Manchester United vs Fulham

Depends what team we put out, but I'm expecting us to take an early lead then slowly let Fulham back into it. I know Fergie and Evra have come out and said we really want the FA Cup this year, but if we go a goal up I just think we'll ease off.

It's such a fine line because we do take our foot off the gas when we score first and seem to think we can coast for the rest of the game therefore inviting the other team back into the game and leaving ourselves under pressure to protect a narrow lead. We very rarely go for the jugular and hang teams out to dry.

Yet earlier in the season we started off by coasting in games and then only sparking into life when we inevitably conceded and had to subsequently launch a comeback.

I almost think we play better when we concede first but it's such a risky thing to do because although we're good at comebacks they're never guaranteed.

We've shown a lot more defensive solidarity in the last few games (since the Newcastle game) and we have conceded less per game than before keeping a few clean sheets in the process. It might make the games less exciting as being solid means we are a little less free-scoring than before but I think the defensive solidarity will be important in the next part of the season but I think we need to find a way not to sit back and just soak up pressure in the latter stages of games. We need to continue to play our own game and hold onto the ball like we do when we know we have to.
 
No way this one's getting called off.

The last thing we'd want is to have to reschedule this one in midweek in between 2 vital league fixtures, so I'm certain we'll have everything in place to get it on.

BBC have said all FA Cup games will go ahead, there seems to of been a rapid improvement with the main roads, all the roads blocked last night are open.
Maybe wise to take care walking to the ground the side roads will still be treacherous.
 
fecking in a right good mood. Finished a shit few days at work, got a free few bottles of booze and on the way to OT.

Hope to see Kagawa playing today.
 
We will play a mish mash lineup, score early and dominate the game, playing reasonably well. Then 10 mins into the second half we will decide we are happy with that, make some silly subs, then start dicking around and just about see the game out 1-0.
 
I love FA Cup days. Had to return my tickets this week but the odd armchair experience doesn't hurt.

The only way we don't win today is if we get complacent or certain players decide not to turn up. Fulham are an okay side, but this should be a formality with the strength of our team. Nothing like the team with Dembele earlier in the season are they?
 
Giggs has played well in the domestic cups so far this season, I reckon he might start. If he scores he should lift his shirt up to reveal a picture of Imogen Thomas.
 
fecking ESPN? Bullshit! I was hoping for at least ITV or BBC.
 
Ouch, talk about being kicked while you're down!

If it's any consolation the snow has pretty much gone around here now!
 
My prediction is a 2-1 or 3-1 win. We don't seem to do 2-0's, 3-0's or 4-0's anymore. The win is the most important thing though.
 
Is anyone else watching ESPN on Sky Player? Is this quality noticeably worse than the Sky channels for you too?
 
Is anyone else watching ESPN on Sky Player? Is this quality noticeably worse than the Sky channels for you too?

Will be doing after Macc v Wigan. You've not accidentally changed the quality or something have you?
 
CONFIRMED MUFC XI:

de Gea

Rafael
Jones
Smalling
Evra

Nani
Carrick
Anderson
Giggs

Rooney
Hernandez

SUBS: Lindegaard, Ferdinand, Scholes, Valencia, Kagawa, Welbeck, van Persie.
 
Will be doing after Macc v Wigan. You've not accidentally changed the quality or something have you?

Nein. It's on 'high'. I just noticed in the corner it's not ESPN HD, which is a bit of a pain.
 
Stronger line up than I expected. Good to see de Gea starting, thought he might have sat this one out but obviously Fergie has total faith in him.
 
Wonderful team selection. I expect to see Scholes and Kagawa at some point and depending on the score either RVP or Welbeck.
 
Strong team and excellent bench.
 
Hoping for a Giggs masterclass again!
 
Shows how good the squad is. Still a wonderful team despite resting all those on the bench and the fact that there is no Evans, Vidic, Young, Cleverley or Fletcher.