Lambs to the Slaughter

Wolverhampton manager and former Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy is no stranger when it comes to controversy. He was at it yet again when he sent out a second string Wolves side for their match against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The side that pulled off a famous win against Champions League aspirants Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane were watching their side being torn apart by Manchester United's movement and counter-attacking type of football. When asked about this strange decision Mick McCarthy replied that he had put out a second string team as he wanted to preserve his first XI for a supposedly 'winnable' match against Burnley at Molineux on 20th December 2009. It was as many pundits and fans called 'giving up before the fight'. Even though the Wolves 2nd team would've had a good experience playing against professionals like Anderson, Michael Carrick and Nemanja Vidic it sort of indicates a prejudice towards the first team on McCarthy's part.Also Burnley aren't exactly the type of team who bow down easily and that can be seen by their position in the league table as compared to Wolves. Speaking too soon is what I'd call it.
The anger of the Wolves faithful could be seen in their songs at Old TRafford. Songs like "Where is our first team?" and "40 quid to watch reserves" just showed how they supported their team.

Last season Manchester United fielded a second string side in their final league matcha against Hull City. But by then United had already won the league title and they had a Champions League final against Barcelona to prepare for. In the case of Wolves things are far from decided. In a scenario exactly opposite to this Everton who were on a bad run of form and also an ever-growing injury list did not send out a second string side to face Chelsea at their fortress Stamford Bridge but instead manager David Moyes sent out his strongest possible side who frequently troubled the Chelsea defence and even managed to get 3 goals and a draw. David Moyes has to be praised for his belief in his squad even though he had a midweek Europa League match and a weekend clash with an in-form Birmingham City side at Goodison Park.
All this has has resulted in people showering praise on Everton and Moyes while heavily criticising McCarthy. The Wolves-Burnley match will surely be a match to watch out for