Not much to share with you in preview for this evenings FA Cup 5th Round replay against Stevenage. Hoping for the following:
- Convincing confidence boosting win
- Plenty of width (unlikely as it's 'weaker' opposition so if Bale plays he'll most likely roam)
- Smiles on faces
Unlike the first game where the pitch looked like it was prepared by Godzilla, I'm hoping our groundsman lays down a field of silk grass, perfectly cut for fast paced tempo driven swashbuckle. Win and it's Bolton at the Lane and win that means everyone gets a semi.
Parker, Bale, van der Vaart all expected to be available. Defoe will most likely start (no Saha). No Ledley. Gallas to return? Curious to see how we handle the right-back position for this one. What with Everton on the weekend. We'll have to wait and see what defines a 'strong side' as predicted by Redknapp in the build up, what with his mix and match efforts sometimes unbalancing the output.
It almost feels like a forgone conclusion so I'm hoping the players don't see it as such (although it would take a monumental effort to balls this one up). Would still like to see us pressure them until they collapse early doors and have this wrapped up before half time so if Harry wishes to rest key players he can do just that.
Here's hoping we smash'em.
COYS.