I never can grasp why people say such drivel whenever we play in the cups. If the argument was that it isn't as important as other games, fine, but I can't fathom not caring.

Why will the pitch be a leveller? Think if you are referring to the old plastic one, it went upon promotion to the football league.

Some selections are obvious, Wahlstadt, Buckley, Tronstad, Garrett, Scott Wharton and Markanday should all play. Id also be inclined to rest as many of Saturdays potential team as possible with the quick turn around but it could be hard to change everyone due to the lack of backing in the transfer market. Moran and Gallagher should both start on Saturday but would they be better with 60 minutes in their legs or to be saved? And would we want to be throwing in players like Gamble?

He definitely is a breath of fresh air and it would be gutting if our terrible (or within the top 10% in the country) owners left him to leave. But perhaps better than a manager who got us to 6th in the Premier League? Come on.

Really satisfying victory, don't think the performance was particularly good but goals change games, had the result followed their dominance then this thread would be so much different, as it is, it goes down as a great away smash and grab and you need those in a season. Thought Hyam was man of the match and back to his best, Carter was good too and Wharton did well when he came on. Brittain was hopeless last week but aside from one or two losses of concentration to let them in near the end, was much improved too and Rankin Costello was fine. In midfield, Travis again was a leader, dismissing nonsense about Tomasson being not a fan whilst Buckley sat at home. Adam Wharton had a mixed game, classy at times, sloppy at others. Szmodics didn't have the best game either. In attack, worrying signs. We have been waiting for Dolan to push on for years and he is getting worse, absolutely woeful. Leonard is certainly not ready for Championship football yet either and really struggled. Hedges was good, he is a steady player and his goal was excellent. Sub wise, Gallagher for all of his faults is miles ahead of Leonard as you'd expect, Moran's cameo was mixed, but he has only been here a day, kept things safe and secure in the most part. Watford look exactly like a team who post relegation have let key attackers like Sarr and Pedro go. Pears had a couple of decent saves (one he made a meal of) but otherwise was pretty much a bystander as Watford missed the target.

Not enough quality. Dolan is terrible and Leonard is nowhere near ready.

Be tempted to chuck Moran straight in, played 90 minutes midweek and with such poor alternatives, stick him in over Dolan.

Tomasson regularly plays first teamers in games like this to build up minutes when needed. I don't think the game was yesterday. I hope Dolan doesn't start but this doesn't prove anything.

Can only see a home win with the shambles we are left with from only Ennis, Pickering and Sigurdsson being out. Wahlstedt Rankin Costello Carter Hyam Brittain Travis Tronstad Wharton Hedges Gallagher Szmodics

No Gallagher despite his performance at the weekend?

Slagging off? Behave.

Are there many Tomasson doubters, or doubters about the young talent we have? No but even Tomasson has said they need plenty of help. The problem is in India.

Gallagher was as good as he has been for a while. His role today would not require an explanation. Not only did he offer us a threat, he helped to protect Brittain who was hopeless.

Tells you a lot about Southgate that Foden has only ever had a minor role. You know even going forward that Henderson playing in Saudi or bench warmer Phillips will be preferred to him next to Rice and Bellingham.

Ennis miles off it? Should have scored but him and Gallagher were thorns in the side of Hull. Holds it up well and a threat in behind.

Our fans get a lot of unjust stick by other fans bizarrely but tremendous today.

Pears made a couple of good saves but I do think his positioning was not right at all for their second.

Spirited effort with 10 and created plenty but ultimately a young side showed naivety to leave such gaps considering the man disadvantage. Pickering had a nightmare with the red, Rankin Costello all over the shop defensively and Brittain (I think from what I have seen that this isn't a popular opinion) was absolutely hopeless. Defensive liability and so poor on the ball. Gallagher and Ennis were a real threat though and we need to start them both next week, the question is how. Strong, quick and caused them real issues. Travis also very good again.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.lancs.live/sport/football/football-news/aynsley-pears-blackburn-rovers-transfers-27474638.amp Maybe my wording was poor but he said last week that basically he knew Kaminski was going and said that he "had an inkling I was going to be number one when I signed my deal." I hope Wahlstedt comes in on Saturday but I cant see a change for a bit in the league personally.

Despite what most of us on here want, I cant see the changes being made by Tomasson. Pears unfortunately will be in net for the near future, promised number 1 when given a new deal and given the shirt. Rankin Costello in midfield has only ever been done twice, both when we have gone gung ho at 2 down. And up front I think that Ennis is sadly the third most likely starter in Tomasson's mind, Gallagher quite possibly could start unless he sticks with Leonard who really struggled at Rotherham. Could potentially see Hedges in on the right.

Yes, average. Hasnt scored or assisted that many for us, not the quickest and so one footed.

Shows how thin we are out wide when people are seemingly all in agreement at a team that involves having to move Szmodics wide and only have Hedges as an actual winger, who himself is average. Dolan and Markanday aren't up to it. Even Ennis, Gallagher and Leonard as much as lack and need a quality one on top is better strength in depth for one position. I feel like it is as least as pressing as anywhere to get at least one in ASAP.

Again, the VAR isnt the problem. VAR is what gave the referee etc a chance to potentially give the decision. It is the idiots running it tonight who have messed up.

Not sure how he is "Mowbray stock" as an academy graduate but if he has fallen out with him, there are little signs hence why he is one of the first names on the team sheet under him. He got taken off yesterday as a tactical change to go more attacking at 2 down against 10 men.

He along with Szmodics is key in us pressing and winning the ball back. He is very important.