It is F.A. Cup third-round weekend or, as English Premier League clubs call it, a chance to rest the top stars.
Managers will say players need a rest after three games over the holiday period, but the fact is the F.A. Cup is loose change compared to the Premier League. Victory at Wembley is worth £1.8 million to the winner compared with a minimum of £100 million for simply remaining in the elite league and double that for those who finish near the top.
For most Premier League clubs, the F.A. Cup and League Cup represent their only realistic chance of success, but silverware comes a poor second to the league position with £500,000 for each place higher you finish. Clubs battling against relegation will not risk injury to their best players; ditto those in contention for the title. Perhaps one of the middle order clubs such as West Bromwich or Bournemouth might see the F.A. Cup as a competition they can win and will field strong sides, but breath should not be held. Even mid-table mediocrity is more important than cup glory.
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