The IntroductionBack in the "good old days" the FA Cup had no penalty shoot outs and replays continued until there was a winner. It wasn't uncommon for games to go to a neutral ground once both the home and away tie had finished level. The record is six replays held by Headington's bigger neighbours Oxford City and Alvechurch in 1971.
This will be "only" the third attempt to play this game. As we type the Club say the game in ON but subject to an inspection on Monday so talk of withdrawing because the game hasn't been decided after two attempts appears a bit wimpy to the more mature members of the Preview Towers team.
http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/20140112-oxford-on-but-inspection-on-monday-1289917.aspxThe Opposition.Having already been thrashed by a Joe Pigott and Danny Green inspired reserve side in this season's league cup Oxford would be forgiven for thinking they have no chance against our first string.
One look at our cup record v lower division teams should quickly divest them of that view.
However the Us have only won once since overcoming non-league Wrexham in round two and top scorer J. Constable has been dropped to the Haywain following a minor goal drought.
Whatever, they will be up for the game and may well see the pitch as a leveller.
The Line UpIllness/injuries to Stephens and Solly made them doubts for the Barnsley game and both might be rested leading to "they've been sold" rants.
Astrit Ajdarevic will be available to slot into Dale's vacated central midfield role but Michael Smith is cup tied. Harriot is fit again and following two goals v Spurs could come back in on the left.
None of the other rumoured transfers (Thuram, Dwyer) have actually happened yet so Chris Powell will be picking from an even slimmer squad than before given that Sordel is crocked and Stewart gone.
Hamer may return if fit while good reports from Ipswich regarding Jordan Cook could see him start. Don't be surprised to see a few more youth players on the bench either. It was in the league cup game that Cousins made his debut and Piggy got his first goal.
Hamer
Wilson Morrison Dervite Evina
Green Cousins Ajdarevic Harriot
Kermorgant Cook
The PredictionThere has been so much fussing and a fighting over this game what with the stand closures and the postponements that anything other than a 6 - 0 thrashing of the visitors will be an insult to the fans and embarrassment to the Club leading to Roland taking his ball home with him to Belgium.
So 1 - 0 to the Addicks (Kermorgant Pen)
Comments
;o)
Good question whether most of the 1st team should be given a run out to maintain match fitness. If the match goes ahead, of course.
http://www.bluefinspolo.co.uk/about-waterpolo/rules-summary
Corrected
;o)
If it is played, the line up may be stronger than on the original date, as a number of first team players will need match practice.
As for withdrawing from the cup or switching venues, don't be silly. Amazes me how people get busy on squad rotations and how it will affect our league form. Why worry about all that? It's a game involving Charlton, enjoy it for what it is.
Doubt it'll be on, but if it is, think it's important we get off to a decent start under the RD era.
Not sure who to though.
If pushed, I'll say Charlton.
When we have a loanee from a higher division they are never available for Cup games - and quite right too.
A reminder that there will be a pitch inspection today, ahead of tomorrow's FA Cup game. We'll update you as soon as we hear anything. #cafc
Following concerns regarding the poor condition of the pitch at The Valley for the forthcoming FA Cup tie, both teams have come to the unusual agreement of playing the fixture on FIFA 14.
Charlton boss Chris Powell stated that it was a first for the competition but admitted with so few people interested in the fixture it would at least give him the chance to rest his thin squad and allow Oxford Utd the chance to save petrol money.
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