Pre-Match EFL Cup v Sunderland (A)

[Sandybee]

For those with kids at school, this will be played in half term week. What better than taking the family away to South Shields beach for the week !

They’ll love that Easterly wind.

 

[Jay Bee]

From reading social media after the draw, Sunderland fans will be grateful to be out of this competition. I imagine that feeling has only grown this month.

Tonight they are playing their third Europa league game. They also skipped one round of the league cup - so not THAT much more football than us.
But being bottom of the PL and with five more EL games to come by the end of January, this will be bottom of their list of priorities. Imagine the worrying on here if we were in this position!

If we play a pretty strong team we should be favourites to progress to the fifth round - for the fifth time in seven years.

 

[Untouchable]

From reading social media after the draw, Sunderland fans will be grateful to be out of this competition. I imagine that feeling has only grown this month.

Tonight they are playing their third Europa league game. They also skipped one round of the league cup - so not THAT much more football than us.
But being bottom of the PL and with five more EL games to come by the end of January, this will be bottom of their list of priorities. Imagine the worrying on here if we were in this position!

If we play a pretty strong team we should be favourites to progress to the fifth round - for the fifth time in seven years.

Sunderland are playing Leeds on Sunday and I don’t see them getting much from that. All good signs for them going weak against us.

 

[Untouchable]

Sunderland are playing Leeds on Sunday and I don’t see them getting much from that. All good signs for them going weak against us.

It gets better. Sunderland play Coventry 3 days after they play us. They’ve got to be targeting 3 points from that.

At this rate we might be playing their academy kids!

 

[Greybeard]

Bo

It gets better. Sunderland play Coventry 3 days after they play us. They’ve got to be targeting 3 points from that.

At this rate we might be playing their academy kids!

Both teams will rotate to protect PL starters. Our reserves are probably pretty equal. But they are at home and will therefore possibly be slight favourites.

 

[badgerbee]

Bo

Both teams will rotate to protect PL starters. Our reserves are probably pretty equal. But they are at home and will therefore possibly be slight favourites.

Sunderland 23/10
Draw 12/5
Bees 1/1

 

[Jay Bee]

Both teams will rotate to protect PL starters. Our reserves are probably pretty equal. But they are at home and will therefore possibly be slight favourites.

I expect them to rotate more for the reasons outlined above - they will be worried about league form rightly or wrongly - and have a string of european games to make a priority.

I think we will make some changes too.... but if we played 6 first XI players away to Reading I'd expect the same or more here.

 

[Gazza Bee]

If we go relatively strong (and given our squad we can field a strong team even with 6 or 7 changes) I feel this is there to be won with Sunderlands schedule.

 

[ruislip bee]

If we go relatively strong (and given our squad we can field a strong team even with 6 or 7 changes) I feel this is there to be won with Sunderlands schedule.

Yep. Brings home the rigours of European football! Very good job we didn't qualify the season before last given the injuries we incurred durring last season. I reckon we'd all have been in line for getting a game!

 

[N5022N122]

Have the tickets been sent out yet?

 

[Edmundo]

Bo

Both teams will rotate to protect PL starters. Our reserves are probably pretty equal. But they are at home and will therefore possibly be slight favourites.

Are there reserves really as good as ours? Convince me, as I’m sceptical.

 

[Bee(h)Iver]

I imagine we’ll go stronger in this game than Sunderland, especially as they play Sunday like us but because of their current league position, there is an strong argument that home to Leeds and away to Coventry are games they really need to get points from if they don’t want to be languishing in the bottom three.

We’ll see after the weekend who is available but I imagine starts for Carvalho, Wilson and maybe Collins if he’s only on the bench on Sunday. Is Yarmo available for this, or is this the second game he misses?

 

[Greybeard]

Are there reserves really as good as ours? Convince me, as I’m sceptical.

Depends exactly which ones each side picks. And how many first teamers are in the mix. Pretty unpredictable. I'm just guessing that there won't be much between the selected sides in terms of quality and experience.

That said they do have a big fixture list and may elect to play a very inexperienced side thereby virtually sacrificing the competition. In which case we might have a big edge.

But I'm expecting a close gane. Anyhow we will find out shortly!

 

[Windmill Rd Bee]

I imagine we’ll go stronger in this game than Sunderland, especially as they play Sunday like us but because of their current league position, there is an strong argument that home to Leeds and away to Coventry are games they really need to get points from if they don’t want to be languishing in the bottom three.

We’ll see after the weekend who is available but I imagine starts for Carvalho, Wilson and maybe Collins if he’s only on the bench on Sunday. Is Yarmo available for this, or is this the second game he misses?

Yarmo not available, but would expect Janelt to come back in

 

[nick logan]

Bo

Both teams will rotate to protect PL starters. Our reserves are probably pretty equal. But they are at home and will therefore possibly be slight favourites.

hahaha

 

[jlove]

Yarmo not available, but would expect Janelt to come back in

I'd say that's guaranteed! All this nonsense about "reserves"... our bench against Liverpool was: Valdimarsson; Collins; Diouf; Hickey; Carvalho; Damsgaard; Sangaré; Schade; Wilson. Those that started and were substituted in our reorganisations were: van den Berg; Lewis-Potter; Anthony; Jensen; Ouattara. Whatever the selection for Hull, that's not a bad lot of reserves to pick from.

 

[cliffbee]

I don't usually advocate playing our strongest 11 for cup games but I think it's worth it here because I'd say it's our best ever chance to win a cup. Think Valdimarsson will play and there's an argument for starting Wilson but apart from that, I'd simply pick our best team

 

[jlove]

there's an argument for starting Wilson

Personally – and on the assumption that the plan is Thiago starts against Hull and Forest – I'd start Wilson and Anthony as they will have a greater appreciation of playing together. That leaves one other attacking selection which may be left or right.

Let's get Hull out of the way first.

 

[Greybeard]

Personally – and on the assumption that the plan is Thiago starts against Hull and Forest – I'd start Wilson and Anthony as they will have a greater appreciation of playing together. That leaves one other attacking selection which may be left or right.

Let's get Hull out of the way first.

I don't think you'll be disappointed on that score.

 

[cliffbee]

Hope we go very strong as it could be our year for a cup final.
Valdimarsson
Kayode Collins Ajer KLP
Janelt Sangare Damsgaard
Ouattara Wilson Schade

 

[BFC1997]

Valdimarsson
Hickey Collins Schuster KLP
Jensen Janelt
Damsgaard
Anthony Schade Ouattara

 

[super J]

................Valdimarsson...........

Hickey...Collins...Schuster...Diouf

--Damsgsard----Janelt----Jensen---

---Anthony---Wilson----Ouattara---

 

[hardybee]

................Valdimarsson...........

Hickey...Collins...Schuster...Diouf

--Damsgsard----Janelt----Jensen---

---Anthony---Wilson----Ouattara---

I’d also go for this. We get to rest some players but still put out a strong team. Hopefully some minutes for Fabio if he’s not injured.

 

[damsgard.szn]

Valdimarsson
Hickey Collins Schuster Diouf
Jensen Janelt
Carvalho
Anthony Wilson Ouatara

hopefully minutes for fredricks as well.

 

[londondude]

................Valdimarsson...........

Hickey...Collins...Schuster...Diouf

--Damsgsard----Janelt----Jensen---

---Anthony---Wilson----Ouattara---

Think this is the one

 

[North London Bee]

Does anyone know if the team is staying up north after Hull until Sunderland?

 

[Banana]

Does anyone know if the team is staying up north after Hull until Sunderland?

Unlikely. Fly home. Fly there.

 

[Untouchable]

Unlikely. Fly home. Fly there.

I’m sure it was mentioned in one of the KLP pieces this week that we were heading straight back to W London after Hull.

 

[badgerbee]

I’m sure it was mentioned in one of the KLP pieces this week that we were heading straight back to W London after Hull.

Wasnt it also mentioned that someone saw the players off the coach at a M'way services yesterday?

 

[Banana]

Wasnt it also mentioned that someone saw the players off the coach at a M'way services yesterday?

Yes. Couldn't find any planes into Luton this evening (or Farnborough). But it will almost certainly be a plane for Sunderland.

 

[Untouchable]

Their upcoming run is horrendous. Makes perfect sense for them to make 11 changes against us.


View: https://x.com/danielstokell1/status/2114437847545499894?s=46&t=SQP7mje7Pimu8X-ugPnQnQ

 

[TorbayBee]

Their upcoming run is horrendous. Makes perfect sense for them to make 11 changes against us.


View: https://x.com/danielstokell1/status/2114437847545499894?s=46&t=SQP7mje7Pimu8X-ugPnQnQ

Just shows the size of squad you need for Europe, a couple of key injuries can cripple you.

 

[cliffbee]

I’d also go for this. We get to rest some players but still put out a strong team. Hopefully some minutes for Fabio if he’s not injured.

I don't think this is a game to rest players or play Fabio. I think there's a very logical case for playing our best team. I'm totally confident we're not going to be in a relegation battle but I'm equally sure we're not good enough to get Champions League qualification, as we simply don't get enough wins.
So in my view our target for the season is qualification to one of the lesser two European competitions. The shortest route to that is winning four games in the Carabao Cup. That would also give us the Wembley glory that we've waited decades for.
So, play our best team on Wednesday and then worry about Forest in a game that is important but certainly not 'must win'.

 

[Oldboy TW8 0AW]

I don't think this is a game to rest players or play Fabio. I think there's a very logical case for playing our best team. I'm totally confident we're not going to be in a relegation battle but I'm equally sure we're not good enough to get Champions League qualification, as we simply don't get enough wins.
So in my view our target for the season is qualification to one of the lesser two European competitions. The shortest route to that is winning four games in the Carabao Cup. That would also give us the Wembley glory that we've waited decades for.
So, play our best team on Wednesday and then worry about Forest in a game that is important but certainly not 'must win'.

I was talking this morning with a fellow bee. I said I hoped that Brentford play a strong team on Wednesday.
Sunderland at the Gtech earlier this season, we're by far the better team in the first half.
Dependant on how players have recovered from yesterday, hopefully a strong starting XI .
As stated above, this could be our best route of playing in Europe, by winning the Carabao cup.
COYB's .

 

[jlove]

So, can we predict a starting XI that doesn't include any player that played the full game on Sunday?

Valdimarsson
Hickey – Schuster – Collins – Diouf
Sangaré* – Janelt
Anthony – Damsgaard – Nunes
Wilson

Assuming Carvalho is unavailable

* the only one I can't put an alternative for.

 

[GABS]

Milambo on the bench?

 

[North London Bee]

Milambo on the bench?

Surely no chance

 

[Les Beeavinu]

Frederick debut tomorrow?

 

[hanworthbee]

So, can we predict a starting XI that doesn't include any player that played the full game on Sunday?

Valdimarsson
Hickey – Schuster – Collins – Diouf
Sangaré* – Janelt
Anthony – Damsgaard – Nunes
Wilson

Assuming Carvalho is unavailable

* the only one I can't put an alternative for.

I can't imagine we'd play both Schuster and Collins after not playing a minute in a while. Id also be amazed if nunes gets a start, I'd rather Potter play LW

 

[North London Bee]

Bench at best surely. They see him as a full back and I can’t see a space for him.

 

[hardybee]

Can you still get tickets for this one?

 

[stomalomalus]

I agree with some of teams posted. BUT, I think I'd play Igor. He needs a goal to get the monkey off his back, and then he'll start scoring for fun, so I want to give him as many chances as possible...

Valdi
Hickey Collins Sepp Diouf
Janelt Jensen
Anthony Carvalho? KLP
IT

Kelleher, Frederick, Schuster, Rico?, Sangare, Dams, Milambo/JDS?(please)/Schade, Nunes, Wilson

 

[Oldboy TW8 0AW]

I agree with some of teams posted. BUT, I think I'd play Igor. He needs a goal to get the monkey off his back, and then he'll start scoring for fun, so I want to give him as many chances as possible...

Valdi
Hickey Collins Sepp Diouf
Janelt Jensen
Anthony Carvalho? KLP
IT

Kelleher, Frederick, Schuster, Rico?, Sangare, Dams, Milambo/JDS?(please)/Schade, Nunes, Wilson

Yes, start Igor.
He just needs that next goal. At present his hold up play is top drawer. His assist for Dango's goal on Sunday will hopefully help his confidence.
A goal from Igor tomorrow will do nicely.

 

[hanworthbee]

I agree with some of teams posted. BUT, I think I'd play Igor. He needs a goal to get the monkey off his back, and then he'll start scoring for fun, so I want to give him as many chances as possible...

Valdi
Hickey Collins Sepp Diouf
Janelt Jensen
Anthony Carvalho? KLP
IT

Kelleher, Frederick, Schuster, Rico?, Sangare, Dams, Milambo/JDS?(please)/Schade, Nunes, Wilson

We said that after the Chelsea goal. Wilson also needs games to get his fitness up

 

[jlove]

I can't imagine we'd play both Schuster and Collins after not playing a minute in a while. Id also be amazed if nunes gets a start, I'd rather Potter play LW

I think you missed the point of my post...

 

[SOTGBee]

Team news is out and Keith has a bad cold in the press interview.

Sunderland v Brentford team news: Rico Henry ruled out through injury - Brentford FC

Keith Andrews gives injury update on Rico Henry, Mikkel Damsgaard, Antoni Milambo, Kaye Furo and Josh Dasilva ahead of Brentford's Carabao Cup tie v Sunderland.

www.brentfordfc.com

 

[Foxylocks]

Can you still get tickets for this one?

I would imagine so as there was quite a number left on Sunday...

 

[Baubaul]

Can you still get tickets for this one?

You should, I got an adult spare and a junior spare. Got stuck with work unfortunately can’t attend. Free of charge obviously

 

[JANORAK]

Team news is out and Keith has a bad cold in the press interview.

Sunderland v Brentford team news: Rico Henry ruled out through injury - Brentford FC

Keith Andrews gives injury update on Rico Henry, Mikkel Damsgaard, Antoni Milambo, Kaye Furo and Josh Dasilva ahead of Brentford's Carabao Cup tie v Sunderland.

www.brentfordfc.com

I wonder if he works on these sometimes. We’re ’treading carefully’ with Dams, and the pain in his right foot…

 

[kenbee]

Can Yarmo play as the 3 game suspension covers PL games?