Poll: Are clubs right to play 'weaker' sides in cup tournaments?

Arguments suggest clubs have the right as they have a squad of players and cup tournaments offer competitive football to help players build match fitness for league clashes.

However, Saints fans made the long journey from the South coast to the North East of England to see a 'weakened' Southampton side lose to what has been argued as a 'weakened' Sunderland side.

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet made nine changes from his league side as he gave some of the Black Cats' fringe players some first team football and an opportunity to impress ahead of a League Cup final against Manchester City.

Ex Wolves manager Mick McCarthy was fined £25,000 for fielding a weakened side against Manchester United in December 2009. McCarthy made 10 changes to the side who had just beaten Tottenham Hotspur 1-0.

Premier League rules state clubs cannot field a weaker side and Ian Holloway threatened to quit Blackpool FC in 2011 after being fined £25,000 for making ten changes in a defeat to Aston Villa in November 2010. Holloway argued it was his decision who he selected whilst manager of Blackpool FC and that people outside the club could not know what is his strongest and weakest side.

Is squad rotation the key? And should clubs use cup tournaments as a way to build match fitness for fringe players?

Have your say below.