Eddie Howe recognizes the need to make the most of his squad in light of a hectic schedule, commencing with an upcoming match at Old Trafford. With a growing number of injuries and evident fatigue from the 2-2 draw against Wolves on Saturday, the manager has hinted at rotating his players before our Carabao Cup clash with Manchester United on Wednesday.
He emphasizes the necessity for “everyone to step up” as the team enters a challenging stretch of fixtures. This challenging run includes a match against Arsenal on Saturday, followed by an away game against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, and a lengthy journey to Bournemouth the following weekend.
Howe acknowledges that managing the team over the next few games will be a delicate balancing act. He plans to utilize players who can play in different positions, considering the option of playing Anthony Gordon as a forward and Joelinton on the left, as Callum Wilson may struggle to start three games in a week.
In the past, players like Tino Livramento, Paul Dummett, Matt Targett, and Lewis Hall have excelled in our third-round victory over Man City, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see some of them in the starting lineup in Manchester.
Howe commented, “It’s a busy period for us, starting with Manchester United, a formidable team with top-quality players. We must make the most of our squad with Arsenal and Dortmund on the horizon. It would be unwise not to do so, but we have a well-thought-out game plan and a strong competitive spirit.”
He acknowledges that amidst a few setbacks, there are positives, and in a season with a high risk of injuries due to the demanding schedule, the team’s unity and collective effort will be crucial.
“In the upcoming games, we’ll have to carefully manage playing time and ensure that we remain highly competitive. When our players step onto the field, they need to give their best. The upcoming game against Manchester United will require us to make strategic decisions, but we have players capable of filling various roles, which is a strength of our squad, and we intend to utilize that.”
Howe concludes with a resolute message, expressing the team’s strong motivation and determination to win, with a chance to advance to the quarter-finals at stake.
“The players are very motivated, and we have a chance to go to the quarterfinals. I believe everyone involved—the players, coaching staff, and me—loved last year’s experience.
We obviously want that to happen again, but we also have to acknowledge that playing at Old Trafford remains one of the toughest challenges in football. We will be focused on winning when the game begins.
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