"The changing face of the FA Cup was graphically illustrated by the vast total of 183 team changes in the 14 fourth-round ties played over the weekend. Mass alterations started as the preserve of Premier League clubs manipulating squads when priorities started to lie elsewhere, but they have now been joined by their lower-league counterparts. Hull City made 10 changes for the 4-0 loss at home to Chelsea, while Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna made the same number for their defeat at Championship rivals Wrexham."
"Try asking Mansfield Town supporters if the FA Cup is a devalued commodity, after the side sitting 13th in League one took 3,500 supporters to Turf Moor and beat top-flight Burnley 2-1, despite manager Nigel Clough making six changes. Try asking the Burnley fans who reacted furiously at the final whistle whether it matters. Their pain was clear, the anger voluble."
"They are both in the Championship play-off places while Oxford United, fighting to stay in the division, made eight for their narrow home defeat to Premier League Sunderland. Black Cats head coach Regis le Bris made six changes, but was vindicated as he can now contemplate a fifth-round tie. The total works out at an average of a little more than 13 changes for each tie,"
Mass squad rotation produced 183 team changes across 14 FA Cup fourth-round ties, averaging a little more than 13 changes per tie. Squad manipulation began with Premier League clubs prioritizing other competitions but has spread to Championship and lower-league teams. Hull City and Ipswich Town each made 10 changes and lost; Oxford United made eight changes in a narrow defeat to Sunderland. Managers adopting heavy rotation include Regis le Bris, who made six changes and advanced, and Scott Parker, whose nine changes saw Burnley upset by Mansfield. Large crowds and surprise results demonstrate the competition’s pulling power despite frequent weakened line-ups.
Read at www.bbc.com
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