Up for the cup

I used to love the FA Cup weekends - particularly during our ride up the football league when this competition gave us the chance to test ourselves against the Premiership giants. The games that stick in the mind are our victory over Aston Villa when they were top of the league (just about the most enjoyable match i've ever attended); a last gasp Barry Hayles goal at the Cottage to knock out Southampton after we'd drawn at the old Dell; and the fantastic trip to Old Trafford when 9,000 Fulham fans made the trip north. Fantastic times....which brings me on to this weekend and the current debate raging in our household as to whether we'll actually go.

The anticipation - or 'magic' - of the cup only exists for teams in the lower leagues. For the likes of us it's just another potential banana skin at best. For Bristol Rovers it is their cup final which is why over 7,000 have already bought tickets. I'm envious of them. It will be a great occasion for them and, let's face it, they've got a great chance of beating us at the moment and getting through to the next round.

However, while I really don't care about us progressing in this competition, I do think it's important the players taste victory...something which has only happened twice all season after all. They've not just forgotten how to win - some have never ever been on the winning side in a white shirt which is why we're languishing in the league's basement.

I know Roy Hodgson has stated survival is the priority (which I wholeheartedly support) but this weekend is the perfect opportunity to try out different players and formations to see what is likely to work best against the Hammers next weekend. A resounding victory over Rovers would lift the mood and confidence and (hopefully) kick start 2008 in the best possible way.