In case anyone is confused...

[Goddard]

This explains the 25 Player Rule.
I think it might affect us, more than we first thought. For various reason.

Anyway......

Much has been said this summer about the Premier League’s new rules concerning a squad of 25 registered players. Previously, teams were allowed to freely play players that were on their books at any point in the season provided they were registered with the league (so this included the normal first team players, reserves, youth players, etc. that were obtained during valid transfer windows).

Now, however, teams must adhere to the Premier League’s new system of naming an official squad of 25 players, eight of which must be homegrown. Here’s a breakdown of the changes:

* At the close of each transfer window teams must announce a squad list of 25 players. The first such deadline is September 1.
* Eight of these 25 must be “home grown,” meaning they have been associated with the FA or Welsh FA for three seasons (or 36 months) prior to their 21st birthday. Home-grown does not refer to nationality, simply how many years spent in England as a youngster.
* In addition to their 25, teams can include an unlimited number of players under the age of 21. Players under the age of 21 in this context were born on or after January 1, 1989.
* Clubs can change their squad list only during transfer windows, with a provisional rule in place for extenuating circumstances (like goalkeeping crises). The registered squad can be changed freely during transfer windows.
* These squad rules are in effect only for Premier League matches. These rules do not apply to the Champions League, Carling Cup, or FA Cup.
* Before the September 1 deadline clubs are allowed to play any players registered with the FA.

[80sCasual]

So as there will be teams that just use players for the cups (not necessarily in their 25) this will more than likely mean that not as many are going to be available as 1st thought.