please log in to view this image Match Preview Both teams go into this game on the back of positive league results and with Man Utd on 12 points and having played below their best, it's the type of game in which all spurs fans will be expecting a defeat, and that's before you mention the atrocious record against Man Utd in the league. Taking away the negative thoughts, the team is showing signs of adapting to AVB's style and tactics, & Dembele has already put in a great performance away to Man Utd this season for Fulham, which brings me to Man Utds weak link, their central midfield. This is the area that we have to exploit and win the midfield battle, if we're to win the midfield battle, then with Defoe in such fine form and Bale always a danger, not to mention Lennon who has started the season in fine form, can we dare to dream of finally defeating Man Utd at Old Trafford? Or will their 12th man, RVP, or Rooney do what many have done over the years, send us home feeling robbed or simply outclassed. Over the years Lennon has terrorised Evra, so with Evra now facing competition for his position, chances are Lennon will face a new face, and this is an area we need Lennon to be at his best, as so far Lennon has looked bright, in form, providing some great link up play and cut backs, yet the goals are missing from his game, as is the lack of crossing ability. Whatever the result, its important the team doesn't hide, especially in midfield and I hope AVB can show us his tactics to deal with Man Utds movement upfront. Man Utd have conceded 6 goals this season, been outplayed in their three away games, lucky to win by the single goal against Fulham, and struggled for 45 minutes against Wigan. The Wigan game was interesting as they pressed Utd and came out on top for 45 minutes, yet simply couldn't keep it up, nor did they have the overall quality. and as AVB prefers a high pressing game, this could work to our advantage. The only worry is that if you look at our league performances, we have struggled to break teams down when pressed high, yet score when hitting teams on the counter, so as long as the players don't tire, we should get joy on the counter, especially with the Man Utd defence leaking goals this season. Aside from Defoe, I think we would all say Vertonghen has been our most consistent and impressive performer and there is no doubt we need Vertonghen at his best, and to put in a leadership performance at the back. If Defoe, Dempsey, Lennon & Bale can link up with quick short passes, then I can see us causing Man Utd no end of problems, but we simply have to compete in midfield, as while we're dangerous on the counter, if man utd have tons of possession then they will punish us. How does everyone see this game going? and what tactics do you see AVB employing? especially after our shocking first half against QPR last week. And who do you feel our key man is?
I expect Sigurdsson to start ahead of Dempsey, especially if Ade's still out. We'd be better if have our only spare, experienced attacker on the bench as one who can play in any of the front 4 positions, plus Sigurdsson's a better passer and I think we'll need that.
I did wonder about that position but with siggy playing midweek, i thought that could be a sign dempsey would start, especially as he linked up so well with Defoe against QPR.
Dempsey played midweek too. Sig's setpiece delivery would be important, it's tough to get goals at Old Trafford and if Defoe's struggling setpieces could be our best chance of scoring.
Cheers for the thread Boss. I hope we have stayed in the NW, because travelling to and fro will surely take it out of the players. I suspect we haven't though, and that's just one more reason why I expect a Utd win.
Gallas & Verts?, not my choice, but that seems to be the first choice so I'm assuming until caulker plays his way into the team, or kaboul gets back from injury, then Gallas will be in the team, as Dawson doesn't seem to be considered for league games.
ah, so he did! Siggy seems to be missing often in league games, thats my only concern and Dempsey is more of a big game player.
Gallas and Verts would not be my choice either, but if that's who he goes with, then who plays at LB ?? (assuming Naughton is still unfit).
Good point! forgot we're short at left back with the injuries, if AVB gets that wrong then that could end our chances, as do we take out Verts from his best position and stick him on the left, which will leave us with Gallas and either dawson or caulker? We could have a back four of Walker Gallas Caulker Verts or Walker Gallas Verts Bale I would feel more confident with caulker in the middle and verts at left back, as utd have kagawa & nani attacking from wide, valencia I think is injured. What do you reckon?
didnt in this game last season, or in 07/08 or 09/10 if memory is correct, hopefully that stays the same
I knew we shouldn't have sold Young Pyo Lee - the greatest right footed South Korean left back we've had If Vertonghen gets shifted to the left it has to be Caulker, you can't give Dawson his first league start since erm.. ages, away against United after only one game against Carlisle.
<Man Utd have conceded 6 goals this season, been outplayed in their three away games, lucky to win by the single goal against Fulham, and struggled for 45 minutes against Wigan.> What have you been smoking.
What do you have an issue with? Everton outplayed Utd and won. You was 5 minutes away from losing against southampton. Liverpool dominated, and you had a crap game, sir alex agrees! You failed to score against Wigan in the 1st half and they were on top for that half. You was 3-2 up against Fulham and they had good chances to make it 3-3. So what have you been smoking?
I think the back 4 is easy to predict - walker caulker gallas JV even if naughton is fit I'd play that I hope Lloris and Ade play, but can't see Ade making it sandro dembele dempsey jd bale lennon the front 6 for me without ade it's too lightweight, and even a makeshift utd should be able to overcome us
Aren't we paying too much respect to a shaky man utd defence by dropping our top goal scorer, just so we have a physical presence up top? Not that Ade is just a big lump, but I don't think he deserves to start against Utd ahead of defoe.
Another very well put together match thread, Boss. Did you put the graphic at the top together yourself? I think we'll start with this side: Friedel; Walker, Caulker, Gallas, Vertonghen; Lennon, Sandro, Dembele, Bale; Dempsey, Defoe. We don't really have a lot of options, to be honest. Our pace might trouble a Man Utd back line that seems to be picking up a lot of injuries, but we'll have to start the game a lot better than our last league match. Evra's been struggling and Lennon's looking bright, so that might be our best avenue of attack. If Rafael and Valencia are both out, as appears to be the case, then we might be able to get some joy from both flanks. Dempsey attacking crosses from late runs could do some damage.
My centre-backs would be Caulker and Dawson but AVB will no doubt go for Gallas, who admittedly has been pretty solid so far. Vertonghen at left back will allow him to get forward more and carry more of a goal threat so would be fairly happy with that.
