That's the case for any full back though . We need to focus on attacking as well as defensive outlets though, we can't go into the game purely worrying about stopping Real as chances are they're going to score regardless, so I think looking at who can offer the most in both the attacking and defending sense should be considered, as I said I genuinely don't mind who gets the nod out of those two, just think it's harsh when people completely write Tripps off as if Aurier has been a hell of a lot better so far. No doubt Aurier has the potential to be superior but as of right now, I don't think there's much in it based on recent performances. I definitely wouldn't play Rose, or at least start him anyway, he's still nowhere near being fully match fit and his only 90 mins to date was a below-par performance (along with the rest of the back line) against a West Ham B team. Starting him against Real would for me be suicidal. Davies has somewhat had a rest what with being slightly injured, I'm sure he's raring to get back into the run that he was in prior to that knock, was looking unbelievable.
If you want to enjoy the highlights of the game in Madrid from the fans' perspective, this is great........and not just because I can see me and Mrs B in it on a few occasions.
That's exactly how I see it. I got a close view of Trippier playing against Man City in Nashville and to say it wasn't pretty is putting it mildly. He was the worst player on the pitch. I think he's become a very good fullback overall, and I'd prefer him against most clubs, but against one that's got great pace and will have most of the ball, I'd go with the fast fullback who can hit them on the break. While Aurier does need to work on not giving away pens, he also has more history of success against top opposition.
I’m not writing Trippier off at all mate, I rate him as a player. But overall, for this fixture, I think Aurier will be the better option, despite his faults. His speed will help to negate RM’s attacks, but going forward, he’s also more likely to stretch the play, giving us more space centrally for the likes of Eriksen (who needs that). He’s also got the ability to get in behind, giving their defenders something to think about, potentially keeping them on the back foot. Trippier won’t take anyone on and will instead play passes inside in the final 3rd. Against that defence, we’ll struggle to create any clear cut chances IMO. It’ll also mean our creative players are starved of space centrally. Many fans have said how Eriksen isn’t turning up for big games, but this is one way to help him out, as he thrives on pockets of space to feed through balls.
Their defence is missing three key players though don't forget, Carvajol is still out, while Varane and Navas join him on the sidelines. IF Poch goes with Llorente and Kane again, then I think Tripps' crossing could do some serious damage, their defence couldn't handle Nando last time and he should've had two assists, so against a depleted back line, I'd fancy him to do well if given the right service. I suppose it's going to come down to whether Poch is looking for a more defensively sound or a more creative/ attacking outlet from full back for this. I think if he wants a better chance of keeping a clean sheet then he'll go with Aurier due to his more physical presence and the fact he'll keep up with the speed Real possess but I think if he wants his full back to be knocking in balls to Nando and Harry then I think Tripps will get the nod. Interesting battle, think Tripps has come on leaps and bounds over the past 6 or so months, had no problem when he was being rotated more with Walker towards the end of last season and now with Aurier I feel similar, whoever starts is cool by me. Eriksen just tends to go through patches of form, he's been like ever since he joined, I don't think it's down to other players needing to open or create space for him, he's just one of those guys who when he's up for it, he's unplayable, while other times he can be a passenger. Alli is more of a concern for me a the moment than Eriksen anyway, I've said already that I'd be very weary about starting him in this match, last thing we need is for him to go 'full Alli' around someone like Ramos and get himself sent off.
Arsenal watching Emmerdale, Tottenham at the Bernabau Competition time. Video time for when TFTB and his good lady appear in the video.
You'll need it on full screen on a lap top but if you pause at 25.55, start at the Walthamstow Spurs flag in the top left of the screen. Slightly to the right of that is a double staircase in an upside down "V" shape. Under those stairs is an executive box with a black TV monitor on the outside of it. Drop down to the second row of supporters directly below that monitor and you'll spot a blurry grey haired figure that seems to be about a foot taller than the others around him. That's me and to the right of me wearing a white Spurs shirt and glasses is Mrs B. At the end whilst "Tottenham at the Bernebeu, Arsenal watching Emmerdale" is being sung [28.32 - 28.41] you'll see the same blurry old bloke appear to kiss Mrs B...........Well, I'm a soppy old bugger and it was our wedding anniversary.
The reddit stream links tell you whether each feed renders correctly for viewing on mobile phone screens etc.
La Marca didn't have enough time to unsettle enough of our kids for Madrid to sign them before the 2nd half started.
Going to be intruiging to see who Poch picks for our starting eleven tonight. With only Wanyama and Lamela missing we do have plenty of options now especially in midfield. Presumably we will line up with 3cbs so will we retain Dier in their or recall Sanchez who performed admirably at the Bernabau ? As debated on here will Aurier start ahead of Trippier, will Rose return ahead of Davies? Will we play a midfield two or a three ? If Sanchez comes in at CB do we puch Dier up to DM for extra security or do we keep faith with the Winks, Eriksen and Dele combo that served us so well recently. Does Dembele come back in to give us more power and experience? Do we play Sissoko with his pace and running power to give us an out ball? Finally, do we play just Kane up top with a couple of attackers supporting him like last season or do we go with the pace of Son alongside Kane that ripped Liverpool a new one a couple of games ago? Do we line up with Llorente and Kane to bully their CB's? This is the team i would pick tonight, two changes from the United game - Sissoko and Winks out, Sanchez and Kane in. (Winks very unfortunate to miss out) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Lloris -----------------------------Alderweireld------------------------------------------Sanchez-------------------------------------------------------Vertonghen Aurier---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dier----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Davies ---------------------------------------------Eriksen---------------------------------------------------------------------------Dele ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Son ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Kane
On a disgustingly over packed tube train filled with bored looking commuters...have had a **** week...work is crap...and outside of my daughters and Mrs RCL the world is bollocks. But in an hour or so I will be with footballing Gods (our fans) praying for a miracle. I get the chance to sing and dance around like a kid on Christmas eve and will have a 2 hour break from feeling crap...that's one of the great things about the beautiful game. Not money, not hate, not being best...just loving the way your team can lift you for a while whether they win lose or draw. So....wherever you are watching, listening or keeping track I hope you all enjoy the night! COOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMME OOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNN YOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUU SPUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRSSSS
No worries. VDV is in attendance tonight. Just be prepared to give up your replica kit if he needs it.
