EFL Trophy

The only positive I can see is that it gives game time to those who need it. i.e. McCartan, French, Longridge.

Reece Staunton is back from his loan spell, can take a look at him too and see where he's at.

 

Just another money making device for the EFL.

 

From his "work experience" spell? Was utterly confused by that on Twitter from the official account last night? Since when have clubs described it as that?

 

It's compulsory. The theory behind it was a potential cup run and Wembley trip for the 48 teams in L1&L2 who more often than not wouldn't have more than 2 or 3 cup games a season without it.

But around 10ish years ago, even the teams involved started using it as a system to play the reserves and youths and the EFL didn't like it. Bringing in those daft rules like you had to start a minimum number of players from the week before or you got a fine. Meaning clubs were making 1/2 subs 30 seconds into a game just made the competition more of a joke. Harvey made it more of a farce adding youth squads. They wanted the youth teams to have more competitive games (if you've ever watched a U21 game, you'll know why), but a lot of the players aren't ready for L2 football and they struggle, or they have your Charlie Adam type's playing in just none competitive, crap matches.

Doesn't make anyone any money. EFL will probably try something else in a few year. But even when it was a 48 team knockout cup it made sod all.

 

I noticed that on the article too. Bit odd really. I suppose he may still class as an apprentice even though i'm sure we gave him a 1st team contract?

 

Good odds Man City tonight. I think we will lose this one. They only lost to Sunderland last season in this comp and with how strong the first team is at Man City, these boys must be good.

I’d get on it now before team news is out

 

Havent we beat them previously, either last year or season before

 

Worth remembering they are playing in the league cup tonight against Preston and Pep usually plays a bundle of youth. So all the good ones would probably be there.

 

Even Simon Parker not bothering to turn up tonight. Presume he will be watching Pompey getting stuffed in the South Coast derby?

 

£10 returns nearly £30. It's like printing money!

 

I give you Devante Cole.
Not one of the first team on Saturday came from the under 21's so why are they so good??

 

to be even in the under 21s they must be good. Just because they don’t get in the first team, doesn’t mean they are good. That team is world class.

one of the lads who played centre half last seasons in this competition is now training with first team.

 

Pep does not play much youth at all. That’s false. He takes every competition seriously and I’d imagine he will give the odd youth player a chance but you can guarantee it will be a very strong side at Preston. Cancelo, Silva gundogan etc. He doesn’t mess about and wants to win everything

 

Hornby
Henley French BRE Longridge
Akpan Devine
Ismail McCartan Patrick
Oteh

Give them all 90 minutes (maybe apart from ismail). No need to risk an important player for even 1 minute of this joke competition. Only reason I'd play BRR is because he's suspended for 3 games anyway and needs to keep his fitness up.

 

True he wants to win everything, no doubt it will be a strong side. But my point wasn't that, it was the fact the better U23's will most likely be travelling with his squad, rather than playing at VP. Looking at his cup games against lower teams, 5-7 youths usually involved in the Matchday 18 mixed with benched pro's like the Gundogan/Stones types. But even we take 20+ players to an away game so most likely a few lads will travel and not make the 18.

 

You're right there Jordan. The last time we played them they had a game and their Academy Manager was saying Pep wanted kids around the squad so a weaker team came to VP. We won as I recall.

 

Don’t like the comp at all, but prize money helps pay the fines the idiots are racking up and it’s good match experience for some younger/fringe players. Plus I’d never want a City side to lose, don’t risk the first team or majority of it but hopefully them that play win.

I know it’s probably been asked before, but is it on ifollow? I’ve got nothing to do tonight so may as well watch it, but won’t be going to one of these games against an under 23/21 team

 

It is