For me a point would be fantastic but I wouldn't set up for it per se. Id be inclined to use wing backs it gives you 5 when under the cost which spurs will do but allows us to attack with width. Spurs like to play adebayor up top with VDV in the hole, I think having 3 centre halves could nullify them two, so the next challenge would be to stop Modric and the wide threat of Bale and Leon. I think.Rico did great against walcott and has both his goals from bombing forward from left back so he'd get my lwb role. May be controversial but i go with Elmo for the right as I think he'd do a better job than bardsley at getting up and down and tracking Bale. Id bring Bendtner back in if fit (hopefully a bit of stick of the spurs fans might light a fire underneith him and spark him into life. ..........................westwood.................... .........oshea........bramble.......brown...... Elmo....................................................Rico .............larsson.......sess.......vaughan.......... ...............Bendtner......whickham............. If its not working its easy to switch to a 4-4-2 with sess going wide left
You forgot about Bale mate he gets past either Richardson or Elmo then we are fooked as he'll either, drag the CBs all over the place and create space for the CFs and VDV or shoot. Spurs are a very good attacking team but suspect at the back so as we have nothing to lose go for it 4 4 2, attack is the best form of defence in games like this. Agreed a point would be great but, as long as we keep it respectable and put in the effort then that'll do me.
5 man defence when spurs are attacking, can double up on bale if he's having a good day. 4-4-2 with oshea at right back against Bale scares me more tbh he's been dreadful and is only in the team because he came from Man Utd
Personally I'd go witht this: -----------------Westwood----------------- Bardo ---- Bramble ---- Brown ---- Richo Larsson -- Vaughan -- Catts -- McClean --------------------Sess---------------------- ------------------Bendtner------------------ As weird as it feels saying this, I think we'd have have a lot of success down the left with this setup. Lennon is awful defensively and Walker isn't great, but they're both very attacking and pacey players, so we need richo at lb imo to counter the pace they have down that side. Also, McClean's not exactly sluggish, and from what I've seen of im (admittedly, very little) I think he'd have a field day against Walker. Against spurs I think Catts would be good, say what you like about him, he breaks up opposition attacks very well, and I think he's our best chance of stopping Spurs finding their rhythm. Also, he played well in the few games before he was suspended imo. Wouldn't give him the armband, mind. The rest pretty much picks itself I'd say. I'd tell Larsson to track back and help bardo out against Bale, Bardo isn't ideal against Bale but he's a damned sight better than o'shea on current form. As for elmo... just no lol
I would have never thought of that Norfolk - good idea. Basically you are sticking your neck out to give McClean a start - but I must say he looked excellent against Blackburn. Why the hell didn't Bruce at least give him his first start. Why didn't he say - just enjoy yourself and take people on for the last 5 minutes? I think that's basically what O'Neill must have said to him. Maybe he is better as an impact sub for now -especially against a top side like Spurs. I would also go for Bardo at right back - I'm a big O'Shea fan but he does seem out of form.
Yeah I think MON will probably blood mcclean slowly tbh, it was just an idea. I really liked the look of him against blackburn so why not see if he can keep up that level of performance for a full 90 minutes? I don't know what else we could do really tbh. Maybe play sess on the left and go 4-4-2 with wickham and bendtner up front? Or richo left wing bardo left back and o'shea righ back... As I said though, O'shea in his current form against Bale in his current form is a scary thought lol.
------------------------Westwood--------------------------- Bardo----------Bramble or Turner----Brown---------Ricco -------------------------O`Shea---------------------------- Larsson--------Vaughan---------Catts----------------Sess -----------------Whickham or Bendtner-------------------
Meyler instead of Colback when/if fit ...and coming on as sub on the hour mark - Mr McLean RYAN NOBLE ON THE FIELD!!! (if Wickham/ Bendtner are having a poor game) OP: Elmohammady??? Seriously?!?
The only change to this team would be either Meyler/Coback/Gardener for Catts. Yes I do rate Catts as number 6 in the centre of midfield.
