Good job we are not in the CL as we would have to play the first teamers. I was not against using the support players being mainly used, but consider the Rennes game as a better approach when Moura who has only played 1 game in the last couple of weeks, Kane & Ndombele played part of the match. Also even Poch that picked reserve sides in Cup games had the big guns on the bench as security which was frequently needed.It’s not as binary as saying PLAY THEM IN EUROPE.
I agree we create a blend in home games, but we’ve got a hectic schedule always coming off the back of International travels. Massive difference in home and away games. Even with a local game like Vittesee, players still go a night without sleep. You may scoff, but that absolutely effects their performance on Sunday. No debate
This was the one game where it made sense to flip all 11
Blame the players or the coaching but this type of performance in cup games has been happening for years and is a good part of the reason why we are Trophy less. I supported Mourinho's approach last season when he played stronger teams.
Play that 11 against Burnley on Wednesday and that will lead to an inevitable exit from the cup. No I would not play the PL 11 but certainly a mixture and the rest on the bench.