FA Cup Semi Final Draw

First topic message reminder :

Crystal Palace vs Watford
Everton vs Man Utd or West Ham

I think the cup didn't help itself with scheduling. The Champions League is rightfully the priority over the FA Cup, which always leaves key players being rested as a possibility.

Not sure when else they could play though I guess. Do think doing away with replays is a positive move though

Not a fan of doing away with replays. Its the fault of (Scudamore I think) agreeing not to play games that clash with CL fixtures. I'm entirely against doing away with cup replays because of the CL. 4 teams who I don't care about should not dictate to the English game.

I like the idea that the winner couldget a spot in the champions league.

But not that there is talk of it being a midweek competition.

I think doing away with replays is positive regardless of the CL argument. (and it stands to benefit England at tournaments, think Burnout is a legitimate issue)

I just think, when you get past the tradition argument, they dont actually add anything. The only people who benefit are smaller clubs that get a big gate share from a replay. And frankly I'm of the opinion that more big clubs should follow Derbys example and give away their share to smaller sides.

Tradition is kind of important with the FA Cup, it is arguably why it is still important in the wider footballing world. Equally, how bad do replays really affect England at a World Cup? How many internationals are playing more than one replay a year?

We used to have replays for the final and semi finals, that tradition got dropped. Semis used to be played at neutral locations prior to the new Wembley opening.

Traditions are important, but they shouldn't be a trump card to any idea mooted that kinda makes sense outside of tradition.

To be honest, being completely radical, id rather sack off the League Cup entirely.

I'd be happy enough if they got rid of replays for the fa cup.

Sort it out on the day.

GSC wrote:We used to have replays for the final and semi finals, that tradition got dropped. Semis used to be played at neutral locations prior to the new Wembley opening.

Traditions are important, but they shouldn't be a trump card to any idea mooted that kinda makes sense outside of tradition.

They are still neutral, and arguably it was a bad idea. One I wish they hadn't implemented.

It's a card to be used though, especially over something so iffy a suggestion, with better solutions out there.

GSC wrote:To be honest, being completely radical, id rather sack off the League Cup entirely.

I'd hugely reform it. The tradition of that is neither as important nor respected. I'd be tempted to end it earlier still, and think of ways it can be minimalised or travel lessened. Maybe kill extra time in the league cup, and do away with 2 legged semi finals.

Id sack off the league cup. Even as a fan of a lower league club I have no interest in it. Premier League clubs routinely put out reserve teams as its a midweek game. All in all its just pointless.

Id also get rid of FA Cup replays. I cant really think of a strong reason to keep them to be honest. I suspect the midweek replays verge into clubs trying to rest players for weekend league matches. Would also make a CL place available for a winner (albeit we seem to be losing one to Serie A). I deeply suspect if the 4th CL place was up for grabs for the winner of the Cup, and the game had to be won on the day, wed have seen a great FA cup tie at SB today. Instead one team had nothing else to play for this season, and the other had 2 bigger priorities.

I think when a team gets a hard earned draw away from home they earn the right of a replay. I don't see any reasons to get rid of them that actually have a strong argument.

They get extra time and penalties. Does another 90 minutes + potential ET really add anything? Especially if its a midweek game, that entices teams to rest players.

If there's no strong arguments for or against it then its not really an irreplaceable part of the competition no?

Superb defending by Shrewsbury there.

It probably suits the lower league sides too not having a reply, take Hull for example they would fancy their chances more in extra time and then penalties against Arsenal rather than a replay.

GSC wrote:They get extra time and penalties. Does another 90 minutes + potential ET really add anything? Especially if its a midweek game, that entices teams to rest players.

If there's no strong arguments for or against it then its not really an irreplaceable part of the competition no?

So, change because "why not?". Seems a bit unnecessary.

They get extra time and penalties away from home and extra tiredness. I definitely think extra time and penalties is more tiring than a game a week later.

Hammersmith harrier wrote:It probably suits the lower league sides too not having a reply, take Hull for example they would fancy their chances more in extra time and then penalties against Arsenal rather than a replay.

With enhanced fitness levels a league above and a deeper subs bench then I'd said no. Even more so for a Shrewsbury, for example.

Dolphin Ziggler wrote:

Hammersmith harrier wrote:It probably suits the lower league sides too not having a reply, take Hull for example they would fancy their chances more in extra time and then penalties against Arsenal rather than a replay.

With enhanced fitness levels a league above and a deeper subs bench then I'd said no. Even more so for a Shrewsbury, for example.

Hull would have a chance in extra time, they have no realistic chance of holding out again for 90 minutes.

how do you know, home advantage, anything can happen. it's cup football.

Half an hour extra and likely a full week to recover (unless you're in Europe) vs having to play at least an extra 90 minutes midweek and play again 3 days later.

Dolphin Ziggler wrote:

Hammersmith harrier wrote:It probably suits the lower league sides too not having a reply, take Hull for example they would fancy their chances more in extra time and then penalties against Arsenal rather than a replay.

With enhanced fitness levels a league above and a deeper subs bench then I'd said no. Even more so for a Shrewsbury, for example.

Whereas an extra 90 minutes isn't much worse fitness/fatigue wise for a lower league side with a much smaller squad? #headsgone

Only good thing about replays is that the side in need of more money will get some gate receipts and potentially a TV tie - much like the league cup it should be decided on the day.

Olly wrote:

Dolphin Ziggler wrote:

Hammersmith harrier wrote:It probably suits the lower league sides too not having a reply, take Hull for example they would fancy their chances more in extra time and then penalties against Arsenal rather than a replay.

With enhanced fitness levels a league above and a deeper subs bench then I'd said no. Even more so for a Shrewsbury, for example.

Whereas an extra 90 minutes isn't much worse fitness/fatigue wise for a lower league side with a much smaller squad? #headsgone

No it isnt. Thats basic fitness knowledge. When do you think you're more at risk of injury? Where do you think highly trained athletes with minute detail on percentages are likely to prosper?

Like most footballers say, with a midweek game you would rather play than train so its generally enjoyed.

Hammersmith harrier wrote:

Dolphin Ziggler wrote:

Hammersmith harrier wrote:It probably suits the lower league sides too not having a reply, take Hull for example they would fancy their chances more in extra time and then penalties against Arsenal rather than a replay.

With enhanced fitness levels a league above and a deeper subs bench then I'd said no. Even more so for a Shrewsbury, for example.

Hull would have a chance in extra time, they have no realistic chance of holding out again for 90 minutes.

No realistic chance? My, you have been supporting a big club for too long.

PL would never go for it, but if we want the FA Cup to be truly relevant again, put a CL spot available for the winner.

Whilst I like the idea, its the money. The PL is the money draw for overseas so the 4th place drama is destined to stay (whilst the coefficient allows it). But the FA Cup still is relevant, as 7200 West Ham fans showed in Blackburn yesterday. And maybe anyone over 30-35 agrees.

When you have Championship teams making 10 changes for a trip to the 3rd placed team in the country (who made 9), its hard for me to say its a priority for that many clubs anymore. Its not irrelevant (see the League Cup), but its sad that not that many clubs at the higher end of the pyramid really go for it these days.

That was one of the most boring weekends of cup football we've had in many a year

What a goal by Lukaku!

Although Gary Cahill's defending was pathetic

Lukaku!

Did he bite Barry?

Looked that way, Olly.

Awful defending Chelsea.

Don't think it was a bite.

Gonna plump for an Everton - Arsenal final, Arsenal beating Palace and Everton beating Man United in the semis.

Fabregas was very lucky not to get sent off for a rather deliberate looking stud rake on Barry's knee.

Is Andre Marriner blind?

Does Ighalo ever pass?

Olly wrote:Is Andre Marriner blind?

Yes. It was a blatant red card

Arsenal 0-1 Watford - Odion Ighalo

Olly wrote:Does Ighalo ever pass?

Probably not but Deeney definitely does. I like the big captain. Always playing for his team and looking in to bring in others when better placed with a decent lay off. Ighalo wouldn't have got the goals and Watford wouldn't have survived this season in the top flight without Deeney.

And now Deeney plays a part in the second goal ....

Lol arsene

Arsenal 0-2 Watford - Adlene Guedioura

Quality strike.

Can't say im surprised by this was expecting to head out today tbh.

Now on arsenal to draw, seems likely to me

Think Piers may finally get his wish regarding Wenger very soon.

Arsenal are an absolute laughing stock. Another competition they should be winning. Bottled a again

Duty281 wrote:

NickisBHAFC wrote:ANOTHER easy tie for Arsenal

Yes, the treble dream is still alive.

how's that panning out, Duty?

Olly, think that's great for you. Watford are safe & will be focusing on a semi final in April & think you have a game with them around that time at home?

Watford, Everton, Palace and Man United then haha, I really thought Arsenal would be up for this, their last hope, but had nothing at all to deal with Watford. Classic two up top with those two strikers is the kind of thing you'd imagine gives Arsene nightmares.

What a refreshing Semi Final line up: Watford, Palace, Everton and West Ham

John wrote:Olly, think that's great for you. Watford are safe & will be focusing on a semi final in April & think you have a game with them around that time at home?

Yep our home game with them will now have to be rearranged. In fact palace getting through also good as we play them soon too