Yeah I think we saw on Monday that Ange isn’t swaying from the high line regardless of the situation. The only saving grace we’ve got for tomorrow is that Neto is also out for them and I think he’s a great player who’d have likely torn our makeshift defence to shreds.
I've been busy sorry...a big blow that along with the injuries to van de van van de van or whatever he's called. At least Son is fit and at his best.
You’ll have to forgive Hudd, after Winks he needed another poor player to root for and seeing as Lo Celso is basically Winks with a tan and Latin accent, it’s been a quick transition for him.
I gave up on him last season, mate. There was a brief flicker of redemption in preseason when Ange talked him up a bit but then he’s been pony all season so far. I still think Ange starts him because there isn’t really an alternative. Hojbjerg or Skipp from the start there, especially without Udogie, will massively hamper our left side, and Bentancur clearly isn’t fit enough to play more than 30 mins or so right now. So I think it’ll be GLC or a wildcard like Kulu. I’d rather see Donley given a go there though.
I just don’t think Ange rates him, does anyone? . We’d have seen far more of him this season if he did because I think Maddison’s only completed the full 90 once or twice and you’d think that he’d be the most likely stand-in. Hojbjerg hasn’t really done much wrong when he’s come into games and I think with our defensive situation too, it’d be smarter to have a workhorse to help try protect that defence, especially as we’ll still no doubt be playing a high line. I’d love to see Donley given a go but so far Ange hasn’t really shown any faith in the academy, even though a fair number are impressing. It’s why I don’t think Phillips will start either despite the fact he’s the only other fit CB.
I can’t remember the exact quotes but he seemed reasonably happy with him preseason. Clearly behind Madders but seen as a good option. And Ally G did the U-turn from expecting him to be nailed on sold to the narrative being that he had changed behind the scenes and was seen as a good squad player by Ange. I was always a bit doubtful of that - Ally G can be a bit of a cheerleader at times but his info is usually solid. I kinda hope Ange’s hands are forced with the youth side. I’d rather see a good youth prospect (and Phillips has already played senior football, albeit a few levels down) play than Davies at CB. I’ve seen a bit of youth games this season and Donley has always looked very good indeed so I’d be keen to see that too.
Oh yeah I remember the praise in pre-season but that seems pretty obligatory from most managers to praise those they don’t seem to intend on playing/ playing much. Pep always praises Phillips yet he barely gets on the pitch. I too would rather Phillips than Davies/ Emerson at CB but I just don’t think it’ll happen. I think Phillips - and Donley - will make the bench but I reckon it’d still be doubtful they get on the field.
If I were hojbjerg I would be fuming if lo celso started over me. Hojbjerg has done great the times he has been called on this season. We need warriors in tomorrow’s game and looking at the potential defence and midfield I think we have that at the very least. Lo celso is definitely not the player you would turn to in a crisis and this is a mini one we find ourselves in now. I don’t think it will be pretty, but I would rather win ugly than get turned over again.
Unfortunately we've got the worst injury crisis we've ever had so I'm having to wish ill on other clubs. In truth the toon are happy to fall ball back for a couple of years, but that's not to say it wouldn't be better to finish top 5.
I agree with you regarding Hojbjergs performances this season as sub, but his skillset is not a replacement for Maddison. The only way you could accommodate him at a push would be to have Biss play more forward, but that would then break up the partnership with Sarr. Personally I rather opt for giving Gil a start, but that won't happen.
TBH Hojbjerg isn't a natural fit to cover for Maddison anyway, he's better suited in Sarr's role Also don't write off Lo Celso as a fighter since he's certainly got that Argentine grit, as demonstrated by him playing with two bleeding ankles in the past - though let's be honest, Bentancur will be replacing him by the 70th minute either way
Yeah I get what you are saying and I like the idea of Kulusevski for Maddison, with Gil up front. That would definitely give more creativity.
I don’t doubt his fight when he pulls an Argentina shirt on, I’ve just never seen him do that in a spurs shirt!
Me likey this option, with Kulu in Maddison’s role as Cracker’s has said. Should still get some silky football from the midfield then. It’s just the defence we’re having to write off!
Wolves are not the same team without Neto so you should make easy work of this. Once he went off vs us the game swung dramatically.
