Not read all papers, but no controversial comments from SAF yet, most matches have a comment just before to unsettle something in their favour.
He did make some comments in diving yesterday - aimed at Suarez it seemed, but could be viewed otherwise........
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/villas-boas-won-michael-dawsons-respect-1545672 I suspect Dawson might not have always felt this way but it's always good to hear a player come out in support of the manager, whether you like him or not, it's important that the players feel comfortable and even happy working with him. It's a testament to Dawson's ability and professionalism that he's stayed, continued to work hard and changed the manager's view on him. Top lad
Dawson cannot but fail to impress anybody with an attitude like that From the sacking of the Southampton manager to the Mancini Ballitoteli spat football is full of dirge. Thank you Michael Dawson a breath of fresh air that the game badly needs.
Like many of you guys, I'm more hopeful than optimistic about today. I think we just have to go at them. Their defence is not great, so hope that we can put them on the back foot from the start. If we try to be cautious,I have a feeling we'll get pasted.
If they sit back and hit us on the break we'll get well and truly done over, we've already seen that Spurs have struggled to break down teams that sit deep and although the likes of Ferdinand and Vidic are slow they're still experienced quality defenders (especially Vidic), and if they're sitting deep then the lack of pace will be somewhat negated. Any manager with an ounce of tactical nous surely see that this is probably the most effective way to play against Spurs right now, especially away from home. BUT this is Manchester United and SAF. He'll go for us right from the off IMO, there's too much pride there to accept that he might be better off sitting back against us, even away from home, and he probably trusts the firepower he's got to see him through. If he does this I think we could get a result today. Open games suit us right now and so long as we don't switch off defensively then we've got a chance.
Really hope this match is on today. Will be a real disappointment if not. I have a bad feeling its going to be called off.
Tottenham on Twitter: "There will be a pitch inspection by the referee at 1450 GMT. We will have a further update for you as soon as possible after that time." please log in to view this image
Watching sky sports just now am sure it's going to be called off. I would be amazed if it goes ahead. Will be so disappointing.
Team news The Spurs Web ‏@thespursweb Tottenham Team vs Man Utd @SpursOfficial Lloris, Walker, Caulker, Dawson, Naughton, Parker, Dembele, Lennon, Bale, Dempsey, Defoe
Is it possible to switch off the heating in the away team's seats? Lloris; Walker, Caulker, Dawson, Naughton; Parker, Dembele, Lennon, Bale, Dempsey; Defoe Friedel, Vertonghen, Assou-Ekotto, Huddlestone, Sigurdsson, Livermore, Townsend
As long as we don't have to sub one of Dawson or Caulker - the options are an ill Verts (which could go horribly, horribly wrong) or draft in Huddlestone at the back which, given he's not been much good as a central midfielder so far this season, we'd be in trouble. But, other than taking a gamble on Hall, we don't have any other options. Should've put Fryers on the bench, just to wind up Bacon Face so much he orders his players to clatter him...when he's still on the bench.
