Match Day Thread Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United

FWIW I'd be extremely surprised if we went with three at the back.

The regular back four has worked well for us this season and the back three only really worked with Rose and Walker as wingbacks.

Toby looked good against Brighton, if we're excluding the fact he's going to be off in the summer and thus in theory would like to chuck him in the U23s, then he has to start. Harsh on Dave but Jan and Toby are better, it's that simple. However, I think Poch will play Dave, not that it's a bad thing but Toby and Jan would definitely be more formidable.

 

Given we were playing twelve men at this stage last season, is it really too much to ask we're allowed to do the same?

 

Am going with my youngest ...tickets came this morning ... COYS

 

Pre-match stuff ...

 

I honestly can't see a reason why Toby shouldn't be playing. Unlike Walker, who kicked off around late March and - it has to be noted - was at the beginning of a long term contract, it has been clear since late January that Toby - who is coming to the end of his contract - doesn't want to renew.

I would hope by now that the club and player have reached an amicable agreement with the player as to his future; the most likely outcome of which is that he'll be sold after a bit of time in the shop window at the WC to add £10m to his value.

If the player isn't in the 'right frame of mind to play', he should be fined all remaining wages until he departs. If Poch has taken it all so personally that he cannot stomach 'trusting' him to play, he needs serious help.

I'd like to go with 3 at the back as it allows Trippier in particular to reall push high up the pitch. He had a great game against them last time we met and I'd like to see more of the same. A back 3 also gives Dembele more leeway to venture forward.

The only way it'll work is if Toby plays but I agree with you: if we go with a back 4 he still needs to play. Dave has been brilliant this season but Toby remains a class above.

I am so ****ing nervous about this game I cannot tell you.

 

**** nerves, bro.

Just be a confident and arrogant **** like me and believe we'll win.

If there's one thing I've learned and admire about Jose (eurgh), it's that he very rarely allows his sides to make the same mistake twice. You speak about allowing Tripps more freedom because he done well the last time against them, chances are Jose has worked on a plan to prevent Tripps from getting a single cross-in. Little things like that is where Jose tends to excel in and so I'm hoping that Poch is treating it like a game of chess and is already anticipating a different Utd to the one we faced last time at Wembley.

For me, we need to stick to what we do best - which this season is 4-2-3-1, allowing "the three" to cause havoc behind Kane - and also hope that Kane can reach the levels of where he was pre-injury. Toby playing gives us a better chance of winning, Dave has been immense for us but right now he's still at a developing stage, Toby and Jan are the finished articles.

It's gonna be tough, no doubt about it, they're above us in the league with a manager that always knows how to win when it really matters but we CAN beat these guys so long as we turn up with our absolute A-game.

 

Drop Lloris then

 

A few thoughts on this that most have probably already covered but it's Friday, I have a **** load of work to do, so I'm being lazy and haven't read previous posters comments (sorry)...

1. Toby has to play
If his performance and commitment on Tuesday didn't demonstrate that he's being totally professional about his situation, nothing will. Poch needs to put personal pride aside and pick the strongest team. As much a Dave is a great prospect, a CB pairing of Toby and Jan is always going to be our best option.

2. Vorm should play
Lloris' crap form aside, Vorm has helped us get there in this competition and dropping him for this game would be an insult to his commitment and patience this season. He deserves to start and will do a great job I'm sure. Lloris hasn't earned the right at all and besides, I hate is when keepers are captain. I cannot fathom how they can even begin to influence a game.

3. This game IS massive
No matter what Poch has said, he knows the importance of this game and Tuesday night's team selection proves he's treating it seriously. As for his comments on this game not being important, he's merely taking the pressure of his team and good for doing so. Behind closed doors, I'm sure he is getting the lads fully prepared for this match and the players know just what is expected of them and how the FA Cup is still a prestigious piece of silverware.

4. Underestimate United at your peril!
Jose is a master at tactically getting games right just when it counts. If Poch thinks he can just do a carbon copy of our recent league win at Wembley, then he's in for a nasty surprise. Mourinho will have studied that tape over and over and will have plans in place to stop us from playing our game and try to nick it, I assure you. This is the game that Poch needs to stand up and show his tactical nous and prove he's ready for the big time.

5. I can't wait
I'm bricking it for this game but in my gut I think we have a great chance. We have to take the positives and use them to our advantage. They being:
a) Wembley is like our home ground right now. Use that to our advantage and play like it is.
b) We know this United side can be beat so don't show them too much respect - make them fear us!
c) Focus, stick to our game and be patient.
d) Get behind the team no matter what. Make some noise and let them know we are there
e) Believe.... just f**kin' believe guys! That's half the battle won.

COYS!!!

 

There isn’t a strong case to replace Vorm as the FAC keeper. Not only has he done us proud this year, but I’m seriously low on confidence for Hugo. The media are starting to pick up on this and I’ve read accounts that the Spurs fans would be rioting if Lloris doesn’t play! Really??

The Toby/Dave option is less tricky. Love Big Dave, but if Toby is fit (and it looked that way on Tuesday) then he has to play. He is a class above at the moment.

For me, there are a few more ‘must starts’ - Tripps, Jan, Ben, Eriksen, Dele and Dembele. Also assuming that Dier will be there too.

Then it gets trickier....... Harry is not right and not only has been ineffective in the top third, but has also not been as mobile across the pitch. Sonny has looked fecked the last few games, but still provides an ‘x’ factor. Lamela still flatters to deceive - lots of effort and the occasional brilliant through ball, but doesn’t influence games or get enough goals himself.

Would be tempting to start Lucas again, but his contribution against Brighton showed he’s still integrating into the unit - and teamwork will be key tomorrow.

If we turn up with the right attitude then I’m confident we can win - even if we find ourselves playing against the ‘Red in Black’ and the likes of Young, Herrera and Valencia get away with their persistent fouling and diving etc. Some good news being that it looks like Jones will play for them!

COYS!!

 

Maybe we should spring a surprise selection? Son at RB instead of LB?

 

No, let's not go all Juande Ramos when it really matters and **** it up. Just play to your strengths. No square pegs in round holes.

 

Lol I think B&W was being sarcastic, mate. No sane Spurs fan wants to see Son anywhere near that defence again

 

I'd sooner see him there than Aurier.

 

On current form, I’d rather see him there, playing blindfold with one leg in plaster......

 

I know but people do strange things when the weather gets warm. I just had to make sure!

 

Wonder if that's why Wenger's chosen to announce his departure - sunstroke?

 

NOT BLOODY FUNNY ....










ok maybe a little.....

 

Just a thought ahead of this one...

A few different sources are saying that we're having another long, hard look at Porto right back Ricardo Pereira, having previously bungled a move for him last summer.

If there's something to this, it pretty much confirms that Tripper is starting this one - given Pereira isn't a like-for-like replacement for him...

 

If Tripps doesn't start, I'd be extremely worried.

Pereira was who we were after last summer, wasn't it?