Spurs head coach Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed that Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe will all miss out as Spurs take to the field against Basel later today. The trio join Younes Kaboul and Sandro on the sidelines but with the exception of our Brazilian midfielder, all could come into consideration for Manchester City next week.
The only piece of positive news, depending on your point of view, is that Kyle Walker returns to the squad after his first leg suspension so the side could well be identical to the one that started the game against Everton on Sunday – with the possible exception of Friedel for LLoris in goal.
The only question could be in regards to formation and with Spurs needing the win, will AVB be tempted to attack more and play a straight 4-4-2 with Dempsey and Ade leading the attack?
Additionally, in such an important game is it worth bringing back our first choice keeper? There is no league game for another ten days so Hugo will have plenty of time for rest and recuperation ahead of next week.
Here’s our predicted XI but what’s your view?
With no Premier League match this weekend and the real danger of being knocked out tonight, Andre Villas-Boas surely has to go with the strongest eleven possible. This means no Naughton playing out of position, no Clint Dempsey anywhere near the first-team, and no Brad Friedel, despite how sad it is to say when you consider how good he has been. COYS.
Lloris; Walker, Dawson, Vertonghen, Assou-Ekotto; Parker, Huddlestone; Sigurdsson, Dembele, Holtby; Adebayor.
Dempsey with two goals mate. Red for Jan, good lord. We are blowing this up ourselves.
perhaps i will have to retire from being a supporter. my heart can’t take it anymore.