Team News and Expected Lineup Against Asteras Tripolis - 23/10/2014

Discussion in 'Tottenham forum' started by dnoll5, October 22, 2014.

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  1. dnoll5

    dnoll5 Member

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    After a game against City in which we saw Spurs do some very positive things that were negated by the brilliance of Sergio Aguero and incompetence from the referee, the mid-week Europa League game seems most important, especially from a “get back on track” perspective.

    And, if Spurs can take all three points against the Greeks, their passage in the Europa League will become that much easier. A quick qualification is obviously the objective for Tottenham considering the upcoming domestic schedule.

    What They Said

    The narrative throughout the squad seems to be that of putting the City loss behind them and moving forward.

    Forward Roberto Soldado: "Now we need to forget this game ahead of Thursday. We are producing good performances and we need to keep this going. I am working hard and I think the goals are coming soon."

    Midfielder Ryan Mason: "We've got a massive game now on Thursday and then Newcastle at the Lane next Sunday – hopefully we'll put things right."

    Getting to Know Asteras Tripolis

    Asteras Tripolis isn’t exactly the first team to come to mind when you think of Greek football. In fact, the Tripoli side have only been in the top flight of Greek football since 2007.

    Their best finish ever was in 2013 when they finished third and qualified for their first European adventure. Asteras Triplois have also played in one Greek Cup final, dropping the 2013 final to Olympiacos.

    This is the third consecutive year that the Tripoli outfit have played Europa League football, but this is the first time that they have escaped the playoffs and participated in the group stages.

    Asteras Tripolis currently sit eighth in the Greek Super League table with 10 points after six matches.

    This is their first game in their history against an English opponent.

    A Quick Group C Recap


    Spurs have drawn both of their first two games, away to Partizan Belgrade and at home to Beşiktaş. They are even on points with the Turks after two rounds.

    Asteras Tripolis are the surprise leaders of the group at this stage, having secured a shock 2-0 home win over Partizan on match day two. They also drew Beşiktaş in Istanbul, a difficult task. If anyone thinks that the Greeks will be intimidated at White Hart Lane, their performances so far in Europe prove otherwise.

    Here’s the current Group C Table:
    [​IMG]
    Players to Watch

    Facunda Parra is the leading scorer for Asteras in the group stages so far, tallying two goals. The Argentine is just beginning his first season in Tripoli after a successful stint at Independiente in Argentina where he scored nine goals last season.

    Spaniard Fernando Usero has played with Asteras for four years now. He scored the Greek side’s other goal in the group stages. He grew up playing in Málaga’s youth system.

    Team News


    Kyle Walker remains out after surgery while Emmanuel Adebayor could be in contention after his late return from International duty. Kyle Naughton and Nabil Bentaleb are both out with ankle problems.

    Game Plan


    From the looks of it, this is the game in the group where Spurs could go out 3-0 winners or better. But, the confidence of the Greeks will be high after their win against Partizan, so some of that is likely to come through.

    Still, Spurs have much more talent at their disposal and should win this going away. On the weekend, we saw great work between Christian Eriksen, Erik Lamela, Roberto Soldado, Ryan Mason, and Nacer Chadli. While none of those guys look likely to feature in this one, their forward play should be an example for others.

    If guys like Paulinho, Andros Townsend, Benji Stambouli, Aaron Lennon, and Harry Kane can link up like those guys did at the weekend, this one could be really fun to watch. It could also build the confidence of the entire squad as they prepare to take on Newcastle on Sunday.

    Possible Line Up

    Vorm, Dier, Fazio, Chiriches, Davies, Stambouli, Dembélé, Lennon, Paulinho, Townsend, Kane
     
    stevethespur likes this.
  2. stevethespur Active Member

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    After two draws its really time for a home win in our group. We shouldn't underestimate the "Arcadians" as they were said to have been really good when beating Partizan, a team we found tricky. If Vlad plays i hope he's put at right back and Dier plays at centre half. I thoughts Verts would play as he didnt start against City. I'd leave Vlad put of this one entirely after his last display, and start Davies, Fazio, Verts and Dier at the back. Lets hope we can get an early goal to settle any nerves and get the ball to Harry Kane to put in the back of the net. Coys.
     
  3. Spurporter Well-Known Member

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    This tie is critical. Spurs must get 3 points. It wouldn't surprise me if MP starts first team partially or even mostly. Newcastle could see some 2nd team players.
     
  4. big fran Guest

    I believe this is a must win not only in need for qualification but also the team,fans and more importantly need a win. Signs are there that the pressure is mounting and a few cracks starting to appear.. So I would go with lloris dier kaboul vertonghen capoue demblele mason eriksen Townsend soldado
     
  5. The Cockerel

    The Cockerel Member

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    Agree with the article and all the correspondents, this is a must win game. With respect, if we can't beat Asteras Tripolis at home, remember they are currently 8th in the Greek league, then we may not deserve to qualify for the knockout stages. I wouldn't have Vlad anywhere near the first team on his current form, or on most of the form he's shown since he arrived at WHL. I probably wouldn't start Lennon either, based on his current form and the fact that he doesn't appear to fit into MP's plans. My starting 11 is; Vorm, Dier, Fazio, Vertonghen, Davies, Stambouli, Dembele, Townsend, Paulinho, Kane and Adebayor. I'm giving Paulinho a FINAL CHANCE to show us he isn't a complete washout.
     

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