With the loss of Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon on Sunday, Spurs lost much of the potency that had helped them climb the Premiership table and into third place.
Ultimately we won the game but if you saw a brief but apt Match of the Day package on Sunday night, you’ll have seen where Bale in particular, was sorely missed.
Tottenham go into Thursday’s game with Chelsea with the prospect of both wide men being unavailable once again so what are their options as far as cover is concerned?
Suddenly, Spurs have a number of possibilities on the left flank with Pienaar, Kranjcar and Rose returning to full fitness and joining Andros Townsend, who doubled his Spurs goal tally in last week’s game against Shamrock Rovers.
As we know, Harry chose to ignore all those options at the start of the game, pushing Modric out wide instead but will he have a rethink ahead of Thursday?
On the right wing, there are fewer alternatives and it seems likely that Sandro will cover there but there are options.
VDV has played there but as we know, the Dutchman wasn’t too happy about it. Another radical alternative could be to push Kyle Walker up with Corluka covering behind while a switch for Townsend is another possibility.
Ultimately, if Bale and Lennon aren’t fit it could be Modric and Sandro but what do you think?
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{ 57 comments… read them below or add one }
I dont see why Parker/Sandro right mid…..
I think this is a hard question and it depends on who we are playing. I would certainly keep modders in the middle though. Looks like Bale may be fit for Chels, in which case I would possibly play Niko on the right, Bale left, Scotty and modders in the centre. Against other opposition I may be tempted to play Walker down the right wing with Corluka in at right back. I would like Danny Rose to have an opportunity down the left as he has played well there when i have seen him, as has Andros Townsend. This seems quite gung ho, at WHL i would start like this and go for possesion, pressure and an early lead. Sandro and Pienaar could come on to tighten up, but at this stage I thinks is good to go for the win first.
Bale will be back for sure, use Giovanni instead of Lennon, thats it, and cover him with Defoe, then we can play the same as usual.
It could be Giovannis big chance to show, what he shows internationally, and we know he can. I have always felt, he could be great, just need the chance. In my opinion, Pienar loose the ball always in the final touch, and dont have the class for championship games, Sandro are strong in the defence, and shall come in, in 2. half.
What about Dos Santos? Why do we keep overloking this talent? He is a left sided player with a great left foot so give him a chance.
I would keep modric and parker centre midfield, need to have our strongest players in their best positions.
I would then play pienaar right wing, with walker bombing past him. Pienaar could be useful against ashley coles forward runs. Left wing i would keep my fingers crossed for bale as i think he will play.
Whilst Townsend and Rose have the pace to replace Bale and Lennon, I personally would go for Pienaar and Kranjcar, purely for their experience. It’s a big match, we wouldn’t want the youngsters going in and freezing. Put them on the bench as a pacier option for when Chelski’s pensioners start to tire. Has it been confirmed that Bale isn’t going to feature?
WALKER – GALLAS – KING – BAE
- SANDRO -
- PARKER -
MODRIC – VDV
- DEFOE -
- ADE -
no width.shocking call
Sandra and Parker dropping to cover A&E and Walker bombing up. Could happen.
I think they play three centre backs galas, king & bassong and play benny & walker as wingbacks/wingers with sandro/scotty in the middle and modric sitting infront of them then adabayour and vdv up front, both benny and walker like getting forward and are quick and this way modric plays central and not out of position.
Ashley Cole would ruin that system. Him overlapping would force that formation into a 5-3-2. You need dedicated right midfielder to push Cole back
friedel
walker king kaboul bae
sandro parker
vdv modric bale/townsend
adebayor
simples!!!!!!!
4-2-3-1
Friedel
Walker Kaboul King BAE
Sandro Parker
VDV Modric Bale
Adebayor
We played this way against Wigan and battered them (for most of the match).
If Bale is also injured, i would play Townsend, but i have a suspicion that Pienaar will get the nod.
No way should Modric ever be stuck out on the wing. I’d give Townsend a chance on the left and Gio an opportunity to shine on the right wing.
and the rest of the team as it would be if Bale and Lennon were fit.
Rob’s isn’t a bad idea if Gareth is out but it doesn’t look like he will be. Push Sandro and let him nullify Cole getting forward. Walker can get forward to give us width. We need Sandro and Defoe content for the long haul so when there are injuries, and they can play, we have to play them.
Friedel GK
Walker WB
Kaboul CB
King CB
Gallas CB
Bale/Rose WB
Sandro DM
Parker DM
Modric Playmaker
VDv Hole
Ade Striker
4-3-3 Friedal, walker, gallas, king, ekotto, sandro, modric, parker with kranjcar and vdv behing ade. Pack the midfield and let walker and ekotto push on.
Spurs have so many internationals,it is time they show the fans their worth.Take Pav. for example,i think harry is just begining to understand him.Harry wants him to work harder but he is not like Adebayor,let him take control in the middle of the pitch,give him a few decent balls he can run on to(left or right) and he will fire Tottenham to great success.He needs more balls like V.D.V gave him on Sunday. Could be a good move withCorluka and Walker. Whatever,i do think we will need both our work horses in Sandro and Parker.
Bale left Gio right, or Bale right with Townsend left. If we don’t get Bale fit in time then lets give Townsend and Gio a chance.
Either way I think we need to keep Modders Parker/Sandro in the middle with Kranks on the bench, I hope Defoe is fit as Pav is not an option (he’s just too dam lazy and 1 goal against Sunderland doesn’t make him any better).
Gio dos Santos has had enough chances to step up. He never takes them and this game is too important. I actually think this is Defoe’s big chance, he said the other day he’s never felt so sharp, and can’t figure out why he doesn’t start. Maybe if he can figure out the offside rule too he can get Spurs the points…
Chelsea’s midfield look weak recently and they’re sitting deep with Romeu holding, so reckon they might allow Modric/Parker to dominate the centre and gamble on a lucky break for Sturridge or Mata.
So I think Modric and Parker need someone with pace as an outlet. If Bale is out, I reckon it’s got to be Townsend for his pace, to keep Chelsea’s dodgy midfield running back to cover.
Pretty mad suggestion I know but the 3-5-2 played at Stoke was exciting, with Sandro the floating cb-mid & Walker/BAE(Rose?) as wing backs? Useful in a no-Bale emergency?
I couldn’t sleep on Sunday night, and instead of counting sheep I tried to solve this problem. The idea of “doing a Bale” and re purposing Walker as a midfielder to cover Lennon’s absence has merit. The problem is Corluka’s pace wouldn’t allow him to overlap effectively and he has been defensively shaky.
I liked the wing back strategy in the second half of the Stoke match and this could allow for Walker to take Lennon’s place.
Aside from that, what about Pienaar on the right?
I think Townsend is overdue a run out on the left so as not to burn Bale out. Save Bale for must win matches and use Townsend against “lesser” opposition, or as a sub once the points are in the bag.
Krancjar is a hugely wasted resource and he deserves better chances.
Modric and Sandro on the flanks are serious misjudgements. A waste of their talents and potentially exposing their weaknesses.
Happy Xmas to you all
Why do people think that a 21 year old cannot play 37 games in a season?! Bale can never be burnt out playing only league games. He is also one of our fittest players. You do know that Messi played nearly 60 games last season? Ronaldo even more.
I agree that Modric and Scotty should stay centre. These two in the centre are one of the main reasons why Spurs are where they are. Yes hopefully Bale will be fit for the left because no one is a strong a threat as he is. I would keep Walker at right back because he has been superb there. I would have Sandro for his defensive qualties and Brazilian touch on the right of midfield, to maintain a tight midfield against a strong Chelsea side. In attack Walker will bomb past Sandro offering right sided flare. If the devastating news that Bale can’t play comes in then I would play Rose on the left.
Let’s get one thing straight. Gio has never played well against EPL opposition. Why should he start now? He won’t, so not even on bench. Niko – does not have the work rate to compete in midfield, and drifts out of position, so at most he can be on bench. Townsend – come on, be serious – this should not be his debut – Chelsea derby match where we are missing BOTH Lennon and Bale….no no no. My midfield: Modric, Sandro, Parker, Pienaar. Yes we will lack width, but the midfield is solid, disciplined AND still talented. A lot will be on Vdv and Ade for this one. Rose & Townsend at hand to come on should we need some more traditional wing play.
Frediel. Kaboul, King, Gallas, Assou. Walker, Parker, Modric, Bale. Ade, Vdv.
Falque…good left foot, buzzy player who creates chances. Has impressed every time he has played. Why isn’t he playing more???
He impressed you against sub Premier League standard opposition. That’s why he will not play.
I agree that he should be at least on the bench. He looks to be a potential match winner. Must be worth a gamble to have on the bench, instead of Pienaar.
i like the 4 2 3 1 formation with scotty and sandro to hold in the middle if not i dont see why a 4411 with gio on the right wont work, make him stick to the right and keep ashley cole defending
here comes my super spanking spurs side to smash stupid sturridge and his stinking slowpoke seniors into outer space
friedel – walker kaboul gallas/king bae – modric parker – van der vaart defoe kranjcar – adebayor
just stay wide niko you sex bomb
Against anyone in the lower reaches of the table I would suggest that the Walker and Corluka idea would be a goer but against such a team as Chelsea it could well backfire.
Corluka is a complete liability in my opinion. Now that we have seen the speed of Walker it shows just how slow he is.
How about suprising them and playing Defoe right wing??
OF-FENCE,OF-FENCE,OF-FENCE!!
Field goal to the United States of Hotspur.
And the Hotspurs take this one three to zero.
……………..Brad……………
……Gallas…King…Kaboul..
Walker……………….Ekotto
…Parker…Modric…Sandro
…………….VDV…………..
…………….Ade…………..
If Kaboul can play after suspension. I would play him right back where he’s played well before and Walker right midfield. Gallas and King at CB. If Bale is fit midfield would be Walker Modders Parker Bale with VDV and Ade up front.
COYS
That is exactly the same team, that I was thinking about. To clarify:
……………..Friedal……………
Kaboul……Gallas…King…..Ekotto
Walker…Parker…Modric….Bale
…………….VDV…………..
…………….Ade…………..
SUBS: Sandro, Krancjar, Townsend, Bassong, Cudicini, Defoe, Falque
spot on mate
Corluka, Giovanni, pienaar, rose just aren’t good enough
Much rather Kranky before any thoughts about Peanut.
be happy my loving fans this game – mine!
I will score goal and you will sing me, super Pav!
Павлюченко – парень бравый! Гол сейчас я забью с правой!
Why not move up Walker with Gallas at right back?
Niko/Pienaar or Danny on Left
Friedel
Gallas King Caboule BAE
Walker Parker Modric Niko/Pienaar/Rose
VDV
Adebayor
Give up now, you’ve no chance of beating Chelsea, whichever lame ducks you put on the pitch.
Please not Corluka. A nice man and loyal Spur but he is so slow and ponderous. If Bale is not fit I would give Townsend a chance on the left. He will “give it a go” and will not be overawed by the occasion
……………..Brad……………
Walker……Gallas…King……Ekotto
…….Parker………Sandro
GIO……….Modric…………..Bale
…………….Ade…………..
Let’s not forget that Chelsea’s weak side in defence is the right. Play Gio or Danny on left wing, bearing in mind Bale is just as good on either wing. Let’s take an early lead if possible and grab the three points. This is one game we should not be too concerned about winning in style. COYS
If Chelsea’s weak side in defence, supposedly was the right, why would you want to weaken spurs attack on the left with a player like Gio??? Surely it would be better to put a better player on the left, to expose Chelsea’s defence.
I’m in the 4-2-3-1 camp:
Friedel
Walker Kaboul King (Kabing, NEVER Kabong!) BAE
Sandro Parker
Niko Modric Bale
Ade
I could see Walker as RM with Gallas behind but I prefer the above. Niko and Bale offer a different approach and can switch dynamically throughout the game. Also, where Niko is slower and cutting inside Walker is able to hold the width/pace down the flank.
Also, this is where I see VdV as being somewhat problematic: he can only really place as an AM or in the hole, but he’s not good enough to replace Modric.
You can have Modric and Parker deep with VdV in front, but it limits Modric’s ability to dictate the offense and weakens the defense. Just a thought…
Replace like with like. Pace is the key against aging chelsea. Bale will be back im sure, andros townsend is the closest thing we have to lennon. Fast, strong and direct. Case closed.
Suggestions of piennar or kranjear are just shocking – sorry.
Victor Moses for wigan was class against the blues last weekend because he has pace, chelsea’s weakness! Bale and walker on wings, kaboul right back COYS
here here
People are suggesting 3-5-2. With this formation, Ashley Cole would murder us down our right, and Daniel Sturridge would murder us down the left, exploiting the space, he has a lot of pace.
I do believe we need to play 2 defensive midfielders, only if Ramires plays, as he is a beast of a player, and lightening quick on the attack and break.
I would play 4-2-3-1, or stick to 4-4-1-1, and play Rose, Kranjcar, or Pienaar. We cannot afford to put Modric on the wing. This is a massive game for him, and he needs to dictate the tempo of the game.
I go for the 4-2-3-1 system with sandro and parker holding. Let vdv, modric and bale some flexibility to move around
A couple of guys have mentioned Dos Santos. Are you Chelsea supporters?
Sunday second half proved we have to keep Modric and VDV central. If Bale isn’t fit , play Townsend. Replace Lennon with Krankjar. Consider resting Parker … yes, I’m serious. And play Kaboul ahead of Gallas
Freidel
Walker
Bennie
Kaboul
King
Kranjar
Modric
Sandro
Bale or Townsend
VDV
ADE
easy.. its all about balance
consider resting parker… are you on drugs??
friedel
Walker Kaboul King BAE
VDV Parker Modric Bale
Defoe Adebayor
the only week link in this side is the balance if VDV doesnt operate the flank correctly BUT as shown against Sunderland his vision can still be an assett wherever he is one the pitch. Dont change the defence – it works well and is balanced. keep gallas out of side – too weak and Drog will bully him and Sturridge will skin him
COYS
kabul was superb at right back last year
walker is super fast and should play wing
with bale on the other side
think about the cover
two defenders on the wings
width speed cover
king and gallas and parker sweeping up a&e left back
then modders creating for vdv and ade holding up
im getting scared!
COYS
……………..Brad……………
Kaboul Gallas King
Sandro Parker
Walker Modric BAE
VDV
Ade