You're right in that the format is different but really you play the same number of games. What it does do though is make it easier to get through. Newcastle came in at the 3rd round last year and had an easy game and then had to play Deportivo in the Semi, this wouldn't happen now. You still have to play 6 matches to qualify for the Uefa cup proper. Another thing better is that the games would be later in the season, the Intertoto semi was played 27/7 & 3/8 whereas the 2nd qualifier of the Uefa was 11/8 & 25/8 so hopefully it would have less impact on our preparations. I'd personally be delighted if we got in, sods law dictates that after all this we will have a big slump and finish below Newcastle who will probably enter instead.

To be honest i'm still very peed off as i'm sure many more are so i'm not really being all that objective. However if people are seriously suggesting that we did not lack for effort today then i'm amazed. Certainly if it wasn't lack of effort it was lack of application, like I said as one off it's bad, but two weeks running is simply disgusting, and that is not too harsh. Let's look at individuals today, Friedel didn't command his area, Nelsen was embarrasing, Gray was awful, Neill was lazy, Savage was pathetic, Tugay was no better. I could go on all night. Although it could be argued we pushed up in the 2nd half we never really went for it. It was all so lethargic, simply Everton wanted it more, quality didn't come into it, there was none. A very sad day indeed. We were outfought for every single ball today. We got almost all the decisions off the ref, played 10 men for 80 mins and were still totally pathetic, Match of the Day didn't show the half of it.

So you think all Rovers players gave 100% FLB?

Disgraceful, i'll add more later but that sums it up fo now. 2 weeks and probably £200 spent or thereabout, well no more. Charlton i'll go to as it's last game of the season but apart from that it's the home games for me as a season ticket holder. What kind of effort is that? None whatsoever, just like the players have put in for the last two weeks effin disgraceful lazy arseholes, not one can take an ounce of credit. Sorry if it seems harsh but it's 5 hours since the game and i'm still fuming at what I saw.

Spot on only just noticed this. We're going to be in the Old Royal or the Old Contemptibles pre match but can meet up before. The Newt doesn't open open till 12 though so yard of ale is better to meet.

Right you're sacked!

me

It's Red Faced Winker.

We won last time he predicted us to get a result.

United had just under 6500.

Eh? How could he play 2nd fiddle if Curbishley went to Newcastle.

What was the big difference between last night's game and the two in the cup? Answer, the result, and that is why Fergie is scum. If anything there were a lot less flashpoints than in the cup matches and I would have thought it much easier to referee. The man is truly, utterly devoid of any class.

Great preview that Colin really enjoyed it and full marks for getting the Q&A.

Wigan got 21731 tonight which was above their average but well off capacity and the 25,000 they have had for some games. For Gav to have any chance we have to get 25000+ tomorrow night.

Boro 3-0 up now so certainly puts the pressure back on the 'big' club away at Anfield tomorrow. It's gonna be a close one this year and i'm just delighted we shouldn't be involved.

"A number of tickets are by telephoning 0870 442 1994, tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis. " That was an update from their website at 14:00 today. It presumably means a number of tickets are available, in fact it definitely means. I hope they do sell out as it all puts money in the Rovers coffers, but they haven't done yet.

We can whine all we want but when United tickets go on general sale for the first time in over ten years, for them that is, surely it is obvious that the problem is widespread. People can only pay so much.

I have had many a discussion about this and Winter merely confirms the obvious. I would like to think refs don't deliberately cheat however they are clearly influenced and affected when reffing the big clubs. It is often an easy option to blame a ref but sadly when you see some of the 'performances' from the likes of Poll, Riley etc it makes you wonder why you waste your money. If the refs could ever understand that the crowd are not there to see them it would be a better situation by far.

Errm no they haven't sold out because I work in Manchester and the lad behind me rang up for a ticket today and was told there were loads left.

Can't see a big crowd for this one seeing as United haven't sold out.

They already have sold 45,000 season tickets and have a waiting list on top. However if this season continues to be a poor one then it would be interesting to see if they suffered for it.

Although it has already been mentioned, can I just point that the badge being in the centre on the pictures doesn't mean it will be in reality. You're voting for the colour and design. It seems some people are missing this point.

Yeah but if you think they are awful then that means they are probably pretty good.

There is no way on this earth that Saha intended that to go in that corner. Fantastic strike? My arse.

It is if you ask nicely. For some strange reason the landlord likes to keep the front door shut a lot and let you in, or not if he doesn't like the look of you.