Stop me if you’ve heard this one before but it seems that Spurs have defensive problems ahead of the away leg against Hearts on Thursday night and the start of our premiership season.
William Gallas is struggling with the injury that kept him out of Tottenham’s entire pre-season campaign while club captain Ledley King is approaching what for him is match fitness and has an outside chance of making it for the game with Manchester United.
This leaves Michael Dawson and Younes Kaboul as the first choice centre backs for either game with Sebastien Bassong as cover. Conceivably, Bassong could start the game at Tynecastle if Harry decides to shuffle his squad.
While King and Gallas have the capability to turn things round and play a full part this season, this early news does suggest that it is something of a gamble to go into the season with these five centre halves. As a reaction to the story, the Christopher Samba rumours have started up again and whether Harry does look to the transfer market for defensive reinforcements remains to be seen.
Corlukas played well there pre-season and that used to be his number 1 position at Man City. Bassong plays against Herts for me with Dawson if we want to give him a game, if nor Kaboul.
Livermore should start as should Rose and Walker with a young striker on the bench. In midfield pick whoever is fit!
If Modric plays does that cup tie him from the Champions League, doubt it but there may be some obscure rule, if not save him for United.
purchasing Samba would make no sense unless our fringe players made up the value of the deal. Bassong should be given a game alongside Kabboul, both players will be eager to impress and hold onto their place for the Premier League game. Although I would like to see Ledley wrapped in cotton wool and wheeled out for the United match to partner Daws, if not possible then lets show faith in our man Kabboul. dont think its a risk to start season with these CBs at the club, Corluka can cover there as could Hudd in real emergency COYS
Agreed DJ,priority is getting rid of Bentley,Willy P,Hutton and GDS for a massive striker fund ;^)
Corluka is better at centre back than fullback . He is too slow at fullback and makes a better central defender in my opinion.
No need to panic. Huddlestone might not get a place in midfield this season so can also play centre back.
I wouldnt risk anyone for a game like this, the scots are gonna play dirty and at a frantic pace we will blow them away but I personally wouldnt play anybody who is essential for united on Monday.
Id go for
Friedel
Walker Corluka Bassong Rose
Townsend Jenas Livermore Krancjar
Kane Defoe
Even if we lose its a 2 legged game and we can use the big guns if needed in the second leg
I think that team would be perfect, looking forward to casting my eye over the younsters Kane,Livermore,Rose and Walker. last thing we need is needless injuries and many of the fringe/youth are going to be really hungry. maybe use game as window for Hutton,Bentley,Giovanni also (all of which could make an impact from the bench)
Those suggesting Corluka should play at Centre Half are clearly deluded. Have you never seen the guy play there? Shocking…
I agree that Hudd and Charlie are both capable covers at CB..just unsure whether they’re capable enough to secure champs league if needed to play there for substantial amounts of the season if the inevitable happens and our CB’s all get injured…definitely would like to see youngsters taking on hearts aswell, gives them much needed experience and game time on the bigger stage.