Luton Town – Rob Edwards FA Cup Conundrum

The FA Cup 3rd round weekend has started strangely early this year, kicking off on a Thursday evening with Crystal Palace taking on Everton.

Much to the wife’s disgust, it continued yesterday evening with Tottenham Hotspur taking on Burnley, with Coronation Street being knocked off the schedule to make way for the tie.

As we are all aware Luton Town take on Bolton Wanderers, on Sunday, with the game moved to the Holy Day as it has been selected for international coverage.

I guess it is a state of the times we live in and shows, once again, just how television influences the game.

It seems an age since the Hatters went on a good cup run and I’m of the feeling that, although the side will be forced to play extra games, a decent cup run would hugely benefit moral among both the squad and the support.

I mean, who doesn’t dream of a walk up Wembley Way?

However, and this where I express my concerns, Premier League teams tend to, in the earlier rounds, field weakened teams, giving both squad members and youth a chance.

I’ll admit it is something I’e never really agreed with, especially when, as a result, exiting the competition is the result.

Now, I’ve no doubt that when it comes to our fixture, against Bolton Wanderers on Sunday, Rob Edwards will make changes, but the big question is how many?

How many changes can Rob make without disrupting the fluidity the team has established in recent weeks?

Also which players do you rest?

Perhaps the more precise question should relate to who we cannot afford to rest, or to put it another way, the indispensable ones?

I can see the reasoning for giving the likes of Tim Krul, Luke Berry, Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu and Jordan Clark an outing but should we be aware of the inherent danger of being on the wrong end of a giant-killing?

With the rules, currently, allowing a multitude of substitutions, is it a better option to start your best available XI and then, with the game (hopefully) won introduce the squad players?

Too often we see teams pack their benches with their best talent and then, when things haven’t quite gone to plan, bring on the big guns to rescue the tie.

I’ve always believed it is easier to protect a lead than it is to chase a game.

It’ll be interesting to read your thoughts on the above subject matter in the comment facility beneath this article.

If you are brave enough, how about predicting the starting XI.

COYH

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