For the first time in many games, there are far more questions to deliberate ahead of predicting the starting XI for tonight’s match.
As we all know, Aaron Lennon has been ruled out of this game while Gareth Bale remains a major doubt. There are question marks too over Ledley King, Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor.
Here’s what manager Harry Redknapp had to say about the situation,
Gareth’s struggling at the moment,” said Harry. “He hasn’t been able to train. He’s very doubtful.
“It normally takes six or seven days for Ledley’s knee to go down, so we’ll have to wait and see how it is today and tomorrow. He’ll be 50-50 at best I would imagine.
“Jermain, again, has a bit of a hamstring. He thinks he’s got a chance, but the physio isn’t keen on him taking a chance.
“Ade’s got a foot problem, we’ll see how he is. He can’t train today, but we’re hopeful. He doesn’t miss too many games.
“Azza’s got a hamstring injury, but he shouldn’t be too long. It’s only a minor tear. He could be fit in a couple of weeks.”
So it starts with Friedel in goal and BAE at left back but then what? Will Gallas keep his place or will Kaboul force his way back in after suspension? The younger of the two Frenchmen could come in at centre half of even at right back if Harry chose to move Walker forward to cover for Lennon.
In midfield, Sandro was your man of the match from the Sunderland game so he should probably start on the right with Parker and Modric alongside him. If Bale doesn’t make it then four players are battling for his slot in Pienaar, Kranjcar, Rose and Townsend.
Up front, it looks as though Ade will probably play with VDV in behind him unless Harry decides to find a place for Sunday’s match winner, Roman Pavlyuchenko.
Here’s our team to face Chelsea, what’s yours?
Spurs News 24/7
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
That’ll do nicely with Walker actually pushing on ahead of Sandro….COYS!
same team but in a 4-2-3-1 formation…..sandro and parker the 2…..vdv, modric and bale the 3 behind adebayor
Would have Modric on the left and Bale on the right Sandro and parker in the middle…
Hoping bale and king are okay to play…
4-2-3-1
Friedel
Walker Kaboul King BAE
Sandro Parker
VdV Modric Bale
Adebayor
Perfecto! Now come on Spurs- Smash them!!!!!
Would be intresting to see the usual set up but with Walker instead of Lennon and then Charlie at RB
Friedal
Corluka Kaboul King BAE
Walker Parker Modric Bale/Townsend
VDV
Adebayor
Friedel; Assou-Ekotto, King, Gallas, Kaboul; Bale, Modric, Parker, Walker; VdV; Adebayor
haven’t they already said king’s out?
friedel
walker kaboul gallas bae
sandro parker
vdv modric bale
adebayor
i agree with titch and cartel
5 hours to game time, cant hardly wait. I believe
Bale,King and Defoe will be ready, and Defoe will
swop with VdV last 30 minuttes, and I believe and
trust VdV and Defoe will score, and we win 2-0 or
2-1 Coys
Same team but with Gallas alogside The King with Kaboul at right back and Walker taking Lennon’s place. Would keep the teams width and pace on the right flank and give us some extra height at set pieces
COYS!!!!
I can’t see Bale making it
And Sandro wont play Right Midfield
Id go with Kaboul @RB Walker @RM- We need to keep an element of pace….plus I dont want to see Pienaar, Krancjar or Pav in the team none of them impressed against Shamrock when they knew they had to.
Modric on the left, Sandro in the middle.
Shame about Bale because Bosingwa is there weak link, as well as Lampard, Torres, Drogba, Ramires and Cech LOOL……I have a feeling Terry is due a big performance tonight, I hope Adebayor ruins his life even more the arrogant prick
Same as you if Bale is out Townsend instead cause I’m a self confessed monosyllabic and PACE! …… we need
Not a chance of King playing even if he wants to his
Knee is to serious so it will be, Why risk Bale when you could just give someone else a game:
Friedel
Walker. Kaboul. Gallas. Ekotto
Parker
Sandro. Vaart. Modric
Ade. Defoe
How about ( and this is if Bale is not fit):
Three centre backs: Kaboul, King, Gallas
Wing backs: Walker, BAE
Midfield duo: Parker, Sandro
In the hole: Modric
Up front: Ade, VDV
what about giovanni, can he do it, and be
our messias, it was just a thought.
If it’s just Lennon out, give townsend a game. He did well against shamrock and although chelsea are a lot better, townsend has pace, which sandro and piennar don’t..If bale is out to. go 4-3-3. Usual defence, Sandro, parker and Modric in midfield and VDV, Townsend/Defoe (depending on defoe’s injury) and Adebayor…let our full backs attack them.
The team listed in the diagram at top is what I’d go with — but the real question is what do we do with Bale? If he’s a major doubt then replacing him is the worry.
Friedel
Gallas Kaboul King Bae
Walker Sandro Parker Modric
VdV
Ade/Pav (only is Ade is injured)
Can Niko play on the left? Or can Walker? If so, I’d rather keep Modric in the middle, where he’s most useful and try this:
Friedel
Gallas King Kaboul Bae
Walker Parker Modric Kranjcar
VdV
Ade
Subs: Cudicini, Sandro, Gio, Bassong, Pav, Corluka, and Livermore