I like the idea of Sandro & Parker in the middle. It would make us a lot more solid defensively - especially with Ledley injured. However, I still think that a VDV/Walker combo could prove to be a weak defensive link - especially against the better teams.
And with Lennon on the bench, Harry would always have the option to switch to a conventional 4-4-2, by bringing on Lennon for either Sandro or Parker.
Is everyone agreed on the best team for Spurs right now? Seems that way. Everything has its drawbacks, but the so-called 4-2-3-1, or 4-6-1: keeps VDV playing, and doesn't make him worry too much about tracking back on the right. Has great protection for the back four. Is still good going forward, as both Parker and Sandro (along with A-E and Walker) are dangerous. The one big negative is that it leaves Defoe on the bench, but the alternatives would leave Sandro, Parker or VDV on the bench, which is worse. Lennon hasn't shown the form to deserve to start, so far anyway. Also, I think having two really speedy wingers, while effective in the Champion's League, doesn't work so well in the Prem. 1 winger seems better than either 0 or 2. In any case, Spurs are sure to get hit by injuries, and not just Defoe, but Lennon and maybe another player or two, will get 25-30 games or more (if they stay healthy).
Obviously--I posted the correction before I saw your comment, Schteffen. Maybe I meant the -1 as the keeper, or, more likely, I can't count.
Harry has seen the benefit of Parker and Sandro on the pitch, he came on against the Goons and sorted the possession issue straight away, and set up the winner. Well. I'd like to think he did!, there'll be plenty of opposition where both are necessary imo.
Have to disagree NSIS, with Sandro and Parker to cover I think we'd be stronger defensively than with one of them being sacrificed to accommodate Lennon, especially indeed against the better teams.
We'll have to agree to disagree, on this one, mate. I still feel that the combination of Sandro & Parker with their ball winning, and play breaking instincts, makes us more secure defensively. Lennon only works on the "attack is the best form of defence" theory, IMO. Sometimes that tactic works, many times. not - as Man Utd found out at the wkend, after beating their heads against City's defensive wall for a lot of the game - only to concede 6 goals at the other end.
Hi NSIS, I think I confused you there, and it was my fault What I'm saying is I want Sandro and Parker playing and I don't think the VDV/Walkwe combo is a weak defensive link, especially against the better teams. Because I think Sandro and Parker can cover Walker's attacking runs, and that VDV shouldn't be doing to much defensive work. If everyon was fully fit, here's my 'front 6' - Parker Sandro Modric Bale VDV Ade - With Walker overlapping, that gives us pace, strength, creativity and goals. But of course, there is a need for at least 6 more players competing for places. Livermore, Lennon, Pienaar Defoe Townsend Niko would probably be that 6, as I'm discounting Hudd cos of his long term injury, and you never know how that will affect a player, but if comes back as good as ever I'd have to find him a spot in that 6. We also have players like Rose and Carroll, and doubtless I've forgotten a couple, so it's good we have a lot of competition.
Yep HD, NSIS and I probably do, except about Walker/VDV. But I think it was me who confused the issue, anyway I hope it's clear now
I'm sure that I've said it elsewhere, but I'd go with Kranjcar as part of our best midfield. Sandro or Parker in the centre with Modric, Bale on the left, van der Vaart up behind Adebayor and Kranjcar playing in off the right. He wasn't effective in that position when playing ahead of Corluka, but I think that Walker's style of play would suit him far better.
That could work, PNP. But, Only if Kranjcar remembers to tackle back, and help Walker in defence. Not something he's shown much aptitude for, so far. Sorry, GH10, I misconstrued your meaning. I'm still nowhere near convinced that the Lennon/Walker thing would work defensively against a quality left sided attack. Catch 22 really, as I like the Sandro/Parker combo.
I think we really are a much stronger team playing with both Parker and Sandro,you only had to watch against Arsenal to see that.The Walker/VDV doesn't fill me with confidence but we really can't afford to lose Sandro coz we don't play him enough,he can become a top player(well already is)i'm sure between the 2 of them they can cover the righthand side.When we get some of our other players back it will give us more choice anyway.
I think that we lost the midfield to numbers in that game, Pat. When Liverpool tried to match up against our 4-4-2 they got absolutely battered. Arsenal played 3 in the middle against our two and it paid off in terms of possession, if not in chances. Both systems have their uses.
