good enough for u?

[all_funkt_up]

No.