Match Day Thread Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City

Arkle is a mountain in Sutherland, situated in the far north-west corner of the Scottish Highlands. Like its sister Foinaven, the mountain is made up of glistening white Cambrian quartzite, laid down around 530 million years ago on an uneven basement of much older Lewisian gneiss.

That's always intrigued me. Both horses named after sister mountains The outsider Foinaven wins the Grand National not the classy Arkle.

 

Might have only been 2 - 1 with VAR

 

About 20 points realistically

 

Arkle ran on the flat over much shorter distances

 

That happened in Liverpool

 

Rubbish. Arkle was a Gold Cup steeplechaser. One of the best ever.

 

I was about the 50th person in there. It was a magic time.

 

Are they taking the piss?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/51317100

 

Something tells me that we missed a bit at the beginning.

 

Yes, my bad. I don't know why I typed that. I know Arkle - although it was long time before my time.

 

I think this is suggesting that Lucas is dreadful at passing, although it could just as feasibly be telling us what the riddle of the sphinx is...

 

Predicted/hoped-for line-ups are conspicuously absent this week. Were we holding off on the hope of some last minute transfers, or have we reached a point where we genuinely don't know and/or care who starts? I'm in 2 minds over using a flat back 4 or a back 3 with WBs. Aurier has just done enough recently to warrant another start. I think this game is won or lost in CM. If they win that battle, their attacking players are too good for our defense. But by the same token, their defense has been really suspect recently so if we have the edge in the middle, we might just get something out of this game.

Hugo
Aurier Dave Toby Tanganga
Tanguy Winks Lo Celso
Lucas Son Alli

Subs: Gazza, Jan, Dier, Sess, Gedson, Lamela, Steve

OR

Hugo
Tanganga Dave Toby
Aurier Tanguy Winks Sess
Lucas Son Lo Celso

Subs: Gazza, Jan, Dier, Gedson, Lamela, Alli, Steve

 

Rather than Lucas, I think this is certainly a game Lamela ought to feature in. Spurs need someone with a bit more aggression.

 

This is a game where we really could do with a fit and old school Dier. Him sitting behind Tanguy and Gio would be ideal to counter City’s midfield. Though he’s more or less Wanyama’d so it’ll either be Winks or Gedson. Winks will likely get the nod I’d imagine.

I’d go with Tanganga LB, I’m not a fan of right footed LBs but Mahrez or Bernardo are likely to play there cutting in so Tanganga’s right foot should be better to deal with it in principle instead of Sess, who unfortunately right now, just cannot defend (nor even attack).

I’d also chuck Bergwijn straight in, go for the unpredictable factor, neither us or City will know what he’s capable of and City’s defence is susceptible to pace and skill. I’d also happily drop Dele for this but can’t see it happening.

So I’d like:

Hugo
Aurier, Dave, Toby, Tanganga
Tanguy, Winks, Gio
Lucas, Son, Bergwijn.

But I think:

Hugo
Aurier, Toby, Jan, Tanganga
Winks, Lo Celso
Lamela, Alli, Lucas
Son

 

Totally agree with this, for a long time I have thought Lucas is at his best as the impact sub , even the Ajax game he only comes alive for short periods

 

Hugo
Aurier Dave Toby Tanganga
GLC Winks NDombele
Lamela Son Alli

Hopefully we see Steve today. Moura and Steve to come on and chase the game is no bad thing. I don’t think Gedson is ready for this game.

 

The only way they will be caught is if the corona virus hits klanfield and nowhere else, might as well give them the trophy now.

 

Really interesting line up. City's defence looks really suspect. Fernandinho and Otamendi at CB.

Bergwijn straight into it is a risk and questions surely have to be asked about N'Dombele's actual ability to cope with competitive football if he isn't risked for the 3rd game running.

Blistering pace up front - we'll look to hit them on the counter.

COYS