Team News and Expected Line-up Against AEL Limassol - 28/08/2014

Discussion in 'Tottenham forum' started by dnoll5, August 27, 2014.

Share This Page

  1. dnoll5

    dnoll5 Member

    Likes Received:
    72
    Location:
    USA
    After one of the most impressive victories in recent memory on Sunday at the Lane against QPR, Spurs direct their attention to the second leg of their Europa League Playoff with AEL Limassol who should have their attention. AEL were the more aggressive side at times last week and Spurs won’t be taking them lightly this time around.

    What They Said

    Mauricio Pochettino on the Europa League:

    “Every competition that we enter, it’s important to try to go as far as possible. The Europa League this year is important because, if you win the trophy, you have the opportunity to play in the next Champions League.

    “Every game is important but tomorrow we need to be focused and serious because we expect a very tough game and we need to go into the next round of the Europa League.”

    “I watched the game in Milton Keynes, live, I was there. It was difficult but it’s a good example to be ready for tomorrow. We got a good result in Larnaca but we need to ready and focused on the game.”

    Mauricio on squad choice:

    “It is only 11 in each game - after that another three impact players come in. We have an unbelievable squad and my job is not only to put my philosophy in the club or on the pitch on how we need to play, but I need a choice and that is my job.”

    Pochettino on naming a captain:

    “In the last game against Limassol it was Lloris, and in the two Premier League games it was Younes Kaboul. For tomorrow, maybe it will be Hugo or another.”

    Jan Vertonghen on advancing:

    “We have to get the job done. It’s very important to get into the Group Stage and we are in a good position now, so hopefully we can get through on Thursday and then we’ll see where we get.”

    Last Thursday

    Spurs took a while to get started last Thursday in Cyprus, but once Nacer Chadli, Mousa Dembélé, and especially Erik Lamela were introduced, the game was turned on its head and Tottenham left Cyprus with a 2-1 win.

    Both goals were absolute crackers, and Harry Kane should be brimming with confidence as he enters this fixture. The biggest concern for this game will be if the Spurs defense leaves the goalkeeper out to dry again as they did on multiple occasions last Thursday. AEL will be pressing for goals and the back line could be under pressure.

    Last game, Paulinho looked as though he had possibly heard that there was a game plan, but he instead decided to ignore it, often leaving Nabil Bentaleb to do all the work in front of the back four. The Brazilian looked out of place and uninterested and this week could be a major test for him. If he doesn’t put in a whole-hearted, disciplined, powerful display on Thursday, his playing time in meaningful matches might be in jeopardy as the season progresses. A transfer is possible as well.

    Transfers?

    Could potential sales hamper Tottenham’s ability to put out the side that they want to on Thursday? With the rumoured departures of Lewis Holtby, Sandro, and possibly Paulinho, Andros Townsend and Roberto Soldado swirling among British and European media outlets, is it possible that future buyers would want prospective new signings to sit to ensure fitness?

    A player can still play in the EL group stages for another team after playing in the EL playoffs. That player would not be cup tied or ineligible for play. For example, if Sandro plays against AEL and then gets transferred to Napoli and they wind up playing in the EL, he is eligible. The same holds true for any potential transfer candidates. This game could be the last chance for Spurs to showcase some of their unwanted talent.

    On the Weekend

    Both teams were victorious on the weekend. AEL took care of Nea Salamis 2-0 in the opening fixture of the Cypriot First Division. Valentinos Sielis and Luciano Bebé scored for AEL.

    We all know what happened at White Hart Lane on the weekend with Chadli finding the back of the net twice, and Eric Dier and Emmanuel Adebayor netting one each. It was a complete performance, one that Spurs would like to build on during Thursday’s encounter against AEL. The more confidence the team has against Liverpool on the weekend, the better.

    Team News

    Vlad Chiricheș is recovering from his back issues and could be involved. Roberto Soldado has a neck problem and is in doubt while Kyle Walker (pelvis) will miss.

    Game Plan

    After Spurs scored those two away goals, the Cypriot side knew that they would have their hands full in the return fixture at White Hart Lane. Because AEL have nothing to lose, I expect to see them go forward with abandon, hoping beyond hope that they can magically pick up two away goals. Of course, this will open the game up and Spurs are well equipped to be deadly on the counter. If Spurs do score early, will AEL then bunker down and try to limit the embarrassment or will they continue to press?

    If last week is any indication, Mauricio Pochettino likes to reward players who work hard in the Europa League with playing time and possible starts on the weekend in the league. Chadli was a prime example of this. He came on last Thursday, immediately looked more dangerous than Townsend, and Nacer was rewarded with the start on Sunday. If this becomes a trend, look for the players to want to play on Thursdays in order to perform well and get in games in the league.

    For this game, Spurs registered several of younger players and some of those could see time.

    Possible Line Up

    Lloris, Naughton, Chiricheș, Vertonghen, Davies, Dembélé, Holtby, Lennon, Paulinho, Townsend, Kane
     
  2. Mattj78

    Mattj78 Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    909
    I think if any players are going to be sold, they won't play as we don't want to lose out on money, but pochettino has made it clear that he will not entertain selling Soldado or Townsend.
    With Dawson gone, I think Holtby and Sandro may be sold too, but don't expect too many more departures.
     
  3. big fran Guest

    Friedel Fredericks chiriches fryers Davies Sandro dembele Townsend lennon Kane soldado
     
  4. Ramos43

    Ramos43 Active Member

    Likes Received:
    199
    I think Limassol deserve our respect after their energetic display in Cyprus. I'm not saying put the 1st 11 out, but Spurs should definitely look to put out a team that is built upon a solid defence.

    With the amount of appearances Dier makes, at CB, likely to dwindle with the arrival of Fazio, I think this is the ideal opportunity to give the kid a run out in his favoured position, at the heart of the defence.

    I also don't think it would be a bad thing to get another 60/65 mins into the legs of Jan, as a sharpener, before the massive game against Liverpool. Defenders take confidence from clean sheets and the opportunity to claim another won't do the Belgian any harm, whatsoever!

    Is there any point in playing Sandro? Now, there's a question I NEVER thought I'd ask. But the truth is, we ALL know Sandro does NOT feature heavily in Pochettino's plans, including the Brazilian himself. Can we really ask a man who has been a bit of an icon amongst the Spurs fans to play a 'Europa League role' (against weak opposition) and be motivated to perform at his best?

    I thought it strange when I saw Louis Van Gaal try and do a similar thing with the likes of Wellbeck, Anderson and Kagawa -players who CLEARLY do not feature in the managers plans- in the C1C, and we all know by now how that turned out!

    With that said, I question whether the Spurs team will include many, if any, players Pochettino cannot see a role for in his chosen system.


    Friedel

    Naughton Dier Vertonghen Davies

    Paulinho Dembele

    Townsend Holtby Lennon

    Kane


    Chiriches hasn't played a competitive game all summer, throwing him into to a game of this magnitude from the start would be nothing short of negligent! 25 mins minutes at either CB or RB, if things are going to plan would be more than an adequate amount of time for the Romanian.

    Paulinho gets ANOTHER opportunity to show he is learning from his 'mistakes'. It's about time the Brazilian displays some consistency, in terms of his development, and proves he wants to be a success in this country. If losing his place in the national team doesn't arouse a sense of passion, team ethic and commitment in the £17m man, nothing will.

    The most frustrating thing about Paulinho is, that own paper, he looks to have a great set of tools...(I said tools o_O).He has the potential to be strong, mobile, tenacious, box-to-box, energetic and score a few goals...the problem is, getting him to show these characteristics/attributes on a consistent basis.

    Instead, Paulinho drifts around like he considers himself to be a luxury player. Someone who believes they were brought in for their talents for creating/scoring, rather than getting involved the dirty side of the game.

    Well, whilst that MAY be the case, football is a team game, and as a CM, you are playing in arguably the most pivotal/important areas of the field, it's time you realises that, take upon the responsibilities that come with that, and makes the necessary adjustments!

    The best players do the basics well. Paulinho would do well to consider that the next time he enters the field of play.

    The rest is pretty self-explanatory. Soldado is injured with a stiff back and neck, supposedly. Townsend, Holtby and Lennon get chances to push for inclusion in the first team.

    Although Eriksen worked EXTREMELY hard in the game against QPR, I don't think he has had a great start to the season. He was quiet against West Ham, for the most part, and was again outshone (by a fair few) against the R's.

    Yes being a set-piece specialist, and putting a shift in, are both admirable, but a player in that area of the pitch needs to have a greater influence on the match, as a whole. Any one of Lennon, Holtby and Townsend are capable of taking Christians place in the team if need be, so this is perfect opportunity for them to show it.
     
  5. notnats

    notnats Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    286
    Ramos, Interesting question re Sandro and wether or not he will feature as part of MPs plan, it looks as tho a possible move to Napoli has stalled, if so i would expect him to play backup to Capoue who is nailed down as the first team HM. This would be a good game for Sandro against a team with nothing to lose and are certain to attack, i also think Dembele needs a bit more time so id have them two in the middle. Expect to see Vlad get some time now that he has recovered from his sore back, or is it just that Roma dont need him? (get a shirt on princess) Paulinho is a tough one, I dont rate him as a CM and for me he only works in a 4-3-3 as, as you point out, something of a luxury player, i just dont see where he fits in at Spurs unless he pulls his finger out and shows some interest.
     
  6. big fran Guest

    Some great points guys. The team I picked would just be my selection giving a few fringe players as many mins as poss in the tank and to give them chance to stay in contention for a first 11 call up that's y I disregarded paulinho. Are we taking it as given Sandro is on his way out I'm hoping not but don't look good! Would also like chiri to stay as I feel fazio being only a bk up for verthonghen from what I'm reading. Not the quickest or most mobile and
    Not llikely to improve at his age either. Vlad on the other hand has shown glimpses of what he could be just maybe needs to toughen up a little!
     
  7. Ramos43

    Ramos43 Active Member

    Likes Received:
    199
    The problem for Sandro is, he is NOT a Pochettino type player, and unless he undergoes a massive transformation, I just don't see that changing!

    It's a similar situation to the one that faced Andy Carroll at Liverpool when Rodgers arrived. The supporters could probably find a place for him within the squad, but, unless it's a last resort, the manager NEVER will!

    Tough one for Levy, as I think he recognises that he will reluctantly have to part company with a player that has been a massively popular figure throughout the the club. I think The Chairman for that reason (and his own opinions on what Sandro offers the team) probably values the Brazilian a damn sight higher than Mauricio does.

    And therein lies the problem. Because Levy MUST, and will, realise that Sandro has little or no value in the Argentinian eyes regardless of how uncomfortable that is for the rest of us to accept.

    And the longer The Chairman tries to find a club who will pay the price that HE values the player at, the more his 'actual' market value decreases, due to his lack of playing time.

    Obviously, we don't know how much potential suitors would be willing to pay for the Brazilian ,although I would hazard a guess at most clubs looking to pay around £8m-£10m, whereas I believe that Levy will be holding out for something closer to £15m.

    What DL MUST try and do, which is easier said than done, is show his support and belief in the managerEVEN if it comes at the cost of the club.

    Liverpool did it when the brought Carroll, for a massive fee, and sold the lad at a massive loss, based on the fact that the player did not fit into Rodgers plans and Levy has to do the same!

    From a footballing standpoint, it doesn't help anyone to keep Sandro at the club:

    The Fans- Live in false hope of a recall.

    The Manager- Has a player on his books that he cannot use, and who he is keen to replace.

    The Dressing Room - Becomes distracted by seeing a player they all like and respect in No Mans Land. I'm NOT saying that Sandro will become a disruptive influence. But after hardly kicking a ball in anger for the last 18 months, the midfielder will be gutted to find himself on the bench regularly at the moment, let alone in the stands. The Brazilian, by all accounts is an upbeat and outgoing character, you would think may be struggling to find too many things to smile about as far as football is concerned at the moment. The players will notice if Sandro isn't quite 'being himself' and try to comfort him. This could potentially have an impact on the morale within the squad.
     
  8. Mattj78

    Mattj78 Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    909
    Totally correct. I love Sandro, but he simply isn't going to fit into the new managers plans. Capoue may not be as obvious on the pitch, but he is already showing that he will get up both ends of the pitch and link the back to the front.
    Sad as it is, if Sandro isn't going to play we have to sell him.
     
  9. notnats

    notnats Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    286
    Completely agree that if Sandro does not fit into the new managers plan, then yes he should be sold but I am also concerned that if the clubs valuation is not met then we may well see a very popular and yet unwanted player sitting out games and probably feeling a bit sorry for himself. Weve seen players at the club frozen out before, Gomes, Bentley, Gio but I dont see this happening to Sandro, he's better than that, he's a fighter. While I agree that Sandro probably does not fit Poch's style for most games, I also believe that regardless of style, there are certain games and certain opposition it may still be a very good option to bring back the beast.
     
  10. big fran Guest

    Yeah in with u on this 1 Nonats. I'd like to see Sandro do as Dawson and stick it out and prove he's good enough and able to adapt. I think there is always a place for a midfield smasher in the squad and the 11 in certain games especially with the ability of Sandro. Mourinho always builds his sides around solid anchor men as highlighted by his first real signing matic and makalalee in his first spell.
     
    notnats likes this.

Guest comments allowed! Use 'Add your comment' button

Share This Page