This could be a dodgy fixture but we should have enough to make 4th round, a 3/1 away win I think

20 hours ago, didierforever said:

Because top4, CL and even the semi finals of the carling cup is far more important as of this moment. If we play the likes of Hazard, morata, Kante in this game, lets take a look at what the future holds for them:

Norwich - 6th

Arsenal -11th

Leicester - 13th

Brighton - 20th

Arsenal - 25th

Bournemouth - 1st

And this is after an already hectic christmas period. Priorities have to be set, and CURRENTLY a 3rd round FA cup tie has to be the least out of the 4. Now some people like the know-it-all who quoted me, might not understand despite him apparently going to watch games and having a far better understanding of the game, but these players need some rest and this is the perfect game to give it to them, moreover its games and early round ties like these where the squad players need to be given an opportunity. If michy does not get a start here, then we might as well sell/loan him out.

I agree we have priorities, however the FA Cup is very important. Hazard, Morata and Kante I am sure will not start however we have very good squad depth to rotate. Pedro and Willian will probably start along with Bats who will defo start ahead of Morata for this one. We are still taking this game seriously by rotating as the team will be very strong. We may be easily out of Europe come March and it is important to be involved in the cups. Heavy schedules can take its toll however being a top club with a lot of depth, bring it on. Barkley is signed now, Musonda on his way back, so if we go through this round, both players are also able to play in the next round.

And Didier mate, no one is saying that squad players don't need to be given an opportunity. It simply the fact you are saying you don't care. I want to see Hazard, Morata and Kante rested or on bench at least, however I still want to win the game hugely and still think we can beat them comfortably by making rotations. Look at the players we have to come in!

Yeah I don't want Hazard or Kante playing in this match with Arsenal coming a few days later. We should win this match comfortably without them. I would possibly start Morata in this game though, he needs a confidence booster and he'll have plenty of chances against this team.

 

btw is this match on the BBC??

Edited January 6, 20188 yr by dynamite

the game is live on BT sport 1

Match day.....COME ON YOU BLUES !

My prediction is Morata will come off the bench to score the winner. This type of away cup match could be tricky, small ground, rough pitch, physical opponents and a hostile crowd, may in for a bit of a shock.

11 hours ago, STATS said:

I agree we have priorities, however the FA Cup is very important. Hazard, Morata and Kante I am sure will not start however we have very good squad depth to rotate. Pedro and Willian will probably start along with Bats who will defo start ahead of Morata for this one. We are still taking this game seriously by rotating as the team will be very strong. We may be easily out of Europe come March and it is important to be involved in the cups. Heavy schedules can take its toll however being a top club with a lot of depth, bring it on. Barkley is signed now, Musonda on his way back, so if we go through this round, both players are also able to play in the next round.

And Didier mate, no one is saying that squad players don't need to be given an opportunity. It simply the fact you are saying you don't care. I want to see Hazard, Morata and Kante rested or on bench at least, however I still want to win the game hugely and still think we can beat them comfortably by making rotations. Look at the players we have to come in!

If you see my team, it is the proper squad player team, not a youth team with pedro, willian, Michy starting.

Fair enough about the "care" part though. My bad.

Timing and keeping the motivation going is important so we need to get through this round.

We could go out of the league cup against Arsenal (though I think we will win).

Then we could go out of the CL against Barca (no shame there).

We look way off the pace against City and so if we lost against Arsenal and Barca and went out today we would only have 2nd in the PL to play for.

Start the bench and some youngsters yet we need to be prepared to bring on the big guns, for me we need to win today.

 

Play Morata for at least 20+ minutes, he needs to bang a couple of goals in to get some confidence back......but I suppose he'll give Bats a chance.   Could be a tricky fixture against a decent Norwich side.

the game is live on BT sport 1

Isn't it BT2?

56 minutes ago, EmeraldBlue said:

Isn't it BT2?

BT 1 according to the FA website http://www.thefa.com/competitions/thefacup/fixtures

Batman will play and the second string. We Should win this but it's the FA Cup, so anything could happen. COME ON YOU BLUES !!!

1 hour ago, Londonisblue said:

BT 1 according to the FA website http://www.thefa.com/competitions/thefacup/fixtures

It's bt2 according to my guide on sky.

Its BT Sport 2, Watching some rugby currently on BT Sport 3 and Chelsea on BT Sport 2 at 5pm

ok thanks. FA website is sh*t then !!

9 changes 

Caballero

Rudiger
Luiz
Cahill

Zappacosta
Drinkwater
Bakayoko
Kenedy

Willian
Batshuayi
Pedro

Eduardo, Ampadu, Clarke-Salter, Sterling, Musonda, Hudson-Odoi, Morata

No Fabregas or Hazard means that Conte is fully trusting the starting 11 to deliver

1 minute ago, Deino said:

No Fabregas or Hazard means that Conte is fully trusting the starting 11 to deliver

Though don't forget Morata.

Morata firmly on the naughty step as the only senior outfield player on the bench, alongside 5 youth players ... :-)

Baka starting despite playing 90 minutes means DW is rested for Arsenal. Hopefully this means Conte is finally trusting DW as one of our main midfielders

Oops read it wrong, DW is alongside Baka. Looks like Cesc will start against Arse

Edited January 6, 20188 yr by sonic90

It will be interesting to see how the midfield pairing of Baka and DW works out. I've a feeling that Baka might work well with Bats.

18 minutes ago, Sexyfootball said:

Morata firmly on the naughty step as the only senior outfield player on the bench, alongside 5 youth players ... :-)

Morata needs the work & a boost in confidence - a FA Cup tie is just what the Doctor ordered for this guy

Bakayoko - Drinkwater is truly a questionmark here.

Nice prematch music from Norwich.