In today's press conference the Gaffer confirmed that Ream is still out, as is Mawson. Odoi is of course under suspension for this one. The good news is that Bryan should be okay. As for spurs, we all know about their lack of new signings in the window, said to be because of the cost of the new stadium. Which of course, we also know, isn't ready to plan and the resulting 'bending of the rules' by the FA allowing them to continue playing at Wembley. Be that as it may, Pochettino is likely to go with a 4-2-3-1 formation, which he heavily favoured there last year. Quite simply it enables Alli, Eriksen and Moura to have free attacking roles, continually interchanging and moving defenders around. Creating gaps for Kane to exploit. Allied to this is their fullbacks bombing forward to put pressure on the defence. Not sure exactly what the team selection will be but don't hold with the view (after the win against Newcastle last weekend) that the World Cup "team" looked sluggish/not ready - there's enough quality around to play at half pace. And I won't even contemplate "Harry Kane and August". For us, only three players are guaranteed to be on the team sheet - Chambers, Seri and Mitrovic. Every other position is up for grabs. One thing for certain is that Jokanovic needs to make sure we're solid at the back and there's better protection in front of them. And all of that without compromising our attacking potential. Seri put in a decent defensive performance against Palace and the obvious first question is whether Anguissa, after only a couple of days training, can come to bolster the holding role? Turning to the attack, Cairney was very reserved against Palace and he could be under threat (mentioned before that he seems confused about his role when playing alongside Seri). My feeling is that Jokanovic will use this game - let's face it, one of the toughest of the season - to test a slightly different approach. While not abandoning his 'possession' mantra, being a tad more defensive minded to stifle the Spurs midfield. And bring in mostly new faces in the starting line up: ..............................Rico................ ..Christie...Chambers..Le Marchand...Bryan.. ...........................Anguissa.. .......................Seri................... .......Shurrle......Vitello......Sessegnon.. ...........................Mitrovic... [A case could be made for bringing in Fosu-Mensah at RB but feel that Jokanovic will give Christie another opportunity - on the assumption that he's been working on those crosses in training.]
I'm hoping for Rico and Fosu-Mensah to come in for Fabri and Christie, but other than that I'd be tempted to keep it the same as against Palace. I'm guessing that Anguissa will be on the bench for now but will soon get his chance. I suspect that Schurrle is the attacking player most at risk from Vitello, but I think he'll keep his place. As for formation, I think we'll stick with the tried and tested.
Wouldn't argue with that Captain. Being a huge fan of SuperMac, don't want him dropped and you're probably correct that it's early days for Anguissa. Vitello though, I feel sure will be in the side - okay he only had 20 minutes against Palace but thought he showed some positive aggression and more importantly an ability to get close (ish) to Mitrovic. Who'll drop out for him? Think it's someone from the middle rather on the wide, so 'fraid it's Cairney for me.
Think I'd put in a partnership of McDonald and Angussia in front of the defence. Do a bit of an experiment with Ryan playing the No10, two Box to Box players in Seri & Johansen Rico - Christie, Chambers, Le Marchand, Bryan - McDonald, Anguissa - Seri - Johansen - Sessegnon, Mitrovic
Could be a strange atmosphere in the ground tomorrow. Because the new stadium isn't ready Spurs have given Season Ticket holders a refund for our game. The rub however, is that they then have to buy a ticket for Wembley and few seem to have to have taken up the privilege of doing that. In fact, only around 25,000 of theirs appear to be going. Do you reckon a small crowd in such a vast place as Wembley will work in our favour?
Lawro predicts that we'll go down 2-0. Bet he hasn't factored in us wearing our new Third (so far unrevealed by the Club) Kit.
Meanwhile, it's a return to Wembley as well for the man in charge today Anthony Taylor. Yup, Taylor took the Final. He had his "Grealish Moments" but they probably went in our favour. And, he had his "Odoi Moment" but didn't have any choice. So not at lot to complain about. Not sure how Spurs feel about him though. Taylor bossed Tottenham four times last season, three times in the Premiership and once in the FA Cup. Tottenham won once (1-0 at home to Arsenal). He dished out 19 yellows in the four games, 11 to Tottenham, with Dier getting four of them. For the record, in his 40 games last season he handed out 147 yellows and 5 reds.
I thought Christie played well against Palace. Looking forward to this game. Actually, I'm looking forward to all of the games tbh. Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
Looks like the Captain got the right call Cravin. The team is: .................................Fabri...... .Fosu-Mensa..Chambers..Le Marchand..Bryan.. ............................Anguissa.... .................Cairney.........Seri..... .....Kamara...........Mitrovic........Sessegnon.... The gaffer opting for pace and power perhaps?
Need to be Sharper, Stronger and Smarter. And that goes for the Gaffer as well - not impressed with his subs for starters. But ... some very decent football between our equaliser and that Trippier free kick. Still on a learning curve.
Still early days and again there were positives to be taken. Spurs outplayed us first half, it could have been worse. We did however have two very good opportunities. First 20 minutes of the 2nd half we played very well and were on top. Equaliser from Mitro gave me hope we could get something out of the game but the introduction of Dembele and their other sub put them back in charge. Totally different game from last week but we expected that. I'm confident we will get better and we'll know more once we get to after the first International break. Today I was again impressed with Bryan, Le Merchant and Seri. Anquissa also showed he'll be a player. Crowd was good and kept with the team. A point or three against Burnley will help our confidence big time.
Think Jokanovic got the team selection wrong. First half we gave the ball away in our own half too much and put pressure back on the defence. Kamara was pointing all over the place to other people but doing nothing about stopping the runs of Trippier who luckily wasn't very good at crossing.. Enjoyed first 20 minutes of the second half when we got our passing game back and got the goal. Then came the freekick, I said at the time it's in an awkward place for our keeper if the Spurs players can get it top corner. And Kanes goal as well as Fabri has a short reach. Thought Fabri had a better game, saved some tough shots but also did a few fumbles that caused my heart to flutter. Also thought Le Marchand and Chambers did well together along with Bryan despite getting no help from AK, but Mesah was OK at least he had help from Sessegnon most the time. Cairney, Seri and Angussia didn't impress. Let's hope Jokanovic learns the lessons taught
