Bluebirds set to rest entire first-team!

Macclesfield Town v Cardiff City

FA Cup third round - Moss Rose Stadium, Macclesfield tomorrow (Saturday, 3pm).

Cardiff City boss Malky Mackay is set to rest every single one of his front-line stars for Saturday's FA Cup trip to Macclesfield Town.

None of the Bluebirds' first-team squad is expected to travel to their non-league opponents, with a host of youngsters and fringe players ready to be drafted in.

Slovakian striker Etien Velikonja, who has barely figured since a £1m summer move to the Welsh capital, could get a start up front, while Joe Lewis will almost dertainly deputise for David Marshall.

The likes of Ben Nugent and Joe Ralls are also expected to start, while Stephen McPhail will bring his considerable experience to a youthful side.

Likely line-ups

Macclesfield Town: Cronin, Martin, Brown (capt), Diagne, Braham-Barrett, Mackreth, Murtagh, Wedgbury, Kissock, arnes-Homer, Holroyd

Subs: Amari Morgan-Smith, Peter Winn, Pablo Mills, Waide Fairhurst.

Cardiff City: Lewis, Coulson, Nugent, Oshilaja, John, Harris, Kiss, McPhail, Ralls, Velikonja, Jarvis

Subs: Elliot Parish (gk), Ronnie Hawkins, Anthony Bell, Tommy O'Sullivan, Theo Wharton, Jaye Bowen, Jesse Darko.

Who's the ref?

Andy Madley (Ossett, West Yorkshire). His brother Robert was in the middle for Cardiff's Championship win at Birmingham City. This is a first Bluebirds match for Andy, who has been referee for 19 matches this season.

He has booked 57 players and sent off one. He has taken charge of four Championship fixtures.

A year ago, Andy took charge of the FA Cup third round tie between Everton and Tamworth at Goodison Park.

He was an assistant referee in 17 Premier League matches during 2010-11, also progressing to referee at Football League level.



Read more: Wales Online http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballna ... z2GvHTAo4x

that line up would disappoint me to be fair.

Players like smith and mutch need a run out.

Could quite easily lose this now.

I'll be very surprised if this is the team.

that line up would disappoint me to be fair.

Players like smith and mutch need a run out.

Quite pleased we are resting all of the players they have earned it, but your right as long as he's fit, Smith should play.......

If we go out we can concentrate on the league and have extra rest over our opponents

The worry with that team is if mcphail breaks down again like he did at forrest green there will be nobody to lead the team or experianced enough in a competitive cup game against a lower league team to keep the youngsters heads up .
Have any of that team even played a fa cup game before ? apart from mcphail

If our youngster have any chance of being ready to be part of a premiership squad moving forward they should be good enough know to beat a mid table conference side if we are being blunt about it. Throw in a few old heads into the frame as well and I would be disappointed if we lost if I am honest

The team if correct is the Development squad, there are some really good players there who have played well in reserve games this season, but I will be surprised if we don't have a couple of the 1st team in there somewhere.

Smith might not be ready.

The worry with that team is if mcphail breaks down again like he did at forrest green there will be nobody to lead the team or experianced enough in a competitive cup game against a lower league team to keep the youngsters heads up .
Have any of that team even played a fa cup game before ? apart from mcphail

Yes Theo Wharton played last year against WBA

Very happy if the youngsters get a run out and gain experience.

I'd also be suprised. Malky knows Mutch hasn't been playing well, that's why he's been dragging him off. Also Smith will definitely get a game if he's fit. I can see Mason, Kev, Kiss and Gestede being in the squad as well

that line up would disappoint me to be fair.

Players like smith and mutch need a run out.

I agree with you, these two need games under their belt.

Plus Kiss and Gestede need games.

Our second team should be good enough without a doubt to beat non league Macclesfield.

that line up would disappoint me to be fair.

Players like smith and mutch need a run out.

I agree with you, these two need games under their belt.

Plus Kiss and Gestede need games.

Our second team should be good enough without a doubt to beat non league Macclesfield.

yeah, there is plenty of players who could do with a game without turning to the development side completely.

No way would I Risk Tommy smith coming back from a long spell injured.The pitch is likely to be very heavy with all the recent rain and a non league surface which could hard on the hamstrings. can't see Malky risking him! would like to see mutch and gestede get a game mind.Im sure therel be a few first teamers thrown in

Very happy about this. Promotion is our priority this season.

No way would I Risk Tommy smith coming back from a long spell injured.The pitch is likely to be very heavy with all the recent rain and a non league surface which could hard on the hamstrings. can't see Malky risking him! would like to see mutch and gestede get a game mind.Im sure therel be a few first teamers thrown in

Very sensible words about Smith mate.

No way would I Risk Tommy smith coming back from a long spell injured.The pitch is likely to be very heavy with all the recent rain and a non league surface which could hard on the hamstrings. can't see Malky risking him! would like to see mutch and gestede get a game mind.Im sure therel be a few first teamers thrown in

Very sensible words about Smith mate.

f**k me some sense!

I was shocked by this as I was sat in the barbers today and someone who I know who knows Nat Jarvis told me he is playing and Theo Warton is on the bench so I will expect this to be the team tomorrow!

This?

Lewis
Kev, Nugent, Oshilaja, John
Harris, Ralls, McPhail/Mutch, Smith/Mason
Velikonja, Gestede

Certainly enough in that team to progress.

I'd play Smith and McPhail IF they're up to it, but if not, Mason and Mutch could do with some game time. Would be great to see Nugent/Harris/Ralls/Velikonja.

Wouldn't be surprised to see Cowie travel; he didn't start against Brum and given his versatility could be used should Smith/McPhail start and be struggling after 60 minutes.

Makes total sense to play fringe and youth players as we have one objective this season and it's not the FA Cup. To lose any game is disappointing but it would allow our players to focus on the league and as already stated maybe rest up on future cup days. Having said that we should still be capable of winning this cup match even with all the youngsters

Jaye Bowen on the subs bench . Thats Jason Bowens son . They live across the road from me. Hes only about 16 .

Jaye Bowen on the subs bench . Thats Jason Bowens son . They live across the road from me. Hes only about 16 .

Supposed to be a quality little player if I'm not mistaken?

Yes only a small lad. To be fair Jason Bowen was a great footballer, just too laid back

Jaye Bowen on the subs bench . Thats Jason Bowens son . They live across the road from me. Hes only about 16 .

He is 18 this June I have known Jaye since he was 5 I use to take him to the academy with my lad when his dad was not able to take him

Jaye Bowen on the subs bench . Thats Jason Bowens son . They live across the road from me. Hes only about 16 .

Supposed to be a quality little player if I'm not mistaken?

He is a carbon copy of his dad but not as quick He has some lovely footwork

Yes your right about his age , just asked my daughter.does the younger son play aswell

Yes your right about his age , just asked my daughter.does the younger son play aswell

Yes Sam is also on the books of city I think he is about 11 or 12

great idea I think this year we gotta keep focused on the league and not pick up injuries to key players. Is it disrespecting the cup well possibly but being selfish we cant afford to feck up promotion and I think its the right thing to do.

Yes your right about his age , just asked my daughter.does the younger son play aswell

Yes Sam is also on the books of city I think he is about 11 or 12

........ Good news