International Rescue(d)
Thursday, September 9, 2010 at 8:15PM W.B.A. v Spurs Preview
International break over. And we have around 14 weeks worth of injury layouts as a direct result. But don't fret. Engerland are back baby!
Dawson. Defoe. Not available. Michael for eight weeks. Jermain for six. No point theorising whether JD should have just gone with the surgery pre-England games, as the injury keeping him out is a new one.
Bare bones? Pushing it a little with that sound bite. We have depth, supposedly. Well not supposedly because we proved we had it last season when we were written off a few times. Our neighbours have their own plight to contend with too, so there's no point in what ifs and wtf's. But there's three points in WBA away. At least there better be. Hopefully. Chin up.
We've been dicked a few times in this fixture when Albion have been EPL present. It's tiresome. So regardless of whether Harry opts to try 4-5-1 with van der Vaart behind Pav/Keane/Crouch (pick one) or if he opts for the more traditional 4-4-2 and possibly starts with Keane and Crouch - we need to win this. Obviously. Champions League next week, games coming in thick and fast, this is what we worked so hard for last season to achieve and be part of. So, it's down to pre-match preparation, mental strength and desire. Then the application on the pitch. Professional and confident application. Not sure I can handle another Stokesque away win. We also need to get the Wigan defeat out of our system.
I feel for Daws and JD, what with some peach CL games up ahead. But usually, it's at these pivotal moments when expectancy remains high, but we remain a touch nervous. Could do with some rejuvenating magic from somewhere to re-kick start the season.
Harry has to get it spot on with formation and players. It's quite possible that some of our players will be rested/kept safe (King, vdV, the Croats) for the Germany trip. Also interesting to see who starts in goal for us. But let's just say we look to play a strong side rather than patching up the first team with current bench players.
4-4-2: Would have to be the usual Lennon/Palacios/Huddlestone/Modric line-up. Then it's either Keane/Pav and Crouch up front or one of three up front with vdV (in the hole). Bale left-back. So, sort of 442, but playing out as a 451 if the Dutchman starts.
4-5-1: (or whatever bastardised version it appears as) would have Palacios possibly sitting deeper as part of the five with an actual middle four just ahead of him consisting of Lennon, Hudd, Modric and vdV. Bale left-back again. One man up front. Whether its Moddle or vdV on the left, that's up for discussion.
I'm undecided who would work best as a lone forward (which is why I asked you to pick one earlier).
As for the usual forward conundrum, one or two Spurs fans predicting (wishing) a renaissance from the Orish forward. Others willing that Pav is given the chance. On the subject of a lone man up front...
Pav's movement and hold up play concerns me at times, but he strikes me as a player who might just score a few. Crouch has the intelligence to do a good job up there, but he's not as instinctive as Defoe in and around the box and has always been a better partner rather than the man leading from the front. Although I reckon he'll continue to prove me wrong in Europe.
Which leaves Keane. Who might, just might work if he remains more forward rather than spend time dropping deep to collect the ball. Although, perhaps with our new progressive Dutch maestro, we might see a more fluid style of play that sees our midfielders attacking the box more than in previous tactical set-ups. In my head, I can see how it works. Depends on how cautious Harry is and how much of his mind is on the CL rather than the EPL (I hope it's a one game at a time strategy).
Gallas also likely to debut.
I guess I'm quite undecided on this. Which is fine, because I'm just a fan and not the one that matters. I doubt Harry will be chalk boarding the night away. Down to trust now. What excites me is that there is a multitude of options available to us. Very adaptable players we possess. Got to get it right and play our best formation, home/away/in Europe - and stick with it. People wondered what the point of flirting with Joe Cole was, knowing his presence would perhaps cause middle field selection headaches. He wasn't signed. van der Vaart was. Wondering to continue until 3pm Saturday.
WBA haven't lost at home for a while. They are organised and it will be a good three points if we earn them.
COYS.
Reader Comments (35)
methinks they should be playing VdV in the hole behind Pav/Keane and then Huddlestone Modric central, Bale left and Lennon right. Usual back four except, no Dawson, so Gallas. I'd rather see Kaboul for Corluka, but that's a long running argument, and Harry's feelings are pretty clear. I think it would be a mistake to shift Bale to lb, I really do.
Agreed except I would really like to see Hudd dropped and Gio starting on the left. 4,5,1 as follows:
Bale, Gallas, King, Charlie : Gio, Modric, Wilson, VDV, Lennon : Pav
Hudd to start second half or when required.
4-5-1 away? I'd go with that. But we'll end with two up front. Harry can't fuck around too much with selection. And the only changes he'll make is to rest a player or two.
Gav must be the only Tottenham fan who wants Hudd to be dropped. The guy is growing as a player with every minute he plays.
Bale, Gallas, King, Charlie : Modric, Hudd, Wilson, Lennon : vdV : Pav
For me.
VDV on the bench would be interesting, considering how vocal he has been about being subbed for Netherlands. I'd start him, throw him into the mix. Play Keane up front. Any word on Gomes then? Out?
So our squad of 25 is now a squad of 23. Shouldnt there be a rule allowing additions to be made if squad players are injured on International duty, especially when playing for the muppets who made this 25 squad rule.
Keane up front. He will link so well with VDV. And Pav is shocking
No need for Redknapp to go crazy. I reckon he'll rest one or two players, retain a 442 and bring on vdV at some point.
Keane? Two number 10s. Think they'd trip over each other.
Crouch and vdV.
The author of the article seems to think that Palacios is an automatic selection - presumeably because the game is away. But we played a central midfield of Hud and Modric in that game, and that was an away game. Why should we sit Palacios deep at the Haw-effing-thornes? If I was Harry I would start BAE at left back, with a midfield of Bale, Modric, Hud, and Lennon, with Rafa in the hole behind...well, you're right that the striker is a hard call. But part of the difficulty of playing these away games is that everyone changes their attitude, including the manager. I say that Spurs should win by five goals against WBA no matter where they play. We're going to need Palacios and a more conservative midfield, but at the Hawthornes? Nice tuneup for Tuesday. That's the attitude we need.
Sorry part of first line of last post got deleted as I sent - I was referring to the famous Man City win last season.
no flirtation with sandros & thudd combination? as the 2 behind a 3 believe it has to be a 4-2-3-1 combination in following format:
Pletikosa
Charlie bassong Gallas Bale
Sandro Huddlestone
Lennon Van der Vaart Modric
Pavyluchenko
guess im going to get slated but..................... how consistent is Niko? wilson needs time and this is our best XI
love the way eveyone is picking their defence, midfield and attack what about the keeper? If our lovely brazilian is injured who plays between the sticks? answers on a postcard, but I would go with our fourth croation, cant spell his name!
I'm just putting it out there. My first draft actually had me citing Palacios form and saying he should be dropped/rested/whatever.
I guess if (not that we would) play three at the back, then he could sit just ahead of the defence, but then that's a completely different discussion, but I'm fairly certain we've never gone with three at the back.
Perhaps controversially I'd like to see Gio given a chance up front in JD's absence, he did well there for Mexico at the WC and in pre-season. I'm not keen on him replacing Lennon on the wing like he's been doing and think he could do a better job up front as a supplier. I can't really decide who to partner him with though. Let's say Crouch based on form.
Gomes/Carlo
Corluka, Bassong, Gallas, BAE
Lennon, Hudd, Modric, Bale
Gio, Crouch
Save Ledders knee for Bremen and VdV to come on for the 2nd half/last 30 for Gio if he doesn't perform.
i''d play
gomes
charlie gallas king bale
vdvaart hudd modric
lennon gio
pav
Dont think King will play.
These England games have not been kind to us - Defoe was hitting form and now gone for 6 weeks. I l don't think Crouch or Keane will score goals like defoe would have, so fingers crossed that pav gets some games. He is a lazy sob (but then defoe can be) but he can score and lets face it that isnt crouch or keane's primary skill - crouch is excellent at bringing other people into the game and keane is excellent at the unexpected.
I really really hope that we learn how to win these games, lets face it wba arent great, but then neither were wigan!
COYS - in harry we trust.... VDV for a goal on Sat :D
I think our current injury/personnel situation is positively screaming out for us to play a 4-5-1, or more accurately, a 4-2-3-1. This would allow a rapid transition from attack to defense with the movement of the five midfield players and allow us to experiment with some of the different formations necessary to acheive success in the CL. My starting eleven with their natural (replacements) are as follows:
Gomes (Pletikosa)
Corluka (Walker) King (Kaboul) Gallas (Bassong) Bale (BAE)
Huddlestone (Sandro) Palacios (Jenas)
Lennon (Gio) Van der Vaart (Kranjar) Modric (Bale)
Crouch (Pavyluchenko)
I tend to think that midfield would dominate possession and create chances. In the case of a counter, we have enough pace in Lennon/Bale on the wings to get back quickly and cover if needed. Who wants to point out where I've erred? Also, I don't see how Keane gets a look in as long as we have Gio in the side...
bale is the best left midfielder in the league. never again to i want to hear about him at left back. ever
I don't disagree, and I would personally not play him at left back. But Harry believes that's his position.
spursmass,
I share your sentiments regarding Bale's current ability as a left winger; however, it is an uncomfortable reality that the truly top European teams have at least one world class attacking fullback ala Roberto Carlos in them. Good left wingers are dime a dozen, but you can count the great attacking backs on your fingers... Ramos, Alves, Evra, A. Cole, Lahm, Maicon, Bale, etc.The culture and development of Bale into this type of player will allow us to build a juggernaut of a team, and this potential as a fullback is why I believe ManU and Madrid are interested in him. Additionally, our current team seems to have a surfeit of attacking midfielders, while we are weak(ened) at the back...
regarding where we should be playing bale... if we are to play with 1 striker we must play Bale on the left. Bale creates goals and chances with his pace and crossing and aggressive eye for goal in that position that he simply can't muster from left back forays. for all BAE's difficulties, lapses, desires to dribble out of the box, etc... I still say we are a much more solid defending side with him at the back-left vs. Bale.
With VdV's motion and vision added to passers such as Modric & Hudd, Bale will become an even scarier proposition down the left.
Like Canada Spur, if we are going 4-4-2 this Saturday, I'd like to see Gio have a chance at the striker role (don't see Harry making that choice though).
Hang on I rate the Hudd highly but if we play the system I set out and we wont. Then we have pace in all parts of the ground..so we need a proper defensive midfielder not a gifted passer who lacks pace.
Second half Hudd on in place of our new boy VDV or Modric who is just back from injury.
Also I have played right back all my life(Im 45) and Bale in my opinion has the potential to become the best Left Back the world has ever seen. Play him there. If you watch Bale he likes the space a left back has to run into. A winger will always get the ball with little time or space to make it happen. The fact he is still our best player should'nt detract from what he is a LEFT BACK.
Losing this game will be disastrous.
gav it is just not true.
I have a suspicion that if someone were to calculate the average number of minutes that each striker takes to score a goal, Pav would be our most prolific scorer. He has scored 15 goals in 17 cup ties, and in about half of these, he came on as sub.
I have been saying for some time that I think he needs an extended run in the team. We know what Crouch can do. We know what Defoe can do. We know what Keane used to be able to do.This is the moment of truth for Pav. Personally, there is nothing I would like more than to hear HR say, "The lad done well while JD was injured, and now I have to choose between them".
He has about ten games in which to prove himself, so it really is a case of "it's now or never"
Whats not true, that Im 45 or Bale is a Left Back?
Anyway in Harry we trust so regardless of what we feel we just have to wait and see.
What is great tho' and I know Im straying from the topic now but I have two sons aged 12 and 9 who are also Spurs fans (well they had to be wouldnt they). Isnt it great that now when my boys are beginning to question everything and develop their personalities I can say with conviction. See Spurs can play great soccer.
COYS
Spursgator, I agree Spurs should beat WBA by 5 goals. The problem is the operative word 'SHOULD'. Our team often does not follow the script. It'll probably be a close match with us to win by 1, I hope. Then again, I was wishing for two 1st half goals against the Young Boys second leg and my wish was duly granted. Another 2 for tomorrow please :-) COME ON YOU SPURS
Oh.. btw, I'd play Pav upfront with VDV just behind him. I rate Pav. I know not all of you do. COYS
I rate Pav but he should learn that running that extra mile wouldn't hurt his chances of a prolonged 1st team run ...
Erm.... Bearer of bad news..... JD is now out for 3 MONTHS!!!
It's on the club website that he's had an operation on the ankle.
There are two options for me if we are goping to start with Van der Vaart, both 451, and neither containing Palacios:
-------------------Gomes----------------------
Kaboul------Gallas------Bassong------Bale
-------------Hudd -------Modric --------------
Lennon------Van der Vaart--------Kranjcar
-----------------Pavlyuchenko------------------
This is an awesome attacking line-up. The people who say Bale is a liability at LB are fools - he actually played considerably more games at LB last season, and he was outstanding in that position when he got in the side. Have a look back through your season reviews. He was a marauding monster from LB, and was probably still our best attcking outlet. That gives us the option of another attacker instead of BAE, Kranjcar in this case. However, I think this would work best with Defoe up top, as he was for England, darting beyond their back four with his pace. However, we are likely going to have Pav or Crouch up top, so may need a bit more pace high up the pitch so UI'd probably go for:
-------------------Gomes----------------------
Kaboul------Gallas------Bassong------BAE
-------------Hudd -------Modric --------------
Lennon------Van der Vaart------------Bale
-----------------Pavlyuchenko------------------
Pacey players in Bale and Lennon high up the pitch to compensate for the lack of pace from Pav (or Crouch). The all French-speaking back four is also a bonus, especially as it's Gallas' first game.
Fact:
1. Defoe out for 3 months. OH BOLLOCKS
2. Bale is a proper LB not a LW (LWB in a 4-3-3 / 4-5-1)
3. VdV wont start against west brom (think harry will drop him in the deep end with CL on Tuesday? i think not)
4. Harry will play 4-4-2 against the bromsters with PSB/3MP up front
5. We will lose this one 2-1
6. Palacios needs time off to FUCKING SORT HIS SHIT OUT!
7. Pav (like Jenas) has the POTENTIAL to be world class. Harry wont give him enough of a run to notice this though.
I'm outta facts and fucking fed up. Daws and Defoe out of the CL. We need to make the knockout's for them to get a taste of the CL proper. Gutted for these guys. But if my prediction of 11 points comes through then its ok, although my prediction was based on a fully fit squad when the draw was made.
Daws we can cope with but being without Defoe to call on really sucks and leaves us short up front (not a pun). Has harry got the balls to play Gio as a striker anytime soon. I dont think so.
Why couldn't PSB get injured against Armenia or Andorra instead of Defoe.
Oh and I'm not slagging harry off here either.
Football is a cruel game but that is part of why we love it so fucking much
BIOYC
COYS
Start VdV as sub. If he starts and doesn't adjust straight away, and we suffer, Harry will take him off looking FTW and that is shit preparation for Tuesday. Let him study the game from the bench 1st half.
Lovin' Harvey Huddlestone's 1st line up - like you say awesome attacking line-up.
Got my tickets for Bremen yesterday and sorted travel. If anyone still needs to book I found an airberlin flight from Stansted to Munster, 50min. train journey from Osnabruck to Bremen, 200euros all in. COYS!