Match Thread - League Cup, Blackburn (H)

[Speedo]

Stick or twist? I think players need gametime but we’re a little restricted in defensive personnel especially. I’d play:

Gillespie
Yedlin - Lascelles - Clark - Ritchie
S. Longstaff - Barlaser
Murphy - Almiron - Fraser
Joelinton

Basically changing as many players as possible to keep them fresh. If Clark isn’t fit, I’d be tempted to put a kid in, or play Krafth at centre back - I just don’t think we can take risks with our first choice centre backs given Schär, Dummett and Clark’s injury records. Also it would be good to see Murphy and Barlaser against League One opposition - great opportunity to show what they can do. Similarly, a good opportunity for Big Joe to build some confidence.

[Valentino's fast feet]

Stick or twist? I think players need gametime but we’re a little restricted in defensive personnel especially. I’d play:

Gillespie
Yedlin - Lascelles - Clark - Ritchie
S. Longstaff - Barlaser
Murphy - Almiron - Fraser
Joelinton

Basically changing as many players as possible to keep them fresh. If Clark isn’t fit, I’d be tempted to put a kid in, or play Krafth at centre back - I just don’t think we can take risks with our first choice centre backs given Schär, Dummett and Clark’s injury records. Also it would be good to see Murphy and Barlaser against League One opposition - great opportunity to show what they can do. Similarly, a good opportunity for Big Joe to build some confidence.

Aren't Blackburn in the championship? You just know Armstrong will score against us. I wouldn't rotate the side too much. I agree with three behind the striker, although would probably start Wilson if he's up for it. I would start Carroll, but after doing more or less the full game yesterday, would have concerns about his fitness. Although in fairness he seemed in decent nick. Is Mongstaff injured? If not, I'd start both brothers in the centre of midfield, and I'd like to see more of Lewis on the left side as well, was impressive on his debut. I'd agree with giving Gillespie his debut, see what he can do. Overall I don't think we should play too weak a team against so called weaker opposition, cup runs can be fun.

I've no issues with starting Joelinton, but I think it's well established he's not a number 9. If he plays it needs to be behind Carroll/Wilson/Gayle (when fit) or out on the left. I wonder if we will see anything of Muto in this game.

[Speedo]

Aren't Blackburn in the championship? You just know Armstrong will score against us. I wouldn't rotate the side too much. I agree with three behind the striker, although would probably start Wilson if he's up for it. I would start Carroll, but after doing more or less the full game yesterday, would have concerns about his fitness. Although in fairness he seemed in decent nick. Is Mongstaff injured? If not, I'd start both brothers in the centre of midfield, and I'd like to see more of Lewis on the left side as well, was impressive on his debut. I'd agree with giving Gillespie his debut, see what he can do. Overall I don't think we should play too weak a team against so called weaker opposition, cup runs can be fun.

I've no issues with starting Joelinton, but I think it's well established he's not a number 9. If he plays it needs to be behind Carroll/Wilson/Gayle (when fit) or out on the left. I wonder if we will see anything of Muto in this game.

Good point, Blackburn are in the Championship

I think Matty has something minor, Bruce mentioned something about it before the game.

Realistically I think it’s inevitable Joelinton is going to get time as a centre forward - Wilson won’t play every minute,and Carroll and Gayle won’t stay fit. I think it’s good to give Joelinton minutes in the position, especially as he is (hopefully) learning from Wilson and Carroll in training. He has the attributes to play the role, just not the game intelligence. So I think let him learn against lower teams. If it doesn’t work after 60 mins, bring on Wilson.

[Valentino's fast feet]

Aren't Blackburn in the championship? You just know Armstrong will score against us. I wouldn't rotate the side too much. I agree with three behind the striker, although would probably start Wilson if he's up for it. I would start Carroll, but after doing more or less the full game yesterday, would have concerns about his fitness. Although in fairness he seemed in decent nick. Is Mongstaff injured? If not, I'd start both brothers in the centre of midfield, and I'd like to see more of Lewis on the left side as well, was impressive on his debut. I'd agree with giving Gillespie his debut, see what he can do. Overall I don't think we should play too weak a team against so called weaker opposition, cup runs can be fun.

I've no issues with starting Joelinton, but I think it's well established he's not a number 9. If he plays it needs to be behind Carroll/Wilson/Gayle (when fit) or out on the left. I wonder if we will see anything of Muto in this game.

Good point, Blackburn are in the Championship

I think Matty has something minor, Bruce mentioned something about it before the game.

Realistically I think it’s inevitable Joelinton is going to get time as a centre forward - Wilson won’t play every minute,and Carroll and Gayle won’t stay fit. I think it’s good to give Joelinton minutes in the position, especially as he is (hopefully) learning from Wilson and Carroll in training. He has the attributes to play the role, just not the game intelligence. So I think let him learn against lower teams. If it doesn’t work after 60 mins, bring on Wilson.

[Sanchino]

Stick or twist? I think players need gametime but we’re a little restricted in defensive personnel especially. I’d play:

Gillespie
Yedlin - Lascelles - Clark - Ritchie
S. Longstaff - Barlaser
Murphy - Almiron - Fraser
Joelinton

Basically changing as many players as possible to keep them fresh. If Clark isn’t fit, I’d be tempted to put a kid in, or play Krafth at centre back - I just don’t think we can take risks with our first choice centre backs given Schär, Dummett and Clark’s injury records. Also it would be good to see Murphy and Barlaser against League One opposition - great opportunity to show what they can do. Similarly, a good opportunity for Big Joe to build some confidence.

Yeah. Agreed. Would like to see play both Longstaff's play in the center but Barlaser deserves a chance.. maybe start all of them with S.Longstaff playing further forward in behind Joelinton? But yeah we have to keep things fresh.. Muto/Atsu/Saviet/Aarons on the bench?

[overseasTOON]

What's happening with Sorensen?

[ALF]

What's happening with Sorensen?

21 next week, 2 awful loans and not done much for the under 23's in a while.

[bodacious benny]

Wouldn’t make sweeping changes but certainly a few.

Darlow could do with the game as hardly played in 2 years so leave him, reckon Krafth will definitely play, and Ritchie might well come in too. Start Joelinton in his preferred position (whatever that is). Maybe start Miggy too in place of ASM and Fraser to come in toon

Okay so that’s 5 changes

[WillNewcastle]

Id like to win the game but we do need to give some players a run out and protect/rest a few of our key players.

Think we will see Almiron, Joelinton, and Fraser all start. Proabably will see S.Longstaff and maybe Barlaser get a run out too and with Gillespie in goal. Still have the big guns on the bench to bring on if we need them, Im sure we have another lower league team next if we get through so its a good opportunity for a cup run.

[Blue & Maroon]

Wouldn’t make sweeping changes but certainly a few.

Darlow could do with the game as hardly played in 2 years so leave him, reckon Krafth will definitely play, and Ritchie might well come in too. Start Joelinton in his preferred position (whatever that is). Maybe start Miggy too in place of ASM and Fraser to come in toon

Okay so that’s 5 changes

It's great to have some depth

[Colly]

Wouldn’t make sweeping changes but certainly a few.

Darlow could do with the game as hardly played in 2 years so leave him, reckon Krafth will definitely play, and Ritchie might well come in too. Start Joelinton in his preferred position (whatever that is). Maybe start Miggy too in place of ASM and Fraser to come in toon

Okay so that’s 5 changes

It's great to have some depth

[Captain Obvious]

Ciaran Clark set to return. And breathe. We have a third CB fit!

[bodacious benny]

[biggeordiedave]

https://carabaocup.live/

Streaming pass available for £10.

[bodacious benny]

£10

[biggeordiedave]

£10

One person will buy it and the rest will watch their stream .

[Blue & Maroon]

£10

Was tempted when I saw it would be streamed but you'd pay that much for a bloody ticket!

[biggeordiedave]

The stream will no doubt be s*** quality and it will be about 5 minutes behind the actual match too.

[Colback's Orange Tufts]

f*** me thats steep. If they priced at 2.50 i think they'd get more revenue. At that price most supporters will skip it or stream it. Rip off

[Captain Obvious]

Do we think there will be a stream knocking about