I love having Sandro and Parker playing together,they seem to have worked out eachothers position,with one going forward(Parker) and the other staying back(Sandro). Townsend on the bench if we need to change formation.
I honestly think that Redknapp will try to keep the same formation and just pick either Pienaar or Kranjcar to replace Walker, with both being used if Bale's also missing. Defoe might be another option, depending on what the hell's wrong with him.
I think King should be fine after 4 days. Lets hope so... We definitely need Bale back though. Chelsea don't really have a defensive right back, so there's every chance that Chelsea will try to double up on Bale, thus leaving holes in their midfield / defence, or they won't and run the risk of the right back going 1 vs 1 with Bale. That being said, Bale can always switch to the right and Modders to the left for a bit an Bale can take on Cole if need be. Its very tough to choose a formation when Lennon or Bale are absent now. They have actually been playing exceptionally well recently so its a shame that one (or maybe both) could be missing on Thursday in such a big game. Lets just hope we have a good game and no more injury worries. Didn't watch the game today. Didn't sound like vintage Spurs, but even without Bale and Lennon, we ground out a result against a resolute and buoyant Sunderland! Just need to be more clinical up front!
That is just Ade for you, he was known for this at the goons - Am happy we signed Ade but i hope we don't sign him next year. Good point made about King as if he doesn't recover then I wouldn't even thunk about 5-4-1
I think this might work: Friedel Kaboul King Gallas Sandro Parker Walker Van der Vaart Modric Bale Adebayor A bit hard on Benny to be left out though
We could keep the formation and push walker up to RW, I personally think he'll do well there, the team could go like this -----------------------------Freidel--------------------------- Charlie-------------Kaboul---------King--------------BAE Walker-------------Parker----------Modric-------Pienaar/Bale -----------------------------VDV-------------------------- -----------------------------------Ade-------------------- Or we could play 4-2-3-1 to try and control the midfield, with Walker providing width on the right and VDV/modric tucked inside, sandro and parker to cover for walker when he comes up -----------------------------Freidel------------------------ Walker----------------King-------Kaboul-----------BAE -------------------Parker------------Sandro----------- ----------VDV/Modric------VDV/Modric-------------Bale --------------------------Ade------------------------
We need to win the midfield battle so five in midfield is a must two wingers i reckon is our best options Bale (if fit) and how about Pinearr/Rose i reckon. Didn't see the game myself but apparently had a decent game against Shamrock, i know they are a stronger team but just feel Pinearr deserves another chance!
I'd give Gio or Pienaar a go if I'm honest: Friedel Walker Gallas/King Kaboul Assou Ekotto Gio/Pienaar Modric Parker Bale Van der Vaart Adebayor Or like this: Friedel Walker King/Gallas Kaboul Assou Ekotto Bale Modric Parker Pienaar Van der Vaart/ Defoe Adebayor Or indeed Townsend or Rose, but I wouldn't want to pressurise someone like Townsend - unless he feels up to it.
I'd give Townsend a go if Bale isn't fit to start/ play. We done the same with Rose against Arsenal and look how that turned out. Besides, I think his pace and the fact Chelsea will know very little about him could work in our favour. He has the confidence to take players on, just needs to work on passing and crossing when the time is right as sometimes he tries too much. I've been a fan of his since I saw him play San Jose Earthquakes in the pre-season before last. Think he has what it takes to become a good winger. I'd play: Friedel, Walker, Kaboul, King (if fit, otherwise Billy G), Benny Sandro, Parker Rafa, Luka, Bale (if fit, otherwise Townsend) Ade. Subs: Carlo, Bassong, *Gallas, Livermore, **Townsend, Niko, Defoe * - If Gallas starts then Pienaar on the bench. ** - If Gallas and Townsend start then Pienaar and Pav on bench. Though I think 'Arry will opt to have Defoe/ Niko on instead of Bale and I doubt Townsend will even be on the bench.
I don't think we need two wingers. I'm always happy with one, and usually prefer one winger to two, but so outstanding have Bale and Lennon been, both deserved to play. I think Parker and Sandro has the makings of a great combo, be it home or away, v Sunderland or Chelsea. I suspect Defoe will play, so Friedel Walker King/Gallas Kaboul Assou Ekotto Parker Sandro Modric Van der Vaart Defoe Adebayor IF Bale is fit Parker Sandro Van der Vaart Modric Bale Adebayor
If Bale is fit he most likely will start on the rw, I think Harry will bring in Rose on the left with him alternating with Benny. Otherwise the same team swapping Pav for Defoe if fit.
I hope Pav isn't reading this thread - wins the game for us on Sunday and isn't even on the bench for most people. Why not - he has a much better record than Defoe against the top teams.
Fair comment PS, Pav would certainly be on the bench for me. Trouble is without Bale and Lennon we are no longer a frighteningly pacey team, and at least JD is quicker than Pav. Lots of big calls for Harry to make. It all gets a lot easier if Bale is back and flying.
Hi SY - I think BAE's fast enough to cope, I'd keep Kyle at RB. Kaboul and King will have to keep an eye our for him, plus if Bale's playing he cn track back. Also I hope we have two mid minders playing in Sandro and Parker to help cover against Sturridge as well. Not that we need 6 marking him, but there should always be cover for Benny from someone. Of course if BAE persists in getting caught in possession, which drives me mad, especially with his 'failed drag backs' then if Sturridge catches him, we could have problems.
The 3 most important things for me are:1.King being fit,2 Bale being fit,3.Play Modric in the central role,where he's in his element.
Adding a 4th to that would hopefully be Terry starting for them. Sent off in '06 then gave a penalty and eventually sent off in '10. Now 2011, he's looked way below average (which many have said for a while now) when he doesn't have Essien protecting him, being partnered by Luiz at centre back can't be much help either . Really think we can get a decent result if we play like we did against 'Pool, Fulham 1st half, QPR etc. Besides Chelsea as a whole hasn't looked too good over the past few seasons against us at the Lane, they only drew 1-1 last season because Gomes managed to push Drogba's effort over his head and into the net. Sturridge is the one who needs to be watched, hopefully Bale will be fit and he and Benny can ensure he doesn't see much of the ball.
