Unbelievable

Sorry to say, but he has a point like and I've said basically the same in the pre match thread. Rafa will come under pressure for this team selection, no doubt. It's double standards otherwise, can't criticise one manager for doing it and not another. Rafa probably thought they were good enough to get through. Incredibly narrow minded to not see the bigger picture here like. Enlighten me please. It seems the bigger picture is lost on me. We had a cup game today, the season has only just started and we have a few first team players who could do with the match fitness exercise if nowt else. What good does it do us to field a team consisting mostly of proven dross and some youngsters? I want us to win a cup in my lifetime, and I don't care what other clubs do. If I was a match going, ticket paying fan I wouldn't be impressed tonight.

Rafa specifically stated he would play fringe players to put them in the shop window. I don't see how he can be under pressure from trying to advertise that our s*** still has a pulse, UB. Well, if that was his decision I don't think it was the right one. If it wasn't it's even worse in terms of what it means going forward.

Sorry to say, but he has a point like and I've said basically the same in the pre match thread. Rafa will come under pressure for this team selection, no doubt. If Rafa had been backed according to the promises laid out by that fat c*** of an owner, we'd have been able to field a stronger squad this evening. I'm aware of all of that, but it's ultimately still his decision to field an almost completely different XI. I mean, it's not like some of our so called first team players couldn't do with the match fitness or a confidence boost. We fielded a weakened side and it's speculative to what extend it's contributed to where we are at this moment, but I'd argue it hasn't helped.

Sorry to say, but he has a point like and I've said basically the same in the pre match thread. Rafa will come under pressure for this team selection, no doubt.

In what way?

West Ham game will be interesting if it stays like this.

This season? Didn't Mike say the other day we'd focus on a cup once we were safe in the league

Howay lads, can't let a rare chance of winning something and Ashley possibly packing up go by without a whisper like this!

The wheels have come off the cart which we bolted to the horse which is now dragging our arse through the s***. Bah, at least we're making our own luck

Sudden death? Are we out?

Oh dear

Wow, great strike

Get in! All to play for.

Game's not over people. Long way to go and we can get back into this. Really hope we do.

Its a cup game, most managers play youngsters and second teamers. Most teams have an academy and a squad worthy of the name

Understandably. Why even invest time and money in a NUFC cup game nowadays?

'sake

Wow, Liverpool playing superbly

Mitrovic!

If it was the next round and we'd made loads of good signings - and the team was similarly weak - I'd agree. Huh? What I mean is - I can live with a line-up like that tonight, in the circumstances. If circumstances were different, and we had the resources to actually mount a cup run, I'd be disappointed with such a weak line-up. Well I disagree. You don't need a strong squad to give the cups a go. Give the first team players who need a rest a break and get a few youngsters or squad players in I can understand, but to me wholesale changes the likes of this doesn't particularly indicate a willingness to take the cups seriously. You said on the previous page you're fine with the team as long as we don't lose. Well duh, don't you think playing a stronger team minimises the chances of that happening? We lose this and no doubt Rafa and the club will be criticised for his team selection.

If it was the next round and we'd made loads of good signings - and the team was similarly weak - I'd agree. Huh?

We have needed an upgrade for ages. Doubt this changes anything.

Spot on that

Could be that he's hanging around hoping for another shot at first team action later in the season. It's not like we've brought in another goalkeeper who's hands down better than him.

Aye, not saying that is his only destination, if he want back to Holland for example his wage would probably be similar there. As I said, there are plenty of teams out there that would be willing to take him as he would undoubtedly improve them. Not even close