Twitcher

Yes a defeat will do nothing for us, especially in terms of momentum, whether first or second string play. Exactly what we don't need where a slight wobble might be being detected, (by some).

From a business viewpoint, you're right. From a fan perspective I'd take the cup instead. That goes in the history books forever. Be interesting to know how you'd feel if we'd never won it. It might be an age thing. I'm nearly 60. The FA Cup matters. For some of our younger fan base, the Prem. seems to be the only goal. We'll go up and at some point, we'll come down. As a club we always have done. We need to be realistic about our chances if/when we go up. Do we have the money we'll need in the Premier League? I watched Bournemouth get stuffed 4-0 yesterday. I think Bournemouth are currently better than us. I'd take an FA Cup all day long.

We've played the same amount of games as everyone else, and had the luxury of rotating more than most teams in the division. We've also controlled possession in so many games, so have done a lot less chasing. Absolutely no reason why we should look shattered.

Strange mentality by some. I thought we had aspirations of being a Premier League side. We either are a Premier League side in waiting, and should therefore be targeting this competition, (as we would next season if we go up), or we're a second tier side, with absolutely no hope of winning it, as some have said. I don't see how we can think we're good enough to go up, but consider this competition beyond us.