The NLD is always too hard to call as it's so unpredictable, both teams tend to up their game (a good thing) and the crowd is really up for it too. I thought Spurs did really well against Utd at Wembley, they pressed them and closed off the spaces and basically stifled them, BUT I think we are a better attacking side overall, so we could have better opportunities with our front three. As I've mentioned, defensive stability is key for us in this game. I want to see our defenders moving the ball quickly and moving the ball out of defence quickly. I do not want to see us dithering around passing sideways and backward in our own half, because that will invite Spurs onto us and they will press us into giving the ball away. I'd rather see us turn over possession in their last 3rd with some direct balls forward than seeing us turning over possession in our own 3rd.
I think you summed it up correctly in terms what we need to do. We have the attack but do we have the defence to back our play. You have to remember that Spurs goes in as the favourites here, something they aren't used to. How will they deal with that going into the game, rather than being the underdog. We might see some surprises in this game.
I'm not sure the favourites v underdog thing will make any difference tbh. It will be about who's quicker to the ball and who can marshal their defence more effectively. Both teams will want to attack, but I think we should approach the game like we did at WHL a few years ago when Rosicky scored in the 7th min, then we just soaked up their pressure and parked the bus and tried to hit them on the break .
He is the only player in your entire senior squad that scares me. On his day - and we witnessed this firsthand in Europe - he is up there with the best in the world. I sincerely hope your senile manager leaves him on the bench and plays Iwobi instead. Wanyama and Alderweireld are now back and Dembele looks to be in imperious form so I think we'll just be too strong for you through the middle. Areas to exploit are the ball over the top that Ozil likes and attacking our flanks - both down our right side as Dave Sanchez is promising but inexperienced and it shows against the top sides. Also Trippier and Aurier have both had numerous horror shows this season. Down the left with Jan and Davies we're rock solid and cucumber cool but down the right it's anyone's guess who'll turn up. I'd actually prefer us to start Wanyama and drop Dier into Dave's position. I doubt Toby will be fit enough to start, he hasn't played a PL game since early November. Will be a close one but our front 4 are finally starting to click and against Liverpool we showed a resolve and urgency that has been sorely lacking this season. One thing's for sure if we bring our A game we'll flatten you. If.
Reflected this earlier in the thread. We need to get the ball out of defence quickly and up to our forwards, as our midfield isn't strong enough to play through you. Also if you press us high up the pitch, which I think you will, then we can get balls in behind to Ozil, Mkhi and Aubameyang.
