There could be no clearer sign that the FA Cup has lost much of its old appeal than the words uttered this week by Harry Redknapp: 'We've a game at Man United that really is so secondary to me now. We're in a relegation battle and I can't risk Jamie O'Hara, Jonathan Woodgate and Michael Dawson at Old Trafford.'
Redknapp's comments must be dispiriting for cup purists, who would have been viewing tonight's United v Tottenham clash as one of the ties of the fourth round, between two teams with managers who have tasted cup success and are renowned for their commitment to entertaining football.
And it is especially sobering that the words should come from Redknapp, last year's FA Cup-winning manager with Portsmouth. A quarter-final smash-and-grab victory at Old Trafford was part of Portsmouth's cup run, so clearly it is fear of Tottenham losing their Premier League status that is guiding Redknapp's thoughts.
Football punters, too, are affected by the modern downgrading of the FA Cup in the list of priorities, with clubs giving the utmost precedence to securing a place in the Premier League, whether by avoiding relegation or being promoted. There are important league clashes coming up in midweek in the Premier League and the Championship, which could prompt managers to rest some of their key players this weekend. Wolves v Middlesbrough is one of the cup games that may prove most difficult for punters to assess, given the likelihood of significant team changes.
With the spectre of relegation looming large after taking only four points from the last 30, Boro may be more focused on Wednesday's league visit to Chelsea. Championship leaders Wolves, meanwhile, travel to second-placed Reading on Tuesday night and will be more nervous about that clash now that they are on a winless run of four in the league.
Redknapp signalled his intentions well in advance of today's game, but punters will have to make some late assessments of how the cup lineups affect the chances of other teams.
