If Gareth Bale’s hamstring injury had happened a year ago then it’s likely that Steven Pienaar would have been brought in as a direct replacement on the left wing for the next two weeks. However, at the moment, the options are less clear cut.

When Gareth took paternity leave ahead of the Chelsea game in October, AVB played a five man midfield that consisted of Dempsey, Huddlestone, Sandro, Lennon and Sigurdsson and that may be the likely approach once again – particularly when you consider the praise that Gylfi received after the Fulham game.

“That was excellent for Gylfi. It has been a hard time for him because at the beginning of the season he was involved a little bit more. But, like Lennon, he is another excellent professional,” said Andre Villas-Boas at the time.

“He is working hard to try to get back to a level we recognised last year with Swansea. Against Fulham, we saw him at this level.”

If AVB wanted to use another option then he could look at Iago Falque or Andros Townsend – two men who are more used to a wide role on the left side.

Overall, is it a foregone conclusion that Sigurdsson will step into the void or does AVB have better choices?

 

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24 COMMENTS

  1. Sigurdsson would definitely have to be in the mix. Against Fulham he was probably more effective than Bale. However there is also an option of playing Dempsey on the left and Adebayor playing off Defoe (which AVB might actually go for). I would start Sigurdsson in the europa cup with Adebayor and Townsend on the left. In the league I’d start Sigurdsson on the left.

      • Pienaar deserved to start games, not just as a cover, he was good but was not good enough for Spurs.

        Not to mention of his age, he should not live as a cover, all the options we have are better on the LW then Pienaar as good as he is.

  5. I’d put dembele on left most like for like as in he can run past players, bring in tom carroll alongside sandro with defoe & ADE upfront. AVB will probably play sigg or dempsey there tho.

  6. With Abe back in the team and without Bale due to his hamstring injury AVN will most likely switch to 4-4-2. With Dempsey on the left, Lennon right, Sandro and Dembele in the middle. Ade can play as No:10 just behind Defoe. We played like that before and won the game against Maribor. Dempsey seems to be struggling behind the main striker and more often behind Defoe. If that’s Abe it may be different but as it is and with Abe and Defoe both destined to start on Thursday night, the best option is Dempsey on the left, where he was so effective when playing for Fulham.

  7. Depending on how long Bale is out for, and who returns from injury before he recovers full fitness, I think the option of BAE on the wing is an interesting one. Quick, skilful and a good crosser of the ball, I believe that over the short-term BAE could do a good job in an advanced role.

    Other than that, I would like to see Townsend given an opportunity in the side, although I question whether he would prefer to play out on the right, the kid has the talent but needs experience (at premier-league level)in the Spurs side.

    I think the answer to your question will probably come when AVB picks his side on Thursday night, as its hard to see Townsend starting in the EPL, in Bales absence, if he isn’t picked to play from the beginning in the Europa League.

  8. […] Sigurdsson? Townsend? Falque? How will Spurs cover Bale? jQuery(document).ready(function($) { postID = 904327; if (jQuery("#jockspin_carousel_"+postID).length > 0){ jQuery("#jockspin_carousel_"+postID).hide(); } });   If Gareth Bale’s hamstring injury had happened a year ago then it’s likely that Steven Pienaar would have been brought … […]

  10. Its very simple really.

    Dempsey plays there like he did for Fulham.

    With Ade in behind Defoe

    —–sandro—dembele—–

    lennon—–ade——–dempsey

    ———–defoe————–

    • Thats the team! its not crazy complicated lol. lets hope AVB can see Ade as the 5th midfielder otherwise he wont do it as its 442…. what would your back for be/ bearing in mind the high opportunity for the overlap down the left hand side.

  11. Falque was coming along nicely but for some reason he hasnt had a look in. Agree with others that Dempsey should play there. Then put Sigurrdson or Adebayor upfront with Defoe for the Everton match.

    • agree with you Falque looks like he could be that 3rd winger type who could give both wingers and am a rest. he hasn’t in the squad lately because he got injured but is back for Thursday.

  13. Adebayor’s ability to carry out the more advanced midfielder’s defensive duties determines if AVB will play him behind Defoe – Everton away will present a tough test

  15. I would leave Dempsey in behind Defoe as they are just starting to get a good combination together. So Siggy in on left flank direct replacement for Bale. Start Ade on bench, and move to 4-4-2 with he and Defoe upfront if go behind. The players will be tired after hectic schedue and Europa League and we will miss Bale badly. Everton have few injuries and will be fresh, so I think AVB will set up for a draw away from home.

  16. Bradley Villas Boas December 4, 2012 at 7:22 pm

    Thats the team! its not crazy complicated lol. lets hope AVB can see Ade as the 5th midfielder otherwise he wont do it as its 442…. what would your back for be/ bearing in mind the high opportunity for the overlap down the left hand side.

    ————

    for now….

    —————Lloris—————–

    Walker——Caulker—–Vertonghen———Naughton

    —————Sandro—Dembele————

    Lennon—————–Ade——————–Dempsey

    ————————-Defoe————————

    obviously things change when dawson/kaboul/parker/benny/bale/bae are back, as at least 3 of those would start.

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