And if he isn't ( 'PL starting XI' match fit ) ?? Mason faces a dilemma in game #2 that Pochettino was confronted with only after 5 full seasons.
Bench if he is not fit, if we then have to risk him, so be it. If of course we're 6-0 up (I'll say 3 Hail RCL's) then we can give him a day off.
Not comparable to a cup final where the build up and mentality is different. We will never know what would have happened with him in charge today.
One of my very good friends, a Spurs fan, died of a heart attack on Thursday, he was only in his early 50's, RIP Crusher. I've posted on his facebook page that if he could influence the game in our favour from up there, please do. Let's hope he is up there watching and listening. The world will be about 10 litres of red wine better off every week without him.
Would be inclined to play Bale down the middle and bring in Lamela or Dele. Was thinking we coukd do with Lamela's aggression from the start, but have a feeling he might be a red card waiting to happen in a Cup Final.
I'd like to see Bale given complete freedom of the final third. Absolutely pointless forcing a player with his talent to hug the right flank when he can't cross with his weaker foot, will struggle to beat defenders for pace cutting inside on his left, and won't afford whichever clown we play at RB much protection. Maureen was rigid in how he utilised Bale because that's who Maureen is: rigid. I'd imagine a defence would be much more worried at the prospect of not knowing when or where Bale is going to pop up. Give Bale the freedom we gave VDV and we will reap the rewards. Continue to insist he becomes the second coming of Aaron Lennon and we will be disappointed. If Kane is fit, I'd go with: Lloris Aurier Toby Whoever Reg Lo Celso Hojbjerg Lucas Bale Son Kane
Well now ... Possible repeat of the 2019 CL final on Kane. Mason is saying that NDombele is not up to the muscle of a cup final between two PL sides, and Winks may be.
Gonna be fun trying to see Spurs getting the ball forward with the rare moments we have the ball with that midfield pairing. Be nice if Lo Celso turns up for once though. Madness that Bale is on the bench.
I am not expecting much this afternoon and the team selection hasn't really got me anymore excited. If we can stay in it maybe Bale from the bench could be a match winner. I really hope that Harry has been honest is fit, but I have my doubts. Will be surprised if City don't win by a 2 goal margin.
