Football English Blog: Are cup competitions important?
Football English Blog: Are cup competitions important?
Welcome to Lesson 3 in Activity Week - Dilemmas.
In all of our Football English blogs, we look at a topical item of football news and ask you to do three things:
- Read the article and look at the words in red. Think about what these words mean.
- Do the quiz at the end of the article. This quiz checks your understanding of the football English in the article.
- Answer the questions and give your opinion in the comments section.
This is our latest Football English Blog and this week we're talking about whether cup competitions are important for Premier League clubs.
Are Premier League teams up for the cup?
This week sees Premier League teams in action in the FA Cup and European competition. For the first time, five Premier League clubs have made it to the knockout stages of the Champions League and Arsenal have advanced to the final 32 of the Europa League. This weekend sees the fifth round of the FA Cup and ten Premier League clubs are still in contention to win the oldest football competition in the world. But, how interested are Premier League clubs in these competitions? In the previous two rounds of the FA Cup, Premier League teams have often selected weakened teams and this has resulted in ten Premier League teams being knocked out of the competition; often by underdogs from the second, third or even fourth tier of English football. Why is this happening?
Are Premier League teams playing too many games?
One argument that is often given for teams playing reserve players in cup competitions is fixture congestion. For example, Chelsea had to play nine matches in January while teams that had been knocked out in earlier rounds of cup competitions only had to play five or six. In the FA Cup, against Norwich City, Chelsea made nine changes to their starting line-up from the previous match. This resulted in a replay and an additional match to Chelsea's already busy schedule. In the two-legged League Cup semi-final, which Chelsea played against Arsenal before and after the Norwich match, they fielded a full-strength line-up. It seems that Premier League teams will run the risk of getting knocked out by underdogs in the early rounds of competitions but if they have a chance of winning the competition they will play their full-strength Premier League team.
Is Premier League survival more important than winning a trophy?
This is an argument that is often given for Premier League teams not taking the FA Cup seriously but the reality is that only four teams (Stoke City, West Ham, Bournemouth and Arsenal) have been knocked out by a team from a lower division in this season's competition. It is true that Premier League survival has become more important over the years, but, in recent years, teams that have reached the FA Cup Final have included: Crystal Palace, Hull City, Stoke City, Aston Villa and Portsmouth. All of these teams were in the bottom half of the Premier League and none of them were relegated. However, all Premier League teams want to avoid what happened to Wigan Atheltic in the 2012/13 season. Wigan famously beat Manchester City to win the FA Cup but they were relegated just three days later and are currently playing in the third tier of English football. On a happier note, Wigan have been this season's giant killers beating Bournemouth in the third round and West Ham in the fourth round of this season's FA Cup. They have a chance to re-create their shock FA Cup win when they play Manchester City in the fifth round later this week.
Quiz
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Comment
What do you think?
Is the Premier League more important than cup competitions? Why/why not?
Do Premier League teams play too many matches? What can be done to ease fixture congestion?
What do you like about cup matches?
Write your answers in the comments section below.
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Comments
28/07/2020
points
As I know a team which wins cup get right to attend Europe League. So it's important for the teams that have no chance to promote to the top of the premier league.
Premier league teams play much more matches. In my opinion the solution of the fixture congestion is to extend finishing time of premier league as it as possible. On the other hand to increase number of reserves players and give them chance to play at the cup matches.
Watching cup matches can be fun because of to know reserve players and to see top quality teams which is "biten" by the giant-killer underdog sub-division teams.
28/07/2020 17:54
Tottenham Hotspur
5550
As I know a team which wins cup get right to attend Europe League. So it's important for the teams that have no chance to promote to the top of the premier league.
Premier league teams play much more matches. In my opinion the solution of the fixture congestion is to extend finishing time of premier league as it as possible. On the other hand to increase number of reserves players and give them chance to play at the cup matches.
Watching cup matches can be fun because of to know reserve players and to see top quality teams which is "biten" by the giant-killer underdog sub-division teams.
11/03/2019
points
No doubt the Premier League is more important than cup competitions because of the prize money,its status and its a getaway to other European competitions like UEFA's champions league.
Not Premier League clubs have fixture congestion.Only those teams playing in the Champions and Europa League and other domestic cups find themselves with a busy fixture.Normally teams in the bottom half of the league table play only league fixtures.
I liked cup games because they give lower division teams a chance to play with top flight teams.
11/03/2019 04:28
Chelsea
1749
No doubt the Premier League is more important than cup competitions because of the prize money,its status and its a getaway to other European competitions like UEFA's champions league.
Not Premier League clubs have fixture congestion.Only those teams playing in the Champions and Europa League and other domestic cups find themselves with a busy fixture.Normally teams in the bottom half of the league table play only league fixtures.
I liked cup games because they give lower division teams a chance to play with top flight teams.
15/11/2018
points
1. Both are very important, but cup competitions are a bit more important.
2. Yes, but they have reserve players
3. It is exciting to see how they compete, to leave the team's name on top. It is exciting.
15/11/2018 17:09
Manchester United
114
1. Both are very important, but cup competitions are a bit more important.
2. Yes, but they have reserve players
3. It is exciting to see how they compete, to leave the team's name on top. It is exciting.
10/11/2018
points
There are many very important football competitions and the Premier League is within those.
Sometimes more games are played in the Premier League.
10/11/2018 00:13
Manchester United
116
There are many very important football competitions and the Premier League is within those.
Sometimes more games are played in the Premier League.
06/11/2018
points
1. It is not more important than the cup since the world cup is more important than any other game.
2. What can be done is to carry out the matches and try to take control in front of the apparatus.
3. What I like is the passion that takes place in the game the understanding and the coordination of the plays.
06/11/2018 22:47
Manchester United
-1637
1. It is not more important than the cup since the world cup is more important than any other game.
2. What can be done is to carry out the matches and try to take control in front of the apparatus.
3. What I like is the passion that takes place in the game the understanding and the coordination of the plays.
05/11/2018
points
1. Well, it depends. It is a quite relevant competition, so it tends to be more important, but, sometimes people might enjoy smaller cups.
2. Yeah, like most people are saying, switching and using reserve players.
3. I like the tension and excitement it generates!
05/11/2018 01:34
Arsenal
1152
1. Well, it depends. It is a quite relevant competition, so it tends to be more important, but, sometimes people might enjoy smaller cups.
2. Yeah, like most people are saying, switching and using reserve players.
3. I like the tension and excitement it generates!
04/11/2018
points
I do not know much but because of what I have learned it is the most important competition.
04/11/2018 21:50
Manchester United
108
I do not know much but because of what I have learned it is the most important competition.
04/11/2018
points
1.yes, the premier league is one of the most important being the competition of English clubs. 2.To avoid the conjestiones a lottery is made with subdivisions to organize the different parties.
3.the games are exciting.
04/11/2018 19:10
Arsenal
-396
1.yes, the premier league is one of the most important being the competition of English clubs. 2.To avoid the conjestiones a lottery is made with subdivisions to organize the different parties.
3.the games are exciting.
04/11/2018
points
I liked the activity
04/11/2018 04:35
Manchester City
187
I liked the activity
04/11/2018
points
1- I believe that both are important because together they have relevance and therefore they have had an important course in their processes
2- If they play too many games but for that reason they have the great support of reserve players
3- The excitement generated by watching the game but giving the opportunity to enjoy without a feeling against another team but enjoy watching each game and how each team performs in a wonderful way and the support that each one has.
04/11/2018 03:44
Chelsea
778
1- I believe that both are important because together they have relevance and therefore they have had an important course in their processes
2- If they play too many games but for that reason they have the great support of reserve players
3- The excitement generated by watching the game but giving the opportunity to enjoy without a feeling against another team but enjoy watching each game and how each team performs in a wonderful way and the support that each one has.
04/11/2018
points
Yes, this is the principal competition, andm for sure, most important
2. Use reserve players.
3. Make things interesting
04/11/2018 03:26
Arsenal
-1116
Yes, this is the principal competition, andm for sure, most important
2. Use reserve players.
3. Make things interesting
04/11/2018
points
- If it's the main one.
- Well, for these cases they use reserve players to not wear down the holders a lot.
- Not much, I prefer the champions.
04/11/2018 03:15
Chelsea
889
- If it's the main one.
- Well, for these cases they use reserve players to not wear down the holders a lot.
- Not much, I prefer the champions.
04/11/2018
points
1. I think The Premier League is more important than the cup competitions, because it is the main one.
2- Yes, and for that you have reserve players.
3- I think this matches are very exciting and profesionals.
04/11/2018 03:13
Manchester City
881
1. I think The Premier League is more important than the cup competitions, because it is the main one.
2- Yes, and for that you have reserve players.
3- I think this matches are very exciting and profesionals.
04/11/2018
points
1. There are multiple factors for this to be the case: tradition, the level of the players, competitiveness and different styles of play contribute to the Premier League being the most attractive league in the world.
2. If it is congested, it is not possible for a team to play 9 games in a single month.
3. The cups and trophies indicate a win, I think all the players are determined to win the cup matches and this is interesting.
04/11/2018 01:14
Arsenal
822
1. There are multiple factors for this to be the case: tradition, the level of the players, competitiveness and different styles of play contribute to the Premier League being the most attractive league in the world.
2. If it is congested, it is not possible for a team to play 9 games in a single month.
3. The cups and trophies indicate a win, I think all the players are determined to win the cup matches and this is interesting.
04/11/2018
points
-the premier league is one of the most important cup competitions.
-yes, they play a lot of games and that's why they have reserve players.
-the emotion of the game and the fans.
04/11/2018 00:49
Manchester United
176
-the premier league is one of the most important cup competitions.
-yes, they play a lot of games and that's why they have reserve players.
-the emotion of the game and the fans.
04/11/2018
points
I have to inform myself more about the cup because there is new information for me that I do not know how to answer it.
04/11/2018 00:41
Stoke City
741
I have to inform myself more about the cup because there is new information for me that I do not know how to answer it.
04/11/2018
points
1. For me, the Premier league is more important than cup competitions because in the Premier League there are elite teams in England.
2. What can be done is to have a rotation of the whole team so that everyone has minutes and can rest.
3. What I like about cup matches is that you do not know who will win, you can never assure a result and it is unpredictable.
04/11/2018 00:26
Manchester City
116
1. For me, the Premier league is more important than cup competitions because in the Premier League there are elite teams in England.
2. What can be done is to have a rotation of the whole team so that everyone has minutes and can rest.
3. What I like about cup matches is that you do not know who will win, you can never assure a result and it is unpredictable.
04/11/2018
points
1.yes because it is a competition of a entire country
2.ye the premier league teams playa lot of matches
3.I like it so much but I don't watch cup matches
04/11/2018 00:11
Chelsea
700
1.yes because it is a competition of a entire country
2.ye the premier league teams playa lot of matches
3.I like it so much but I don't watch cup matches
03/11/2018
points
-Premier League to be the main is very important
-for this there are reservations
-the emotion of lovers for football
03/11/2018 23:58
Newcastle United
208
-Premier League to be the main is very important
-for this there are reservations
-the emotion of lovers for football
03/11/2018
points
1. The first league is more important because the best teams participate more in this championship than in the rest
2. If, they have a period where they make different matches, where we must play all against all to be able to destarcar the teams.
3. Normally they are players
03/11/2018 23:49
Manchester City
87
1. The first league is more important because the best teams participate more in this championship than in the rest
2. If, they have a period where they make different matches, where we must play all against all to be able to destarcar the teams.
3. Normally they are players
03/11/2018
points
1- In my opinion the Premier League represents how the soccer has to be played
3-I like watch with my familiy and shout goals
03/11/2018 23:27
Brighton and Hove Albion
116
1- In my opinion the Premier League represents how the soccer has to be played
3-I like watch with my familiy and shout goals
03/11/2018
points
1. I think that cup competitions are more important because they measure their level at a "global" level
2. I think it is convenient to have different reserve players so that the routine is not so difficult.
3. That there are very good teams for the proper preparation of their players.
03/11/2018 22:50
Manchester City
513
1. I think that cup competitions are more important because they measure their level at a "global" level
2. I think it is convenient to have different reserve players so that the routine is not so difficult.
3. That there are very good teams for the proper preparation of their players.
03/11/2018
points
1. Yes, the premier league is more important.
2. yes, they play more than 38 league matches.
3. Really I do not see the games of the cups.
03/11/2018 22:46
Manchester United
796
1. Yes, the premier league is more important.
2. yes, they play more than 38 league matches.
3. Really I do not see the games of the cups.
03/11/2018
points
1-Taking into account that I'm not a fan of this topic on my part, I would not believe it, but I've been informed and the premier league is very important in football.
2-Yes, they should put to play the players who are in reserve, so that those who were playing from early rest.
3-Excite me when they make the goals and see the reactions of the players.
03/11/2018 22:33
Manchester United
866
1-Taking into account that I'm not a fan of this topic on my part, I would not believe it, but I've been informed and the premier league is very important in football.
2-Yes, they should put to play the players who are in reserve, so that those who were playing from early rest.
3-Excite me when they make the goals and see the reactions of the players.
03/11/2018
points
-If it is this is the main league
-Choose a good date for matches
- The emotion one feels when seeing them
03/11/2018 22:32
Arsenal
754
-If it is this is the main league
-Choose a good date for matches
- The emotion one feels when seeing them
03/11/2018
points
I really do not know much about football, so I do not know how they are or how they develop.
I like matches since it is a very good game form.
03/11/2018 22:23
Liverpool
779
I really do not know much about football, so I do not know how they are or how they develop.
I like matches since it is a very good game form.
03/11/2018
points
1. I think the Premier League is more important than the cup competitions, because the best teams participate.
2. They do not play too many games and I think that it is best to distribute the players very well so that the team always maintains an excellent performance.
3. I like that they are too exciting and that each team gives the maximum.
03/11/2018 22:22
Arsenal
833
1. I think the Premier League is more important than the cup competitions, because the best teams participate.
2. They do not play too many games and I think that it is best to distribute the players very well so that the team always maintains an excellent performance.
3. I like that they are too exciting and that each team gives the maximum.
03/11/2018
points
1. I don´t know, but i think than the cups are very importants
2. Yes
3. I don't see footbol matches
03/11/2018 22:20
Manchester United
697
1. I don´t know, but i think than the cups are very importants
2. Yes
3. I don't see footbol matches
03/11/2018
points
•Well I’m not really informed about the difference between premier league and cup competitions, but I think premier League is more important.
•According to the article I think the teams plays the correct matches.
• Yes, I like football.
03/11/2018 21:56
Manchester City
146
•Well I’m not really informed about the difference between premier league and cup competitions, but I think premier League is more important.
•According to the article I think the teams plays the correct matches.
• Yes, I like football.
03/11/2018
points
1. The Premier League is the main
2. it is handled like this because everything is calculated
3. the feeling that appears every time we watch our favorite team play, that, the joy
03/11/2018 21:21
Manchester United
141
1. The Premier League is the main
2. it is handled like this because everything is calculated
3. the feeling that appears every time we watch our favorite team play, that, the joy
03/11/2018
points
1- The Premier League is more important than the cup competitions, because it is the main one.
2- Yes, and for that you have reserve players.
3- I think the feeling of the fans of each team, and because there is a match between the two divisions
03/11/2018 20:50
Manchester United
709
1- The Premier League is more important than the cup competitions, because it is the main one.
2- Yes, and for that you have reserve players.
3- I think the feeling of the fans of each team, and because there is a match between the two divisions
03/11/2018
points
1.I don't have many knowledge in this area, but from what I hear about this I think Premier Leage is very relevant.
2.I think what you can do is use some reserve players so you don't overload those who are from the beginning playing.
3.I find these games are exciting.
03/11/2018 20:35
Manchester United
756
1.I don't have many knowledge in this area, but from what I hear about this I think Premier Leage is very relevant.
2.I think what you can do is use some reserve players so you don't overload those who are from the beginning playing.
3.I find these games are exciting.
03/11/2018
points
the Premier League is more important because of the recognition it has and for the games they have a candelaria and even if it is very congested the players' roster changes and I almost do not like it
03/11/2018 19:57
Tottenham Hotspur
312
the Premier League is more important because of the recognition it has and for the games they have a candelaria and even if it is very congested the players' roster changes and I almost do not like it
03/11/2018
points
I think not because when I talk about the glass I think what is a higher range of competence.
At the time of having so many games it is important to give time for the players to have their time to decant.
that there are many teams that play this way will be more the winning of the prize.
03/11/2018 19:51
Manchester United
523
I think not because when I talk about the glass I think what is a higher range of competence.
At the time of having so many games it is important to give time for the players to have their time to decant.
that there are many teams that play this way will be more the winning of the prize.
03/11/2018
points
-If it is this is the main league
-Choose a good date for matches
-That there are first division and second division matches and mo
03/11/2018 19:31
Chelsea
520
-If it is this is the main league
-Choose a good date for matches
-That there are first division and second division matches and mo
03/11/2018
points
I do not think that the premier league is more important than cup competitions, because there are more important cup competitions, where more countries and many more people from all over the world gather.
What I like about cup matches is that they play very good teams, they feel the adrenaline of watching them play and in many occasions they are the best goals.
03/11/2018 18:01
Manchester City
759
I do not think that the premier league is more important than cup competitions, because there are more important cup competitions, where more countries and many more people from all over the world gather.
What I like about cup matches is that they play very good teams, they feel the adrenaline of watching them play and in many occasions they are the best goals.
03/11/2018
points
1. Its depend about the competitiveness of the league, but normally the cup competitions are more important.
2. No because the season belong 10 months and they can distribute balanced, they rotate all the players for can play the fixture congestion with the best performance.
3. Are more exciting for being a cup what is played
03/11/2018 17:57
Arsenal
595
1. Its depend about the competitiveness of the league, but normally the cup competitions are more important.
2. No because the season belong 10 months and they can distribute balanced, they rotate all the players for can play the fixture congestion with the best performance.
3. Are more exciting for being a cup what is played
03/11/2018
points
- Actually I do not have much knowledge about football, I could say that it is one of the main leagues and it is very important in football.
- Choose a good date for matches
- The emotion and the adrelalina that one feels when seeing them
03/11/2018 17:21
Manchester United
800
- Actually I do not have much knowledge about football, I could say that it is one of the main leagues and it is very important in football.
- Choose a good date for matches
- The emotion and the adrelalina that one feels when seeing them
03/11/2018
points
Actually I like football, but I'm not very fond of it, but I do not have to see it in matches
03/11/2018 16:43
Arsenal
571
Actually I like football, but I'm not very fond of it, but I do not have to see it in matches
03/11/2018
points
Yes, they play many games and I think they should select more time and thus facilitate everything
03/11/2018 16:40
Liverpool
43
Yes, they play many games and I think they should select more time and thus facilitate everything
03/11/2018
points
- I do not have much knowledge but I think I do not consider it to be more important than the cups of the world.
- I do not know or I can not think of a possible solution.
- When they reach a point of tension that leave the followers of their teams with fear of losing the game.
03/11/2018 16:36
Manchester United
722
- I do not have much knowledge but I think I do not consider it to be more important than the cups of the world.
- I do not know or I can not think of a possible solution.
- When they reach a point of tension that leave the followers of their teams with fear of losing the game.
03/11/2018
points
1. For me, the Premier league is more important than cup competitions because in the Premier League there are elite teams in England.
2. What can be done is to have a rotation of the whole team so that everyone has minutes and can rest.
3. What I like about cup matches is that you do not know who will win, you can never assure a result and it is unpredictable.
03/11/2018 16:33
Chelsea
640
1. For me, the Premier league is more important than cup competitions because in the Premier League there are elite teams in England.
2. What can be done is to have a rotation of the whole team so that everyone has minutes and can rest.
3. What I like about cup matches is that you do not know who will win, you can never assure a result and it is unpredictable.
03/11/2018
points
- Yes, because the Premier League it is the highest category in the league of football clubs in England. And apart from having quality equipment, it has those that are considered the best players.
- Because being such a big and important competition has many teams and that is why I suppose that the number of matches increases. I don't know what can be done to ease fixture congestion.
- I don't see many games either, but I think that what people like most like, is the emotion caused by the intrigue of knowing the result.
03/11/2018 16:01
Liverpool
829
- Yes, because the Premier League it is the highest category in the league of football clubs in England. And apart from having quality equipment, it has those that are considered the best players.
- Because being such a big and important competition has many teams and that is why I suppose that the number of matches increases. I don't know what can be done to ease fixture congestion.
- I don't see many games either, but I think that what people like most like, is the emotion caused by the intrigue of knowing the result.
03/11/2018
points
_The truth I do not know much about Football, I do not know.
_I suppose that the dates of the matches must be precise and thought for this congestion.
_I'm not a super Football fan, but I love that everything depends on each team, the adrenaline you feel when you know that anything could happen.
03/11/2018 15:49
Manchester United
602
_The truth I do not know much about Football, I do not know.
_I suppose that the dates of the matches must be precise and thought for this congestion.
_I'm not a super Football fan, but I love that everything depends on each team, the adrenaline you feel when you know that anything could happen.
03/11/2018
points
- I think that if it is more important, then it demands a higher level because all the teams are of the highest category and it is a very long season, after all I would like any team in the Premier League, to win it.
- Yes, they play many games. Weekly Premier matches, Cup matches, and also, the teams that play the Champions League. The only solution to this is as they are already doing, playing with reserves to give rest to players who normally play the most demanding games. And that each club knows which is their priority in the season and knows how to handle each player's breaks well and the strategies for each match.
-What I like is that teams from different categories of English football face each other. Maybe some small team of surprise.
03/11/2018 15:31
Manchester United
156
- I think that if it is more important, then it demands a higher level because all the teams are of the highest category and it is a very long season, after all I would like any team in the Premier League, to win it.
- Yes, they play many games. Weekly Premier matches, Cup matches, and also, the teams that play the Champions League. The only solution to this is as they are already doing, playing with reserves to give rest to players who normally play the most demanding games. And that each club knows which is their priority in the season and knows how to handle each player's breaks well and the strategies for each match.
-What I like is that teams from different categories of English football face each other. Maybe some small team of surprise.
03/11/2018
points
I do not think the Premier League is more important than other competitions, there are many cups that have more relevance than this one.
According to what I read, yes. Although I do not know much about football, I hear very little about their teams.
I do not really see many games, but I find it exciting to see a final when in the last minutes they score a goal or tie the game.
03/11/2018 15:22
Arsenal
921
I do not think the Premier League is more important than other competitions, there are many cups that have more relevance than this one.
According to what I read, yes. Although I do not know much about football, I hear very little about their teams.
I do not really see many games, but I find it exciting to see a final when in the last minutes they score a goal or tie the game.
03/11/2018
points
I do not know much about soccer but I think that the preimier is one of the best I am not much of seeing matches
03/11/2018 15:19
West Ham United
138
I do not know much about soccer but I think that the preimier is one of the best I am not much of seeing matches
03/11/2018
points
-Honestly, I have very little knowledge about this, but I do not have to be a very important event.
-I think they play according to their limits, so they must know when to rest.
-I'm not very attracted to this sport.
03/11/2018 15:15
Newcastle United
321
-Honestly, I have very little knowledge about this, but I do not have to be a very important event.
-I think they play according to their limits, so they must know when to rest.
-I'm not very attracted to this sport.
03/11/2018
points
I am not very expert in this topic but what I have seen and heard the premier league is very important.
what can be done is to rotate the players so that the incumbent rests.
that many teams are seen
03/11/2018 14:11
Arsenal
732
I am not very expert in this topic but what I have seen and heard the premier league is very important.
what can be done is to rotate the players so that the incumbent rests.
that many teams are seen
03/11/2018
points
-I do not know, I do not know much about soccer, so I do not know which is more important
-I do not know what to do
-I do not like football very much, but what strikes me most is the adrenaline that is felt
03/11/2018 13:14
Manchester United
-890
-I do not know, I do not know much about soccer, so I do not know which is more important
-I do not know what to do
-I do not like football very much, but what strikes me most is the adrenaline that is felt