all i can say is they owe us a big performance on sunday after subjecting us to that display at inter
The only good thing is that we have Bale, Dawson and Benny to come back in, Lennon to start - and the hope that some of the rest cannot possibly play that badly 2 games running.....
Lloris Dawson Caulker Benny Lennon Bale Defoe Lennon, Defoe and Caulker didn't play the full game, the rest didn't play a second - they won't be knackered.
Holtby only came on in the second half too, so he should be alright, despite not looking particularly fit. Lloris; Naughton, Dawson, Caulker, Assou-Ekotto; Parker, Dembele; Lennon, Bale, Holtby; Defoe, perhaps? Huddlestone and Carroll both played for the U21s on Monday, so they might be considered and isn't Dempsey back soon, too?
What is the latest on Kaboul? I would love to see him come back soon, maybe at right back? It could solve one of our biggest problems.
Yeah - fair point mate - just didn't have Brad on my list of culprits tonight so he slipped the radar!!
Would opt for Ade over Defoe based on performance tonight, but think he will be struggling for fitness after the work he had to do tonight. He was out on his feet at the end. Certainly Walker needs a right royal kick up the ass and dropping him is the only real option. He will come back I am sure but the lad needs to learn. The problem is that I have ever diminishing faith in Naughton at either RB or LB. (Why the **** did AVB think he needed to rest Benny tonight? He has missed half the season so is hardly over-played....) Interesting you have opted to rest Verts. Although he was our best defender by a long way tonight, he was still sleeping for the 4th goal. Think you might be right actually.
Dembele and Vertonghen deserve and may need a rest, but Dembele in particular has been the key to our fortunes. I'd probably play him and rest Jan. Even when Dembele looks flat, he somehow exerts his will on the game. When Vertonghen is flat he goes from superb to mediocre. I'd start with Ade and bring on Defoe late. Defoe started off the season unselfish and very effective, but since he's come back it's been too little of both. Maybe as a late sub he can get a goal against a tired defense. I know a lot of people don't like Ade, but he's certainly willing to support his teammates.
Lloris Naughton, Dawson, Vertonghen, Benny Parker, Dembele Lennon, Bale, Sigurdsson Ade/Defoe/Sandra/whocares Back to a more normal line up and hopefully a win
A very important game this one, a good result will take any pressure and concerns of a wobble away. Good luck
I'm well aware Holtby is new and not up to speed etc. etc. but I have to say I haven't been overly impressed with his form so far. His attitude is good, so hopefully he'll get better. I'm giving him the benefit seeing as how Bale and Sandro were both disaster zones for a good while before they got better and are now our 2 most important players I'd say.
Lioris Naughton, Dawson, Verts, Benny Parker, Dembele Lennon. Holby, Sig, Bale a total free attacking role . Strikers don't offer anything, Holtby needs a game in the middle to restore confidence. Sorted.
Weather alert??? Haven't seen anything official, but the rain in the region has been torrential for the past 48hours. Anyone heard whether the game is in doubt this afternoon?
"Haven't seen anything official, but the rain in the region has been torrential for the past 48hours. Anyone heard whether the game is in doubt this afternoon?" Little bit of rain in Enfield this morning. Blue/grey sky. Nothing much else. Was a bit windy last night. And anyway, after what the U21s did last monday, if the seniors cannot play on a non-waterlogged pitch when tis pissing down, they should be sacked.
Cheers RDBD - have a longer journey today so just wanted a heads up. Wasn't suggesting that our boys wouldn't fancy getting a bit wet.......
Lloris; Naughton, Caulker, Dawson, Vertonghen; Sigurdsson, Dembele, Parker, Assou-Ekotto; Adebayor, Bale. Friedel, Walker, Carroll, Holtby, Livermore, Defoe, Dempsey. Ekotto on the wing? Vertonghen at left back? Managers live and die by these positions so we'll see how this goes. I'm glad Naughton's in for Walker but I don't know why Vertonghen's being moved to the left or Benny's been moved forward seems a bit experimental for me.
