As I see none for this, I'd thought I'd start one as the game is closing in on us. Game is 8.05 on Wednesday 30th November. Here's some useful travel news http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/travel/news/travel-update-paok-281111.html I'll be at the game, and looking forward to seeing a strong team, including one of my favourite players, Jake Livermore. I think there will be a good crowd, and good atmosphere as I would expect a good turn out by our fans and and there to be plenty of Greek fans both from PAOK and just Greek London football fans in general.
It'll be interesting to see how Redknapp approaches this game, as we really need to win it to guarantee progress in the competition. Our current injury problems and focus on the league may scupper any chance of starting a strong side, though. We may see the usual second string, backed up with a strong bench.
HI PNP, I think it will be a mix, but much depends on fitness re Luka and Corluka. At this stage I predict this team Gomes; Corluka Gallas, Bassong Townsend; Pienaar Livermore Sandro GDS; Pav JD Subs Cudicini, Walker, Kaboul, Carroll, Bale, Lennon, Adebayor. This is a massive game in terms of us qualifying, and I think we will reflect that in our line-up. There's a possibility I think of Rose playing, if so he's in the 18, I'm sure.
Cudicini; Corluka, Bassong, Gallas, Rose; Dos Santos, Sandro, Carroll, Pienaar; Defoe, Pav We'll have a stronger bench, too: Lennon, Bale, Modric, and Kaboul will certainly be on it, along with Townsend and Livermore.
I think Livermore is a certainty to start, he's a better player than Carroll ATM, that's for sure. Carroll doesn't get anywhere near the first team squad, Jake is a regular, and played well when he came on v WBA. The keeper is interesting, as Harry has been rotating them, so Wed is Gomes' 'turn', but of course Cudicini deserves to keep his place after Rubin. I think Harry will keep to his 'rotation policy' though.
He might be injured in the same way that Palacios was before his move in the summer, SF. Perhaps his move has already been sorted or is being sorted out at the moment?
HI SF, I think he is injured, well according to Harry he had 'back problems' a few days ago, IIRC. If Pav doesn't play, there's a big call to be made as to who to play up front. I don't rate Kane ATM, and so would be worried if he started. We surely can't start Ade, so then, mmmm. GDS and JD?
Eitherway, I wouldn't expect him on Wednesday. If Modric is fighting fit by Wednesday I'd hope he plays. Last Monday was barely a stroll in the park for him and after missing Saturday, he could probably do with a proper game again. I'd go: Gomes Charlie(is he fit?) Gallas Bassong Benny Pienaar Sandro Modric Rose GDS Defoe If we take it seriously and get the game won, we can give the kids another fun field trip against Shamrock.
We best bloody win this game, It's my birthday on the night and as usual I'm gonna be freezing my b*llocks off for 'em! All worth it though SHOULD win it fairly comfortably even with a "B" team. Would like to see: Carlo, Charlie*, Gallas, Bassong, Benny (he'll be fine to play weds and sat I reckon) Gio, Sandro, Livermore, Townsend Carroll Defoe Subs: Gomes, Kaboul, Pienaar, Lennon, Pav, Fredericks, Kane I've "starred" Charlie as he seems to keep picking up niggling injuries lately, if he's not fit to start then chuck Fredericks at RB and bring in Falque/ Parrett to the subs. Going for 3-1. Defoe x 2 and Gio.
No more tickets on sale. Sounds like they want to have a few gaps so they can move supporters around if there is 'friction' It's a shame people from opposite sides can't sit together, but alas they can't.
With no travel for this fixture I'd expect a 'usual' starting 11 and a strong bench....just incase Hudd sits on it! <run>
I'll be there I do really want to progress, because I feel the EL is our best chance of silverware this year, so a win is crucial!
Bump- as game is tomorrow. Surprised there's not more interest, but I'll be there and am looking forward to it.
Fair enough, I think I'd rather we won the Europa than the FA Cup. Yes UEFA have bastardised the competition beyond recognition since we last won it but the FA Cup is fast going the sameway with the introduction of seedings. I still think there's a lot of prestige to be have by winning the trophy and even inspite of the prize money being dwarved by the CL, players abroad will take notice when you win it and it could well help us keep the current talents we have.
Yep SF, I'd rather win this than the FA Cup. I think from a European perspective it's now a more important trophy than the FA Cup, and of course it helps us with the UEFA rankings which England currently lead for the fifth season in a row. We haven't made a European semi-final for 27 years now, and that's simply not good enough for a club of our (aspiring to?) stature.
Would love to win either FA or EL personally. But i think for the good of the team 4th is more important, even if its not as exciting IMO.
Fair comments SP, and I think you're right. Luckily we can finish 4th and win the EL with this squad, and I hope we do.
I think we have the squad to compete on atleast 2 fronts this season but league definitely takes a priority
