He's already scored two goals in the EL as I said. So there's no need to play him in the EL tomorrow. I think it would be a mistake to start him, and I'm absolutely confident AVB won't do so. The game is ideal for JD to start, and he's the one who needs some goals to his account, not '4 in 3' Soldado,
What's the point of playing a player who'll be on his way sometime soon? Surely Defoe is surplus baggage now. I'd play the new signings so they get to know each other quicker. Hey I'm not saying you're wrong when you say AVB won't play Solly I'm just saying that I think he should okay.
I don't think Defoe will go. In fact I'm certain he won't unless we sign another striker. He has looked a little unfit when coming off bench recently - a full 90mins vs Tiblisi will do him good. And hey if he's really going to go, a good peformance could get us an extra million or 2.
As far as I know, Lennon is likelier to go than Defoe. I'd think we'd keep one of Defoe and Ade, and we show no signs of keeping Ade. To me, we have 90 minutes x 11 positions to give to players not projected to start in the NLD. It should go to the the second 11, augmented by anyone coming back from injury who is ready for 90 minutes (Kaboul, Sandro). So SOS's lineup suits me fine. It might be nice to give a new arrival or three a runout late.
Our roster of strikers currently looks like this: Soldado, Defoe, Adebayor, Kane, Coulthirst, Obika (in roughly that order) Playing Soldado in every game isn't possible for many different reasons, not least he'll get burned out whilst Defoe and Adebayor won't be match fit and lack sharpness in front of goal, so we need to change it around occasionally. Let's be honest, we're bound to pick up injuries sooner rather than later, so it's better that the backup plan can come in and contribute, like Defoe did at the start of last season when Ade was injured/unfit. Besides, it's more likely Ade is off this summer.
Looks like AVB's going for Brad,Kyle,Sig and yes Defoe, I'm a bit surprised with the last one but we're through anyway. I just hope we score, score and score again. 5 goals up away means we should score more at home but the goons didn't so maybe I'm expecting too much.
AVB confirmed youngsters will be in the squad and likely given a chance. Hopefully we'll see Coulthirst on at some point, would love if Bentaleb is involved too but not sure if he's registered.
Thanks for the info SOS. I would be very happy to see some youngsters given a go tonight. But I still want a decent starting XI as I think it's important to keep our 100% start.
Hopefully Carroll and Holtby will start and make their marks, they should be absolutely fine in the middle so long as Sandro is there to glare menacingly at the DT players whenever they dare to come near our guys. Defoe will surely get a start as well to keep his match fitness up and get him sharp again, this is the kind of game he could thrive on.
I'd like to see a decent X1 put out tonight, there's enough squad players to make it a strong X1 without risking too many for Sunday. I'd go with something like Brad Kaboul, daws, fryers, naughton Sandro, Carroll, holtby Lennon/Chadli, Defoe, siggy With Kane etc on the bench. The only player I'd play in both games would be daws.
Not worried personally about 100% start, but too weak and there is a danger of shipping a couple of early goals and suddenly a small bit of nervousness can enter. A decent team to weather the initial burst from them and then a few subs at half time if it's 4-6 goals ahead (in the tie, not the match).
Fair comments SD. I'm still concerned about the 100% start though. To falter before the Arsenal match would not be good, IMHO.
I can't decide who i'm siding with here. I guess what i, and we all, want is to rest all the players for Arsenal yet still win tonight. Resting for Arsenal would be my priority, i think. But what greavsie says is true too, one thing breeds winning, its winning. Even if its none of the same players, the club has still lost a game and the run is over. Its another reason i just didn't understand Mourinho in that Utd match, they were there for the taking but his balls were too small.
HI SP, Naturally, I want most of the players due to face Arsenal rested. I just think it's worth having a couple of 'good uns' in defence to help ensure another win. It may be JV starts tonight, then fine, play Kab alongside him. 'Getting to know you' and all that. It's a balance and I hope AVB gets it right. His selections have been brilliant so far, let's hope he continues in that manner.
Tottenham team vs Dinamo Tbilisi: Friedel, Walker, Kaboul, Vertonghen, Naughton, Holtby, Sandro, Carroll, Sigurdsson, Townsend, Defoe SUBS! Lloris, Paulinho, Soldado, Capoue, Dembele and Kane Not taking too many chances then Missed Fryers on the bench as well
The punters on Betfair are predicting a high scoring game. I can't see it myself. We don;t need to bang in another 5 goals.
In other Europa League news, the game between AZ Alkmaar and Atromitos has been stopped because the stadium is on fire and the lights went out. Brand new stadium, just 7 years old. Short circuit is rumoured to be the cause. please log in to view this image
