Is the FA Cup dead?

Just when you thought all was well in the world and the FA Cup had regained it’s magic, the Sun’s Shaun Custis says that Manchester United and Chelsea being knocked out has resulted in the cup being “killed stone dead“.

Custis says he is concerned that the progress of so-called “lesser” teams could have a negative impact on the commercial appeal of the cup, and harm the FA’s attempts to sell the rights to a worldwide television audience.

We’ve had a lot of talk about the 39th game and how the whole world loves to see our football. The FA sell their rights all over the world and they will have a job convincing everybody that the semi-finals are worth watching.

They need to keep their product at a high level to keep the interest up in the FA Cup.

There’s just no pleasing some people is there?

Stoke Preview

Tonight the Championship’s Manager of the Month Tony Pulis brings the league’s second place side to Carrow Road.

The Canaries will be missing the suspended pair of Gary Doherty and former Stoke man Darel Russell who were both sent off at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday, and with Darren Huckerby still only rated at 50/50 there are sure to be some changes to Roeder’s side.

I wouldn’t be surprised see Ched Evans partnering Dion Dublin up front, as his aerial presence would offer more defensively when the time comes to don the tin hats for another long ball from one of the league’s more ‘direct’ sides.

Stoke have no new injury worries, and are expected to recall Steve Simonsen and former City loan target Ryan Shawcross, who were both rested in the draw with Burnley.

A few facts…

League Position: Norwich 13th, Stoke 2nd.

Last Meeting: 1st December 2007 - Stoke 2 Norwich 1.

Last Meeting at Carrow Road: 17th March 2007 - Norwich 1 Stoke 0.

Top Goalscorer: Norwich - Cureton (11), Stoke - Fuller (14).

Played for Both Clubs: Darel Russell.

My Prediction: It’s bound to be a tasty affair following the meeting at the Britannia Stadium when let’s just say the two managers had slightly differing views on how the game went. When I originally made my predictions I went for a draw in this game, but since then the Canaries have been on a downward spiral. That said, I’m going for a win tonight (go figure). Norwich City 2 Stoke City 1.