With Harry Redknapp failing to do anything but bring a smile to Spurs fans’ faces since his arrival, is this the year his favoured 4-4-2 may need to be replaced by a less exciting, but more effective, 4-5-1 formation away from home in the Champions League?
With the minimum of disrespect intended to Young Boys, Tottenham will be playing far bigger, and far more clinical, sides should progress through to the group stages. The Spurs betting tips suggest they will win at home against the Swiss side, so the manager should have at least one eye on the next round.
No matter what tactical decisions Redknapp decides to make, he will at the very least need to look at how to get the best out of Wilson Palacios, a man who has gone missing since his bright start in a Spurs shirt.
With an effective holding midfielder now being a requirement for successful teams, the manager has a limited amount of time left before the transfer window slams shut, to decide as to whether Palacios and the incoming Sandro, are able to make the grade this season in the Champions League.
Another man who could be worried about Spurs’ step up is Michael Dawson. Having been one of the top performers in the Premier League last season, earning himself a place in England’s World Cup squad, Dawson did little to cover himself in glory in the game against Young Boys, with critics suggesting that his performance was a demonstration of how a lack of pace limits his game.
Redknapp has never managed at Champions League level before, but he certainly has the ability needed to make the big decisions. However, the competition is a new experience for almost everyone at the club so there’s bound to be a few teething problems. If things do go wrong, those in charge of Spurs need to make sure they don’t overreact as by doing so they could damage the club’s long-term ambitions.
When the second leg of their European tie is played, Spurs will have a another match under their belts and the Tottenham v Stoke betting suggests they will have three Premier League points as well.
4-5-1 it is. Huddlestone has to play in middle to dictate play and Palacios needs to sit back and keep the back four company. His passing needs improvement though and that would only increase his effectiveness. Daily Mail reports Diarra maybe on his way from Madrid on loan.. i think he would best suited in that holding midfield role. A more composed player than Palacios.
COYS!!.. Do one over them Boys at the Lane please!. We need it or its 9mnths of hard work down the gutter.
Looking good for Spurs both League and Euro..
We’ll see how we stand around Christmas and lets hope we’re still singing….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov8FeODxyXU