I think a better long term strategy might be to get some better scouts in...ours don't unearth enough talent on a regular basis for us to keep on growing sufficiently as a quality squad. Looking forward to seeing what the starting line up can do...as you say sometimes the removal of the key focal point can sometimes free up the other players. I've seen it with Arsenal twice, once when they lost Henry and then when they lost RVP. So yeah...this is a chance for the rest to shine.
Would you like to go first or second through Traitor's Gate Spurlock? Three goal win on Sunday to us.
This is a massive week coming up - 3 London Derbies in 3 different competitions and if results go against us we are probably not winning any silverware for at least 1 more year! We thought we were short of players last month, and just as we get some back we lose more possibly more important players, and I really think its unlikely that reinforcements will arrive before these 3 matches have been played. But we can still have lots of good players and Poch will have to get the best out of them for sure. I am in the 3 at the back camp with Jan back it does seem the logical option, and it maybe that only 2 outfield players will have to start all 3 matches this week. 2 wins and a draw are the requirements this week. I know that Tranmere were not a great benchmark but that system looks like the one to use with the players available. I haven't seen anything about Lucas but I hope he is available for Chelsea on Thursday. So 3 Teams for this week and maybe the next few weeks Team 1 Fulham - Lloris, Foyth, Sanchez, Alderweireld, Walker-Peters, Winks, Alli, Rose, Lamela, Eriksen and Llorente Team 2 Chelsea - Gazza, Sanchez, Toby, Jan, Aurier, Dier (hopefully), Alli, Davies, Lamela, Eriksen & Moura (hopefully) Team 3 Palace - Gazza, Foyth, Toby, Jan (or Ben), Trippier, Winks, Skipp, Rose, Alli, Moura and Llorente
I'd play the players who are probably hoping that injuries will give them a chance to shine: Lamela, Llorente and Skipp (assuming Moura is out). They're well rested and will have the effect of deepening what's now a tired and banged up squad if they play well. A good game from Skipp, especially, would make for some good news, which we can use. Maybe not this game, but more of KWP makes sense as well. Hey, he had the first three assist game in the PL this year, and Llorente is coming off the hat trick. Sure, Llorente's was against weak opposition, but they both deserve another chance.
We had Son then though. Tbh if Son wasn’t away with South Korea then I wouldn’t be as worried as he can play the false 9 role quite well. I hope the Malcom on loan from Barca rumours are true.
Pochettino never complains when we have what looks to us to be a crisis of injured players and in each case his comment refers to using the squad. The whole of this season has been against a background of injuries to important players and in each case we have prospered. Only against City and Liverpool have we struggled, sure we lost to Watford and Wolves but that was not because we were outplayed. All of these injuries have given the lie to the lacking squad depth argument. Poch has shown the way with young players each time and not forgetting the minor miracle he performed on Sissoko. The only reason he does not walk on water is too many games and good pitch management. Pochettino has more disciples than Jesus and is more popular too. Jesus made a big mistake when opting to go to City, they already had one Messiah in situ, then again we all have our crosses to bear. Spurs will soon be feeding more than the five thousand when the new ark is opened. The second coming has been postponed yet again, at least until Spurs win the league.
Poch said with regards to Dembele, that had he had him from a 20 year old, he would have made him one of the best footballers out there. He now says that we are more likely to find a replacement for Harry in our academy than in the transfer market. I think this is why he will remain with us. He doesn't see the solution to every setback, as more purchases. ( I think it is disgusting that Chelsea are allowed to loan in Higuain, when they already have players in that position out on loan, and now it's rumoured that City want to loan in a player). Youngsters out there take note. This is a manager that will develop you and bring you into first team football if you are good enough.
If Moura can't play Thursday, I'd play GKN, Lamela and Llorente because I don't see any two being effective without the third. Either a 4231 or--maybe better--a 433 with those three at the front would make defenders worry. It would be the right man management solution as well, I think, which may be the most important thing.
Kane, Son, Sissoko and now Dele all injured or away. Moura and Dier likely not fit enough to play 90 minutes for a game or two. Llorente's scoring own goals and missing chances. please log in to view this image
Winks scoring, GKN assisting---stop panicking, it's a squad game. ( BTW you forgot Wanyama is also injured )
Yeah it’s easy to forget Wanyama these days seeing as he’s barely kicked a ball since the start of last season.
