There’s no official team news from the club as yet but it’s been confirmed by Andre Villas-Boas that Aaron Lennon and Nacer Chadli will miss tonight’s Europa League tie after missing training ahead of the match. Aaron has been sidelined for some time and will join longer term victim Etienne Capoue while AVB would probably have liked the opportunity to take a look at Chadli had he been fully fit.
“With Lennon we’re still making steady progress on his foot injury,” said Andre.
“Unfortunately for us it’s taking more time than we expected. It’s not a stress fracture, it’s a stress response on the bone of his foot.
“Chadli was not involved against Norwich and won’t be involved against Tromso because he hasn’t recovered from a slight strain that he has.”
Presumably Brad Friedel will take over from Hugo Lloris in goal while Kyle Naughton and Younes Kaboul will also come back into contention across the back four. Meanwhile, the club still awaits the paperwork in respect of Vlad Chriches’ work permit.
In midfield, Sandro may come back into the starting line up and Erik Lamela could make his first start after AVB sang his praises and suggested that the Argentine will be immense at Spurs.
It would have been a perfect game for Tom Carroll had he not been at QPR right now and while the likes of Jon Obika and Shaq Coulthirst might be hopeful of a start, they are more likely to get a chance against Aston Villa next week.
Here’s our suggestion but what’s your view?
4231 formation
Freidel
Naughton
Dawson
Kaboul
Fryers…….
….sandro
Holtby
…..
Lamela
Eriksen
Townsend
… Defoe…
Good afternoon one and all,. I think ur gonna be proved right!! – I think thats exactly what AVB will go for!
Hopefully we can dominate possession in the midfield the way we would expect to as none of our front 3 are gonna be winning long balls tongiht!
I do hope siggy ends up in the hole after a great run out on sat, but equally, a little sad holtby isnt in there, though maybe he will come on either for siggy i the hole or for sandro unless hes capable of 90 by now,. Anyway, COYS!
NOt far off what I would play, but I would like to see holtby in there. wuth either sig on the left in place of Townsend, of in place of dembele
Id play Holtby over Dembele. Rest Mousa for weekend and give holtby some match time in his favored position (he has stated that he see’s his future a bit deeper than he has played so far)
We need to get Erick the Viling and Soldado ticking together so would start with them. Andros needs a rest.
So
a front 3 of:
Lamlea, Soldado, Siggy,
Erickson
Sandro, Paulhino
Naughton, Kaboul, verts, Fryers/Rose
Pull Erickson and Sol off and replace with Defoe and Holtby early doors second half.
my team for tonight 4. 2. 3. 1. Friedel – Naughton – Kaboul – Verthongon – Fryers -Lamela – Sandro -Paulinho – sigurdsson – Holtby – Defo
This lot are dire so just play one holding player and enjoy and score a hat full !!
Friedel
Naughton, Kaboul, Dawson, Fryers
Sandro
Lamela, Holtby, Siggy
Defoe, Soldado
Friedel; Naughton, Kaboul, Dawson, Fryers; Sandro, Dembele; Lamela, Holtby, Townsend; Defoe.
Perfect time to throw Ezekiel Fryers and Erik Lamela in. After one of his best matches in the shirt, I would also find it tough on Gylfi should he not get the nod.
On the other hand, I don’t think Roberto Soldado has been all ‘that’ impressive as of yet. Perhaps starting him with the likes of Erik Lamela and Christian Eriksen could be more beneficial than keeping the likes of Jermain Defoe happy.
Holtby instead of siggy
Holtby should start ahead of Dembele. He deserves a run out. The goal in the last round was top draw and the couple he’s scored for the U21’s have been also. We need to pick an eleven for all the cuppa and stick with it as much as possible. That way they’ll stay content and then reward the best performers with Prem’ games.
4-1-4-1
Friedel;
Naughton, Dawson, Kaboul, Fryers;
Sandro;
Townsend, Holtby, Dembele, Lamela;
Defoe.
Friedel, Naughton and Fryers need game time, Vertonghen need rest. Sandro can handle defensive midfield alone. Holtby will do the running at right and Lamela will do it left. With four attacking midfield, Defoe should be bangging the goals!
We must rest some of our first 11 due to our busy schedule next few days. I also believe that tonight game is a good opportunity for some of the new arrivals to shine. Players like Sandro and Kaboul, who have come from long term injuries also must be given a start. It will help resting the team and freshen things up. My first 11 for tonight game against Tromso:
Friedel
Naughton
Kaboul
Dawson
Fryes
Sandro
Holtby
Townsend
Sigurdsson
Lamela
Defoe
I suspect this Tromso team will be no rollover. They will be strong, organised, athletic and full of character. Spurs can’t afford to drop their guard, but they have to rotate, that’s for sure. Holtby would be the first name on my teamsheet – he’s hungry and determined and will have the right attitude. So will Townsend. Good one for Lamela. Yes, Defoe should play, Sandro and Kaboul also. I would retain Rose and Dawson to ensure no screw ups at the back (not like against that Greek side two seasons back – horrible). Cardiff will be very tough – we will have to deal the corners and free kicks that unhinged Man City. That game worries me and should mean Kaboul with Dawson, with perhaps Vertonghen at left back. It will be a sterner test than Palace first day and we must be ready for it.
Have you seen Tromso play ? Half decent result last weeken but prior to that couldn’t hit a barn door from 2 foot. Their position in their league doesn’t lie. As for Cardiff, the only thing that worries me is Dawson playing !
Brad
Naughton Kaboul Vert Fryers
Sandro Dembele
Holtby
Lamela Defoe Siggi
With all the games coming up, both Walker & Rose should be rested more than anyone I feel.
Siggi is in great form, we all want to see what Lamela can do for us, welcome back Kaboul and Sandro. Its time to give Holtby a start we have a big competitve squad for a reason, use it to full advantage!
As Tromso is a bit lower-class than Cardiff and Aston Villa, I think we will see a lot of rotation this week. With matches again on Sunday and Tuesday, the desire to field a quality team for both of those matches will mean a new look tonight.
Friedle
Naughton, Kaboul, Vert, Zeki
Dembele, Holtby
Lamela, Siggy, Andros
Defoe
We might even see a sub in Central defense to keep all three fresh by Tuesday. Though a permit for Vlad between now and then would be helpful.
Vlad’s got a permit. I think he plays today with Kaboul in central defense.
Friedel
Naughton Kaboom Daws Rose
Sandro Dembele
Lamela Holtby Sigurdsson
Defoe
So close! Who knew Lloris would play?
I think he will give the fringe players a run out as usual and Lamela to get him into the team more.
Friedel
Naughton – Kaboul(c) – Vertonghen – Rose
Sandro
Lamela – Sigurdon – Holby – Townsend
Defoe