Match Day Thread Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City

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Tuesday 9th April 8pm
Champions League Quarter Final
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium​

Our return home was a triumphant one, but we're following it up with a much tougher test.
CIty are pushing for a historic quadruple and already have one trophy in the bag and are in another final.
They're in prime position in the league and will be looking to overcome their troubles in this competition.
This may be the only place to watch the Champions League in London, but how long can it last?

This is the first of three games in four fixtures against Manchester's blue team.
Huddersfield break the monotony on Saturday, but this is an opportunity to put down a marker.
Our form hasn't been great against them in recent seasons and a big performance is needed here.
I think that most of us wanted virtually anyone else, for various reasons.
The team need to get something out of this game or the end of the campaign could get messy.

So how should we approach this one? Our normal game hasn't been effective against them.
A couple of counter-attacking sides have had some success, notably Leicester and Palace.
Vardy's mob beat them at the King Power in the league and drew in the League Cup, going out on penalties.
Perhaps recreating our 5-4-1 from the Dortmund away game might be an idea?
Maybe something more attacking might be appropriate in the new stadium, though?

Aurier, Dier and Lamela are unavailable due to injury.
City only appear to be missing Zinchenko. Neither side has any suspensions.

Lineups for each side's last league game:

Spurs: Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies; Sissoko, Alli; Eriksen, Son, Rose; Kane.
Subs: Gazzaniga, Walker-Peters, Sanchez, Foyth, Wanyama, Winks, Moura.
League form: LLDLLW.

City: Ederson; Danilo, Stones, Laporte, Zinchenko; De Bruyne, Fernandinho, Foden; Mahrez, Jesus, Sane.
Subs: Muric, Walker, Kompany, Gundogan, B. Silva, D. Silva, Sterling.
League form: WWWWWW.

Referee: Björn Kuipers (NED). High profile ref and supermarket owner. 4th official is Scottish, strangely.

TV: BT Sport 2.

How should we line up and what tactics should we use against a team in impressive form?
Is there anyone that you'd like to see benched that would normally start?
Any City players that you'd like to see given special consideration?

 

Gazza
Trippier (oh god) Toby Jan Rose
Sissoko Winks Alli
Moura Kane Son

I’m being bloody minded and continuing the Gazza for GK crusade. Trippier over KWP in this game, just. Alli to try and do a job on Fernandinho to disrupt their midfield, and wingers to push on and punish their FBs, who are their weak link in this game and like to push on, so will leave space.

This is going to be a serious test, new WHL will be rocking and hopefully that inspires the lads to pull this off.

 

Paul Stewart

 

I like the look of this line up. Plenty of pace to hit them on the counter. I think PNP rightly points out that so far this season all 4 teams who have managed to beat them (Chelsea, Palace, Newcastle and Leicester) did so by playing a set up to contain and stifle.

The other formation that could deliver that could be to drop Kane into the 3 and use Llorente to make it stick up top for others to play off on the counter. Winks also looked miles off the pace against Palace which was a concern so maybe use Alli in a deeper role...

Gazza
Trippier Toby Jan Rose
Sissoko Alli
Kane Eriksen Son
Llorente

 

Eriksen for Winks and I’d agree.

 

Actually I agree, I was still thinking about transfers and forgot Eriksen still played for us

And yes CK, Llorente could be useful for us as well, if not starting then certainly at some point, and quite possibly for the second leg he could start like you describe, for the outball.

 

A bunch of tickets went on sale todsy in a block of 20 or 30... in area 521.
Wondered if they were city returns or if corporate/officisl sellers couldn't shift them cos they wanted too much.
Me and the teen beast are now going...itll be her first match their...COYS

 

Not sure Llorente will be in the squad, given he's coming back from a concussion

 

Was there ever a replay of what happened? He came on, got nutted and went back off again, as far as I could see.

 

Can we bring back Aaron Lennon and Crouchy for this one ???

 

Replays of dangerous fouls by Saltypool players? You're more likely to hear pundits call out the countless dodgy calls in their favour...

 

SPOILER ALERT!!

Dear Supporter,
There are two important points we need all ticket holders in our South Stand to note ahead of tomorrow night’s UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 1st leg tie with Manchester City:
1. Please take your seat
Fans are reminded that, as has always been the position in Premier League and UEFA Champions League stadia, standing during matches is against ground regulations.
The offence is punishable by stadium bans and clubs are at risk of having capacities reduced in certain areas of the stadium if persistent standing is not dealt with.
We therefore ask for your maximum cooperation with our stewards on this extremely important matter. If you are asked to be seated by a steward, please heed this instruction.
This ensures that everyone can enjoy the matchday without obscured views and in a safe environment.
2. Help us start the match with a clear message of intent
All ticket holders in the South Stand will find a coloured, 100% recyclable plastic bag on their seat upon arrival. By holding the bag up with the plain side facing towards the pitch as the teams enter the field of play, we shall display a motif of our ‘To Dare Is To Do’ motto that will fill the entire South Stand – providing an unforgettable visual impact.
We kindly ask for your co-operation for a total of 60 seconds to create an iconic image that will be seen around the world – once again showcasing our new home in all its glory.

 

It's up to the fans to give us the 12th Man tonight.

Make it hell for their players. The Dortmund Yellow wall is noisey for 90...that was our inspiration.

I think we can beat them...they won't spring any surprises...they play to their strengths so Poch should know what to expect. Then it's down to how many of the 40 shots at goal we get on target

COYS

 

My first go in the South Stand. I'm going to be turned up to 11.

 

I wonder if Danny rose is playing left back or left midfield tonight ....I guess I'll have to Google it

 

Wow, just ruined the entire spectacle for me.

The hacks have already told me that Citeh will win tonight,
and now you have removed one of the few things I could have
actually looked forward to.

 

Thought he was quite menacing playing further upfield against Palace. At least that gives us a threatening option off the bench in Moura.

 

Verts was outstanding playing left wingback the other week I wonder if Poch will do that again

 

En route for my first visit. Decided to let the train take the strain. Long walk up from Seven Sisters not an option, I had a vasectomy yesterday. A little swolen today. I think a bus will be necessary. 75 quid ticket, 2 quid booking fee, 41 quid train, fiver Costa Coffee lunch deal, going to be an expensive evening out, COYS.

 

That's dedication mate fair play to you hope you and the rest of us have a great night.COYS