Mousa Dembele missed Saturday’s game at Hull but had he been fit, the Belgian would have given Tim Sherwood an interesting selection problem. It always seemed likely that Paulinho would go straight back in the side and the Brazilian’s goals from midfield may make him un-droppable in the run in. That meant the head coach would have had to choose between Dembele and Nabil Bentaleb who he introduced to the side at the end of 2013.
As it was, Mousa’s injury put an end to any speculation but the midfielder hopes to be back for Sunday’s crucial match with Everton.
It’s been reported that Dembele should return to full training this week and with an extra day’s break before Sunday’s game, he could be back in contention if all goes well in the interim.
That leaves a real dilemma for Sherwood – would you stick with the promising Bentaleb or use Dembele’s experience for such a vital game?
I would play both and drop Sol to the bench. Also when The Beast is back he must also start. Drop lennon and bring in Lamella when fit.
Horny Helen’s real name is Malcolm and he lives in a studio flat in Canvey Island.
Agree.
Don’t forget Sandro should be back aswell very soon , you got play his got to play his best Eleven , and we need to fourth.
So for me the combination of either Sandro & Paulino or Dembele with either one has be the 1st choice.
We need to get in the champions league period !!
TS is wouldn’t drop Nabil for anyone, it is really frustrating.
TS got a boy-crush on this kid man. It’s really peeing on my batteries 🙁
Paulinho is the one who should not be in the team. A brazillian Jenas.
Can’t pass or tackle and has no influence in the midfield, did no one watch our games up to Xmas.
Dominated by West Ham in the 0-3 match, at fault for the Newcastle winner, at fault for the first goal at city after 16 seconds. The odd goal he gets( no where near as how many he should get given his limited contribution ) seems to make people forget what else goes on the field of play. If fit Dembele and Sandro in the middle with Eriksen in front of them just off Ade…
Rubbish, he scored our only goal last game for a start. He has great energy and helps link midfield and attack. He got rave reviews whilst playing for Brazil when winning the Confederations Cup. Bentaleb shows promise but isn’t ready yet, unfortunately Sherwood seems quite attached to him.
@4th gene, you just too correct. Paulinho should not be playing first 11 in a top 4 team like spurs. Only good enof for clubs like palace etc. So so overrated
I would drop Bentaleb. Gives the ball away far too often.
Are you joking? He has a higher pass success percentage than even Dembele, you’re mad if you think putting a replacement will stop dispossession
Anyone can have a “high pass rate” if all they do is pass back or sideways. The moment he looks to pass forward, he gives it away.
Gimme, a smaller pass rate, but adding more to attack and going forward any day!!
Spures will line up 4-3-3 LLORIS WALKER-CHIRICHES-VERTOGHEN-ROSE – SANDRO-PAULINHO-ERIKSON(DEMBLELE) – LAMELA(TOWNSED)-SOLDADO(ADABAYER)-CHADLI
Drop Bentaleb, he not good enough for the run in, plays like crap. We have some class players, thy should be playing. Leave Sherwood’s spy at the training ground.
Any eleven as long as it doesnt include the totally useless lennon.
I certainly don’t believe like someone has stated that Bentaleb is crap. This kid has confidence and talent but just not enough experience in big games to start.
We need to start to solidify our defence. First of all I would basically play anyone at CB other than Daws. Capoue, Chiriches, Kaboul along side Verts.
Sandro and Paulinho in front of them. Lamela and Ericksen on the wings, Dembele behind Adebayor.
Does that sound any good?
Really good! Agree. Look at Chelsea against City. That defensive core in middle of park was awesome.
No-one can tell me that Sandro/Paulinho/Capoue/Dembele is not as good as Luiz/Ramirez/ and whoever else Jose can field.
It seems our gaffer just does not have the tactical nouse to implement.