Most of the FA Cup third round games have been played on the weekend, and it has highlighted which clubs are taking the competition seriously, and which sides aren’t too fussed at a premature exit. But considering the history of the cup, let alone the prize for winning, should more Premier League clubs be looking to go all the way?
Teams heavily embroiled in a relegation battle are often the ones to ring the changes ahead of a third round cup clash, which sees them defeated and out of the competition. It’s viewed as a major distraction, and having Wigan Athletic win the 2013 FA Cup at the expense of their Premier League status, clubs are even more fearful of a deep run if they are struggling in the lower reaches.
Premier League clubs are entered in the third round, meaning they only have four games until they have a final at Wembley to play. Sides sill in the competition normally play their games on the weekends, so they often are given nearly a week’s rest before they have to get back to domestic duties. The FA Cup does somewhat cater to teams in regard to rest periods, unless games to a badly-timed midweek replay.
Supporters often judge a manager’s tenure solely on trophy success, so winning a domestic cup can go some way to appeasing the fans. They would certainly settle for a season of struggle if they had a cup triumph to enjoy come May. Managers don’t last long in their positions on average anymore, so building up an impressive-looking CV is crucial too.
Is it that difficult to condition the side for one specific other tournament, as well as the Premier League? If clubs can survival the fixture pileup during the Christmas period, they can certainly cope with an extra 4/5 games in the season.
Hull City made the final of the FA Cup in the last campaign, and the Tigers managed stayed up in the division, so it can be done with the lesser clubs. The biggest negative aspect is that a deep run in the cup can risk fitness to key players, which is why so many managers with smaller squads make wholesale changes to condition their most important stars – ultimately seeing them knocked out.
But a handsome payoff, the chance to qualify for the Europa League, as well as a historic addition to the trophy cabinet surely makes the FA Cup worth the risk?
