What A Joke

[Beeks]

Freedman will rotate his squad for Old Trafford test

Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman admits his attempts to steer the club to a first cup semi-final for 10 years have been compromised by fixture congestion.

Tonight’s Carling Cup quarter-final against Manchester United at Old Trafford takes place just 48 hours before Palace entertain Derby County.

Freedman is looking forward to locking managerial horns with Sir Alex Ferguson for the first time, but with his side just two points off the Championship play-off pace, the ex- Scotland forward revealed tonight’s team selection will be heavily influenced by Friday’s fixture against their fellow promotion hopefuls.

“We’ve got to take into account that 48 hours later we are playing Derby, so we’ve got to make sure we are also prepared,” said Freedman, who was a Palace player the last time they reached the last four of this competition back in 2001.

“I will be mixing both teams around to give me the best opportunity to win both games. I’ll pick a team that can hold on for as long as possible against Manchester United and then pick a team that can beat Derby.”

Sky-Sports
..

[Goaters 103]

With Palace playing on Friday, why on earth werent they playing last night and both City and Liverpool's ties tonight? Nonsense.

That said its an academic game anyway as its inevitable that a City v Utd semi-final is coming here. Our third semi-final in 3 years and we have drawn them in the last two so we know whats coming. Just for once, can we have the draw in our favour and have the 2nd leg at home please.

[Wonderwall]

Freedman will rotate his squad for Old Trafford test

Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman admits his attempts to steer the club to a first cup semi-final for 10 years have been compromised by fixture congestion.

Tonight’s Carling Cup quarter-final against Manchester United at Old Trafford takes place just 48 hours before Palace entertain Derby County.

Freedman is looking forward to locking managerial horns with Sir Alex Ferguson for the first time, but with his side just two points off the Championship play-off pace, the ex- Scotland forward revealed tonight’s team selection will be heavily influenced by Friday’s fixture against their fellow promotion hopefuls.

“We’ve got to take into account that 48 hours later we are playing Derby, so we’ve got to make sure we are also prepared,” said Freedman, who was a Palace player the last time they reached the last four of this competition back in 2001.

“I will be mixing both teams around to give me the best opportunity to win both games. I’ll pick a team that can hold on for as long as possible against Manchester United and then pick a team that can beat Derby.”

Sky-Sports
..

I never expected anything other than a Utd win so I dont really blame him with Sky screwing him over!

The big problem here is Sky, if they played us on a Wednesday and Rags on a Tuesday everything would have been right, but they are a fucking joke.

[BlueinBosnia]

Why were we put on tuesday, and Palace on weds, if i would have been more convenient for both teams (and not inconvenient to the oppositions) to have the televised fixtures the other way round?

[Beeks]

I'm sorry..and no offense to Palace..but for a club of their current stature..a chance to be in the CC semi final..if I was the manager it would be strongest squad

I believe the rags are there for the taking

[Chinners]

I'm sorry..and no offense to Palace..but for a club of their current stature..a chance to be in the CC semi final..if I was the manager it would be strongest squad

I believe the rags are there for the taking

Like we/Arsenal put out their strongest sides?

[Beeks]

I'm sorry..and no offense to Palace..but for a club of their current stature..a chance to be in the CC semi final..if I was the manager it would be strongest squad

I believe the rags are there for the taking

Like we/Arsenal put out their strongest sides?

Difference being we have the quality in the squad to still get a result

A second string Palace side?

Lambs to the slaughter and a much needed confidence boost for the rags/rag media

[Douglas Higginbottom]

I'm sorry..and no offense to Palace..but for a club of their current stature..a chance to be in the CC semi final..if I was the manager it would be strongest squad

I believe the rags are there for the taking

Wouldnt matter what side they put out the scum will win and get Cardiff in the next round.

[dick dastardley]

Why were we put on tuesday, and Palace on weds, if i would have been more convenient for both teams (and not inconvenient to the oppositions) to have the televised fixtures the other way round?

because the FA have a vendetta about us mixing it with the so-called big four, take the chumps league away after every game!!!!!!!!!!

[Chinners]

I'm sorry..and no offense to Palace..but for a club of their current stature..a chance to be in the CC semi final..if I was the manager it would be strongest squad

I believe the rags are there for the taking

Like we/Arsenal put out their strongest sides?

Difference being we have the quality in the squad to still get a result

A second string Palace side?

Lambs to the slaughter and a much needed confidence boost for the rags/rag media

Exactly, they have an important league game on Friday which is a bigger priority for them.

[LookMumImOnMCF.net]

Not really a joke though is it? Every club does it.

[Ted Hughes]

I'm sorry..and no offense to Palace..but for a club of their current stature..a chance to be in the CC semi final..if I was the manager it would be strongest squad

I believe the rags are there for the taking

Like we/Arsenal put out their strongest sides?

Difference being we have the quality in the squad to still get a result

A second string Palace side?

Lambs to the slaughter and a much needed confidence boost for the rags/rag media

Exactly, they have an important league game on Friday which is a bigger priority for them.

Looks like the rags can come back from their ordeal against a side actually trying to compete with them & 'grit out' another victory; like they did v Norwich, Sunderland, Swansea, Aldershot etc etc.

[Esky]

I'm sorry..and no offense to Palace..but for a club of their current stature..a chance to be in the CC semi final..if I was the manager it would be strongest squad

I believe the rags are there for the taking

Wouldnt matter what side they put out the scum will win and get Cardiff in the next round.

Will be amazed if that's not how the draw goes.