This is one of those times I'm glad I don't manage. It's tempting to pick a weaker team on the grounds that they should be good enough for the purpose, and get everyone as fresh as possible for Fulham. I thought we looked a bit tired the last half hour against Liverpool. Tempting, but I wouldn't do it, on the grounds that it's not what we've been doing. I'd play a reasonably strong team while resting Dembele, who's just too important to risk at this point. Naughton Caulker Gallas A-E Carroll Parker Gylfi Holtby Dempsey Adebayor
I'd go strongish too. If we are even at HT or even ahead then i'd make 2 early subs to save a couple of the weekend, keeping 1 sub in hand for injuries or to use with 10-15 left
It's hard to guess how we'll set up with no Lennon or Bale. I'd go for: Brad Naughton, Gallas, Caulker, Benny Parker, Carroll Sigurdsson, Dembele, Holtby Ade Lots of changes but what else can we do? The last thing we need is Vertonghen feeling the effects of being overworked this season, he's already played 90 minute inb 39 matches this season and it's not going to get any easier in our last 9 league games as the pressure really starts to mount. Elsewhere we need to start exploring our options, Naughton might not be an exciting player but it feels like Dawson and Vertonghen's excellent performances are only really making up for Walker's sloppiness. If Kyle2 can put in some unspectacular but solid performances in the run in I'd take that over Walker's form. With Bale, Lennon and Dempsey all out there's no real obvious choice for the 5th midfielder to play, Townsend would have meant we didn't have to play Dembele or Holtby out of position but we don't have anyone else who plays out wide. As for the last 3 changes I'd rather Adebayor played at the top of an unfamiliar 11 as we could end up needing to do a lot of hoofing, whilst Brad and Gallas have been playing in the Europa League games and doing very well.
Agreed - but with one minor consideration of starting with Jake rather than Tommy C. I know that he hasn't set the world alight recently (and I would be negating his super-sub benefits) but think he might provide a stronger presence at the start.
I cringed watching Parker and Livermore trying to get forward and pass it around yesterday(particularly early on), we just kept losing it. without even threatening.
Yes I'd like an early goal for us on Thursday but failing that not conceding early. If we can weather an early storm and keep a clean sheet by half time I'll be happy.
If we get an early goal, i think it will game over,as they will need five to win,but i will take a 0-0,or 1-0 loss
No tots NO. I will not take a defeat and neither should you. Two defeats on the trot and alarm bells will start to ring,think about it. Nothing less than a draw or a win for us will suit me.
well, it looks like I'll be missing the game. Just enrolled myself on a football coaching course for 3 evenings this week. Would have to be Thursday night, wouldn't it?! Looks like I am going to have to record it and try and stay off of here during the game!
So you will ROO the decision but still be ROOting for Spurs. I hope we will be ROOthless against Inter and run the ROOl over them.
cheers for the wonderful comments of encouragement chaps! I'm not expecting this course to be particularly tough. I've been told it's pretty easy. However, when I do the next one, I'll probably post some of the questions on here to get your opinions and trigger some good debate. - Hopefully, being the intelligent bunch that you are, you'll help me pass the course with flying colours. Us BERKshire folk aren't to bright, don't forget. Isn't that right, Notso?!
Good luck with it, Roo. Look at some of the people who are successful coaches, like Rafa. How hard can it be?
