Thing is- Luis needs gametime and so does Raul. They only did 20 minutes over the weekend. That's nothing for them- it's like squeezing out a stubborn fart. This would be the perfect game for them. They don't necessarily have to do 90- they can be subbed.
Besides- the likes of Exeter are not sides to be underestimated. They can take the piss out of the big clubs. If we're going to field a team of fringe players and youngesters- who could have a hard time scoring or get back from being 1-0 down, it would make sense to augment it with real quality that can at least get the result.
Luis doesnt need more game time, he needs less. He has been playing football all summer, without a break. No way he plays a mid week cup game against a lower division club. Same for Lucas. They both rushed back to the Club exhausted. I dont think Meireles is at the point where he can play 60+ mid-week and then again against Bolton. Could see him coming on as a second half sub, getting another 20-30 minutes and ready to go this weekend.
No need to risk injury to Agger or Kelley.
I think you will almost certainly see the following players: Maxi, Shelvey, Spearing, Ngog, Skrtel (if healthy), Flanno.
Guys who I think we could see: Wilson, Insua/Robinson, Poulson (not saying I want him to play, but think we will be considered), Cole (ditto), Sterling, Pacheco
I will go with this
Doni
Flanno Skrtel Wilson Insua
Spearing Shelvey
Maxi Henderson Cole
Ngog
Subs: Reina, Carra, Robinson, Sterling, Pacheco, Meireles, Poulson