Team News for Derby (H)

[NeverRed]

Source: Official Site

Gareth Bale and Young-Pyo Lee have returned to training but Martin Jol still has a host of injuries to deal with as he prepares for Derby County at the Lane on Saturday (August 18, 3pm).

Benoit Assou-Ekotto (knee), Dimitar Berbatov (groin), Michael Dawson (ankle), Younes Kaboul (hamstring), Ledley King, Aaron Lennon (both knee) and Teemu Tainio (viral chest infection) are all sidelined for the visit of the Rams.

However, there are more positive signs from Assou-Ekotto, Dawson and Lennon.

Martin Jol reported on Thursday: "Benoit Assou-Ekotto will start his conditioning work on Monday and although Michael Dawson is still out, he'll start running again this weekend.

"Aaron Lennon is in the final stages of his rehabilitation and should be back by the end of August.

"Dimitar Berbatov has had this groin problem before, that could take a couple of weeks and we'll have a scan to find out the full extent of Younes Kaboul's injury but it's a pulled hamstring and he'll be out for three to four weeks."

Asked if he'd ever encountered such problems at the start of a season, Martin added: "We've known about Ledley, Aaron and Gareth Bale from day one so the real problems are Younes, Teemu, Michael and Younes, because they've all happened in the last week."

----------------------------------------------------------

My 2p's:


……………....Bent………Defoe………………….
<o:p></o:p>
Routledge/…Zokora……tHudd!…….Marlbranque
Taraabt
<o:p></o:p>
Stalteri/.……Gardner……Rocha…….Chimbo
Ifil
<o:p></o:p>
….…………………Robbo
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Subs: Alnwick/Cerny……Dervitte……Jenas….Routledge/Taarabt….Keeeeeeeannoooo

[renniks]

don't disagree with your team. after jenas's performance the other night there is no way he can expect to be picked. I'm not sure bout steed. Think i would probably start routledge and taraabt. i really hope that keano doesn't start on the wing again.

I have a funny feeling that apart from the front two and at the back we will remain unchange. If that's the case then I would be genuinely worried.

[BringBack_leGin]

Dervite is not fully recovered from his injury as far as I know.

I'd rather give Mills his chance than play Tony G at centre back, but this is unlikely.

By the same token, I'd rather play Gardner at left back than Stalteri.

Doubt Bale will be risked but I think we'll probably see Lee get thrown in, lets face it, he is needed.

I'd like to think that Defoe will come in for Berbatov, while Routledge and Taarabt would come in for Keane and Jenas. I wouldn't try Hudd to be honest, he's not purposive enough and we really do need some purpose going into this game.

[2bearis2do]

We're in deep shit!
So unbalanced. With what we've got and at home to a newly promoted team. I think BMJ has to grab his nuts and go for attacking win.


Bent Defoe

Tarabt Hudd Zok Steed

A Gard. Rocha Chimb Stalteri

Robbo.

Though looking at that. I still don't like it. So if really brave and bearing in mind lack of options, he could go:


.........Bent...........Defoe
................Keane
Tarabt......................... Steed
..............Hud Zok
...Gard......Rocha........Chimb
...............Robbo

I forgot Wayne. But he or Steed is fine by me.
Quite dfficult this managerial stuff isn't it?!

I prefer option 2

[matty182]

hes mentioned younes twice but i bet if we had 2 of them theyd both be injured!

[Bedrock_ted]

Yeah option 2 is great.............. if your names ossie ardiles!

[BringBack_leGin]

screw it, a defence that includes stalteri and gardner in it is going to concede no matter what anyway.

......................Robinson
...............Chimbonda Rocha
Routledge Boateng Hudd Zokora Taarabt
.........................Steed
......................Defoe Bent

And a Bench of Cerny, Jenas, O'Hara, Keane, Peckhart

just in case the first team doesn't attack enough!

[seneca]

as we're playing managers i'd go...


...Robbo...

...Chimbo...Rocha...TonyG...Lee...

...Routledge...tHudd...Steed/KPB...Taarabt/KPB...

...Defoe...Bent...

[seneca]

screw it, a defence that includes stalteri and gardner in it is going to concede no matter what anyway.

......................Robinson
...............Chimbonda Rocha
Routledge Boateng Hudd Zokora Taarabt
.........................Steed
......................Defoe Bent

And a Bench of Cerny, Jenas, O'Hara, Keane, Peckhart

just in case the first team doesn't attack enough!

now i like tht one!

[Paceyjg]

Its going to be very interesting what line up Jol goes with and IMO will give a very clear indicator of how good a manager he really is - if he doesn't change the midfield and there is no improvement in the performance i think his position will be in doubt as he will be refusing to address the very problem he himself has highlighted - lack of creativity.

I will be very concerned if he does not drop either Zokora or Jenas especially as this is not a partnership many of us feel works well at all. I hope Jol goes on the offensive and rather than sticking with a struggling combination and playing big name players out of position starts the only two wingers we have and brings in Hudd. If not i fear we have a Steve-Sven McClaren in the making as neither of those jokers were or are brave enough to do the right thing for England!

[will8587]

Robbo
Chimbo, Rocha, Gardner, Lee
Routledge, Hudd, Zokora, Taarabt
Bent, Defoe

Subs: Cerny, Ifil, Jenas, Boateng, Keane

And it's good to see BAE will be back in training soon! He's been out since... December?

[Jolmaster]

Me too !! Get the Prince in. His name's sake is on a cracking Tour at the mo. Need some creativity in the midfield.

COME ON YOU SPURS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jolmaster]

now i like tht one!

Sorry forgot to quote the above before typing my response below

<TABLE class=tborder id=post566626 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1>Me too !! Get the Prince in. His name's sake is on a cracking Tour at the mo. Need some creativity in the midfield.

COME ON YOU SPURS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[kingpindave]

as martin has no balls in dropping the players he has spent money on the team will look like this

robbo
chimbonda rocha gardner stalteri
malbranque jenas zokora keane
bent defoe


can see it happening... and getting worried

[Vegas]

I have no idea why but I think this match is our most important moment of the last couple years - it's got that victory means everything feeling about it. I think we'll come out of with a win (didn't think that about the last 2 matches) but we'll have to work damn hard for it.

We have injuries, but I see some light and it's time to prove the media wrong in many different ways.

If LYP's back he has to play.

This could be Friday afternoon crap I'm speaking. Weekend with 3 points needed.

[wee_yid]

What it prob will be is:

.............Robbo
Chimbo, Rocha, Gardner, Lee
Routledge, Jenas, Zoko, Steed
.......Bent, Defoe

Bench: Cerny, Keano, Salty, Taarabt, Thudd.

KPB ain't match fit yet and Jol will not rely on untried players with all this shit flying at him at the mo. He'll stick to the guys he knows and hope that they'll get him out of the hole he's in (apparently). Def need WR to give us width, even though he aint top class at the mo. Maybe give Taarabt 30mins at the end.

I am trying to be realistic/sensible and name the most liekly side.

[Richo]

with bale and lee back i would personally play;

----------robbo----------

ifil--chimbo-rocha--lee/gardner

----------hudd--------
routledge-zokora-taarabet/bale

--------keane-------
-------------bent---

[riversmonkey]

Lee is vastly underrated. His return would give the team balance allowing more fluency on the flanks.

Keane and Bent up front, with Defoe on the bench

Taarabt will hopefully make the bench.

[spursLA]

What it prob will be is:

.............Robbo
Chimbo, Rocha, Gardner, Lee
Routledge, Jenas, Hudd, Steed
.......Bent, Defoe

Bench: Cerny, Keano, Salty, Taarabt, Zoko.
.

That's my guess anyway. Be good to see Hudd against his old team and we could do with the defensive cover. He passes well for Bent too. 4-4-2 with everyone in their accustomed positions - this manager stuff isnt hard at all :grin:

[danielneeds]

We're in deep shit!
So unbalanced. With what we've got and at home to a newly promoted team. I think BMJ has to grab his nuts and go for attacking win.


Bent Defoe

Tarabt Hudd Zok Steed

A Gard. Rocha Chimb Stalteri

Robbo.

Though looking at that. I still don't like it. So if really brave and bearing in mind lack of options, he could go:


.........Bent...........Defoe
................Keane
Tarabt......................... Steed
..............Hud Zok
...Gard......Rocha........Chimb
...............Robbo

I forgot Wayne. But he or Steed is fine by me.
Quite dfficult this managerial stuff isn't it?!

I prefer option 2

Do you know anything about football?? Did you see us get sliced through on the counter by Everton with three strikers up top, and now you want three at the back too??? What a joke....

[ravo]

Not that I agree in the slightest, but I think it will be:

Robbo

Chimbo Rocha TG Lee (if fit) / Stalts

Steeeeed Jenas Hudd Taraabt (wishful thinking)

Keano Bent

[paxton_soul]

Play 4-3-3 and we would get torn a new a*sehole...

Can everyone stop freaking panicing - 4-4-2 all the way and no keane in midfield.

Got to be Bent/ defoe and direct running from deep this game.

Anyone who can use their left foot would be nice I was ten yards away from Zokora when he had a great opportunity to square from the bye line on the left on Tues - and he slid on his arse and tried to hook his right foot round it too keep it in....I wanted to slap him and I am a Zokora fan!

[rooster1]

I don't often do this , but here's my 2 bob's worth !

Robbo
Salty Chimbo Rocha Gardner

Hudd
Steed Routledge
Jenas

DB Keano

Gardner is leftfooted, Salty is better suited on the right.
Chimbo can play CB and can advance when he can on
the rightside. Rocha can cover diggers arse.
Ifil and Cerny as subs

Hudd to play defensive mid and he knows how Derby tick as well as adding creativity. The other three mids will be better suited for movement with Zokora and Tarabaat as subs,
they will fit into this system better.

Defoe as sub. Probably will replace Keano if we are
winning so as to add more pace to the counter.

Let's wait and see ??

[YIDBOY]

Tainio's injured again, what a surprise. What is it this time? A runny nose!

[rooster1]

Tainio's injured again, what a surprise. What is it this time? A runny nose!

No. It's foot and nose disease.Eek

[egyptianfan]

ummmm......Ghaly??

[BringBack_leGin]

ummmm......Ghaly??

maybe

however, he, like the other players we are whining about, clearly can't pass. all his inclusion would achieve is giving the fans a different person to moan about on monday morning!

[StokeSpur]

Hoping for

.............Robbo
Stalti Chimb Rocha Gardner <--or lee here if fit and no Stalti.
Routledge JJ Hudd Taarabt
..........Bent Keane

probable

............Robbo
Chimb Rocha Gardner Stalti
Keane/Murphy/Bale/Ghaly/Cerny JJ Zoko Steed
........Bent Defoe

Cmon Jolly man be brave.

[TheDutchMaster]

..........................CERNY................... ......

.....ifil.........chimbo.........rocha.....stalter i......

..routeledge.....zok........hudd........kpb

...............bent100%.....keanooooooooooo

Im sorry to disappoint you robbo lovers but I think hes crap and over-rated

Oh yeh I must add to the above...

robbo will play 100%... no balls to drop him

Gardner will play 100%

Jenas prob play too...

[BringBack_leGin]

Mido gone!

[BringBack_leGin]

wait... i knew Mido gone...

let me rephrase...
mido given an interview and does not slate the club, he speaks in a proffessional and respectful manner and in his photo he does not look fat at all!

http://www.football.co.uk/middlesbrough/mido_targets_euro_return_251139.shtml

[BringBack_leGin]

.................Fulop
Young Pamarot Davernport S.Kelly
Davies Mendes Davis Etherington
.............Crouch Mido

I wonder if this team would make it above 15th/16th?

Fulop impressed me the few times I saw him

Always regretted not keeping Luke Young

Kelly was average in either full back position. stong and fast but couldn't find a team mate.

Pamarot I feel is very under rated. powerful and a good header of the ball and good awareness.

Davnport plays with a lot of heart and isn't devoid of talent, and maybe if we'd kept him last season we'd have done better v Sevilla when everyone was injured, but only mediocre.

Davies and Etherington both had some good times for us, moreso Davies, but both have become fairly average footballers.

Davis was once highly thought of but his career has dwindled since we signed him, but a good tough midfielder!

Mendes has what none of our current central midfielders have, the ability to create. I always regretted losing him, especially once Carrick left. For me he would walk into our current team.

Crouch never played for us but we did receive good money. Not that I think he is better than any of our current forwards but he's hardly done badly now has he!

Mido, it remains to be seen whether he will be a success, but he has all the ingredients, he just needs to avoid eating them before the cake is fully baked!

[RogerTCB]

...Quite dfficult this managerial stuff isn't it?!


:grin:

[birdm]

Routledge!!! what are all of you on !!!!! he couldn't get in fulham or Pompey team and was useless in a recent reserve game. yes jenas played sh#t but he is a million miles better than Rout.

[StauntonSpur]

'O' well for what its worth !! :-)

...........Bent ...Keane............
Taarabt...Boatang...Malbranque
...............Zokora.............
Ifil...Gardner...Rocha...Chimbonda
...............Cerney................

[strader]

Since we are playing Manager:Robbo

Chimb Rocha Gardner Stalti ( lee if Fit)



JJ(Steed) Hud Zoko Steed (Taraabt)Bent Defoe


Bench: Keane, Taraabt (if not staring), Stalti (if lee plays), Rout (KPB),Cerny,

*Defoe looked hungry and alive when he came on
*JJ is the best option for the right
*Taraabt or KPB will wither play or on bence tomorrow.

£10 on this line up, any takers

[TheDutchMaster]

Routledge!!! what are all of you on !!!!! he couldn't get in fulham or Pompey team and was useless in a recent reserve game. yes jenas played sh#t but he is a million miles better than Rout.

Ok lets play a slow, weak, dead, flat midfield which consists of 4 CM's

[BringBack_leGin]

'O' well for what its worth !! :-)

...........Bent ...Keane............
Taarabt...Boatang...Malbranque
...............Zokora.............
Ifil...Gardner...Rocha...Chimbonda
...............Cerney................


now ur talking my lingo... thought defoe for keane and routledge for steed... but hey, we have the same philosophy i feel! (and if lee is fit, him for ifil)

still say robbo should keep his place, he wasnt particularly at fault for the goals and he made some blinding saves!

[seneca]

Routledge!!! what are all of you on !!!!! he couldn't get in fulham or Pompey team and was useless in a recent reserve game. yes jenas played sh#t but he is a million miles better than Rout.

and i hated the way he put in several deadly crosses when he came on, on tuesday. shame that bent had already come off or someone other than berb may have bothered going for them. he might even get a bit of confidence back and start running at people, you know like he did for palace or he does for the under 21's where he looks very good!

[bigbearJOL]

Either routlege or taarabt have to play.... We need a bit more balance and creativity and both these players offers us that.
Playing Derby at home, we have have to show some guts and go out there to prove a point that at worse we are best of the rest.
A very good convincing win against Derby could restore some confidence for us to take the game to Man USA when we come up against them.
Also I hope whoever comes in fo Berbatov has a blinder. So Berbie realises he is not guaranteed a staring place. Fans of Leverkusen always said he started the season slowly and only begins to play just befoe christmas. This needs to change and I hope he realises this

[2bearis2do]

..........................CERNY................... ......

.....ifil.........chimbo.........rocha.....stalter i......

..routeledge.....zok........hudd........kpb

...............bent100%.....keanooooooooooo

Im sorry to disappoint you robbo lovers but I think hes crap and over-rated

Oh yeh I must add to the above...

robbo will play 100%... no balls to drop him

Gardner will play 100%

Jenas prob play too...

Is KPB any good on the left? i dunno
Stalteri certainly is NOT!
He can only play one position and that to mediocrity....
Humm...prefer my line up old bean.

[seneca]

[quote=2bearis2do;566996]Is KPB any good on the left? /quote]

the prince has said that he can play anywhere in midfield. from what i've of people who have seen him play, he can play on the left but is better in the centre. he's certainly not a winger but could maybe play in a narrower three with one wide man. i don't really understand people saying he can't play because he's not match fit - how's he gonna get match fit without playing matches? jj certainly didn't look match fit in the second half on tuesday!!

anyway would prefer to see taarabt start on the left, but fear the midfield won't be much changed.

[rem01]

Tainio's injured again, what a surprise. What is it this time? A runny nose!

Nope - viral chest infection. Surely you can both write *and* read. Why is it that everyone's so spiteful about Tainio and injury? Yeah, he seems to be injured a lot. You think he enjoys that any more than you do?

If LYP's back he has to play.A lot of people are saying this, but he's just started training again on Thursday after being out since April. It seems likely that he'll be out for some time before he's fit enough to play again.

[nicko]

not your fault but that team looks weeeeaaaak and munutd soon!

[GetSpurredOn]

May aswell stick down my thoughts on team selsction too, as playing 'Virtual Spurs Manager' beats actually doing any work.

GK Robinson
RB Chimbonda
LB Lee(if fit)/Stalteri
CB Rocha
CB Gardner
RW Routledge
CM Huddlestone
CM Zokora
LW Malbranque
CF Bent
CF Defoe

Subs - Cerny, Stalteri/Lee/Ifil, Jenas, Taarabt, Keane.

It's all about balance, Jenas and Zokora proved they can play together last season, but they have to be in roles they're accustomed to. Neither is a creative playmaker, they need someone like Lennon to be the the spark, leaving them to do what they do best, harrying and driving box to box making the most of their athleticism. Trying to use Jenas as playmaker doesn't work as I don't think he has the tools in his locker, and whilst he's fannying around looking to splice open defences he either gets knocked off the ball or passes to an opponent whilst trying to be over ambitious, Zokora is left still trying to harry on his own and ends up chasing shadows. If we use Routledge wide as an ever willing outlet hugging the touchline, Jenas and Zokora can be left to patrol the middle of the park. However for this game and with no Berbatov, I feel Huddlestone's style of play and passing range better suits Bent's type of game. Huddlestone pinging passes into the channels would/should be bread and butter for Bent and Defoe. If Berbatov was fit I'd be more inclined to use Keane over Defoe for his link play and Jenas in his normal role over Huddlestone for his mobility and runs onto the interplay between Keane and Berbatov. Granted having Huddlestone creating alongside Zokora contradicts what I said about Jenas doing the same role, but the difference is Huddlestone's vision and passing is more honed and generally more successful in finding teamates to keep posession, meaning Zokora doesn't have to chase the ball as much, just has to win it and let Tom do the rest.
Taarabt to be bought on for a good 20-30 minute spell for either of the wide players, either straight swap for Malbranque, or for Routledge with Steed going over to the right. Time to have the courage of our convictions and give these players we've worked so hard to sign, a chance to showcase their talents.

[DCSPUR]

its interesting - so many so called fans have been slating Jol and Chris H but a look at the players available and an attempt to pick a starting line up has left us floundering and contradicting each other. Shows the challenge facing MJ!

PS Derby just signed Benny Feilhaber:
http://www.coysfutbol.com/storyonly/2007/8/17/133633/873

[will8587]

Is KPB any good on the left?

the prince has said that he can play anywhere in midfield. from what i've of people who have seen him play, he can play on the left but is better in the centre. he's certainly not a winger but could maybe play in a narrower three with one wide man. i don't really understand people saying he can't play because he's not match fit - how's he gonna get match fit without playing matches? jj certainly didn't look match fit in the second half on tuesday!!

anyway would prefer to see taarabt start on the left, but fear the midfield won't be much changed.

Exactly!
We're talking about a professional footballer. His job (which he's being paid loads of money for) is to stay fit! We signed him nearly three weeks ago, and if he hasn't adjusted yet, how much longer will it take?

We aren't in a normal situation, where we can afford to give him all the time in the world. If we lose to Derby, we'll have a crisis on our hands. We're in desperate need of change in the midfield, and Boateng can supply that. If he isn't prepared to start a game, then we must at least put him on as a sub. Surely, we won't give him his first start vs ManU or Arse, and Derby are the weakest team we'll play for months. Jol has to give him some experience sometime, and tomorrow is the perfect time.

[will8587]

May aswell stick down my thoughts on team selsction too, as playing 'Virtual Spurs Manager' beats actually doing any work.

GK Robinson
RB Chimbonda
LB Lee(if fit)/Stalteri
CB Rocha
CB Gardner
RW Routledge
CM Huddlestone
CM Zokora
LW Malbranque
CF Bent
CF Defoe

Subs - Cerny, Stalteri/Lee/Ifil, Jenas, Taarabt, Keane.

It's all about balance, Jenas and Zokora proved they can play together last season, but they have to be in roles they're accustomed to. Neither is a creative playmaker, they need someone like Lennon to be the the spark, leaving them to do what they do best, harrying and driving box to box making the most of their athleticism. Trying to use Jenas as playmaker doesn't work as I don't think he has the tools in his locker, and whilst he's fannying around looking to splice open defences he either gets knocked off the ball or passes to an opponent whilst trying to be over ambitious, Zokora is left still trying to harry on his own and ends up chasing shadows. If we use Routledge wide as an ever willing outlet hugging the touchline, Jenas and Zokora can be left to patrol the middle of the park. However for this game and with no Berbatov, I feel Huddlestone's style of play and passing range better suits Bent's type of game. Huddlestone pinging passes into the channels would/should be bread and butter for Bent and Defoe. If Berbatov was fit I'd be more inclined to use Keane over Defoe for his link play and Jenas in his normal role over Huddlestone for his mobility and runs onto the interplay between Keane and Berbatov. Granted having Huddlestone creating alongside Zokora contradicts what I said about Jenas doing the same role, but the difference is Huddlestone's vision and passing is more honed and generally more successful in finding teamates to keep posession, meaning Zokora doesn't have to chase the ball as much, just has to win it and let Tom do the rest.
Taarabt to be bought on for a good 20-30 minute spell for either of the wide players, either straight swap for Malbranque, or for Routledge with Steed going over to the right. Time to have the courage of our convictions and give these players we've worked so hard to sign, a chance to showcase their talents.

Best post I've read in a while. Rational and well thought out, although I might argue the point about Jenas and Zokora working well together last season. I just think their relationship has been put under a microscope this season with all the injuries. They're adequate when everything else is working fine, just good enough to not complain about, but CM is without a doubt the weakest area on our squad (with the exception of LM/LW, but I think Taarabt and Bale will fill that role nicely with time).
I'd really like to see Jol mix it up in midfield, the above formation would do so. It would also give us a good idea of what to expect for the rest of the season (Routledge and Lennon are similar players, though Lennon is superior, and if Taarabt or Boateng could come on for Malbranque to play 30 minutes, that would give us a good idea how they'll fare this season).

All in all, I'm very optimistic about this game. I think we'll win, but it's make of break for us. If we can't beat Derby at home, we could go until October without a win.

[vigospur]

I'll take anything except four CMs and then the manager saying afterwards that team lacked creativity.
Must have a wide man (even if Malbranque chained to the touchline).
The real chance for Huddlestone and Taarabt was last Saturday. If the manager didn't fancy them then, why pick them now we are are in the deep stuff?

[NeverRed]

……………....Bent………Defoe………………….
<?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /><O:P></O:P>
Routledge/…Zokora……tHudd!…….Marlbranque
Taraabt
<O:P></O:P>
Stalteri/.……Gardner……Rocha…….Chimbo
Ifil
<O:P></O:P>
….…………………Robbo
<O:P></O:P>
<O:P></O:P>
Subs: Alnwick/Cerny……Dervitte……Jenas….Routledge/Taarabt….Keeeeeeeannoooo


Basically my thoughts behind that team which i managed to sneak in with my post earlier & cause a whole afternoon of virtual spurs manager among the masses :hump: :-


* Defo or Keane i don't mind, but keano with defoe never really seemed to pay off.


* tHudd! in to hit keane/defoe and especially bent with killer passes while zoks holds the midfield. tHudd! also in for setpieces and to get a little bit forward and tHupp! it in the net, or at least goalbound - it's about time someone from the middle of the park did it


* Marlbranque would be so much more effective on the right then on the left, leave the left for either routledge or taraabt, personally i'd love to see taraabt play on saturday or any day - show the world what he as all about and scare some teams in the process... Most of all, we need these wingers to play that way!


* Jenas has played OK - no more & no less, and no where near potential. He needs to influence games more and take them by the scruff of the neck... Give him the footy equivalent of standing in the corner or facing the wall so he can think about what he's done, or rather what he hasn't done i.e. rest him and let him watch a few games from the bench, if he's any kind of top player this should get that desire back and burning strong... otherwise if he can't manage that then ship him off on loan to turkey :hello:


* Bale is only just back and shouldn't be risked, LYP feels he's only 85% so defo shouldn't be risked. Gritt our teeth and get through with the defense we have for 1 more match! Maybe ifil on the bench if dervitte can't as tHudd! has been known to have a dabble and if need be during the match then we can go that route


* KPB is apparently not match fit still but close, so maybe he could be on the bench.


* If ghaly wants to stay and knuckle down, fight to play for spurs again the he can be around that squad named (dependent on KPB who should be further up the pecking order). Otherwise he can do one and book a window seat... maybe he could "make benefit glorious nation of Kazakhstan" or somewhere similar :hello:


* COYS!!!

[barry]

..........................CERNY................... ......

.....ifil.........chimbo.........rocha.....stalter i......

..routeledge.....zok........hudd........kpb

...............bent100%.....keanooooooooooo

Im sorry to disappoint you robbo lovers but I think hes crap and over-rated

Oh yeh I must add to the above...

robbo will play 100%... no balls to drop him

Gardner will play 100%

Jenas prob play too...


I agree with you 100% regarding Robbo. Good shot stopper, that's it. Ever since he signed that contract he's been in decline. Shit Keeper.
Jenas is a donkey and everybody knows donkey's can't play football. Takes a hundred touches when a good player needs one, can't spot or make a pass, and is constantly muscled off the ball.
I say bring back Ghaly,and play him and Boateng at CMs. He (Ghaly) was a DMF before and can't see him being any worse than JJ or Zok. Taarabt on the left and Malbranque on the right.
Upfront Bent and Keane
Defence, anyone will do, all pretty pants at the mo.
GK Robbo, only kiddin, get Cerney in.
I would hope whatever team we put out we should beat the worst team in the league at the lane.

COYS:beer:

[davidmatzdorf]

There are an awful lot of very silly "FM" type formations on this thread.

Realistically, MJ isn't going to make wholesale changes, because it's not his way. I'd like to see Huddlestone because I think his passes have "Bent scores for Tottenham" written all over them. I'd like to see Taarabt, because our midfield desperately needs a kick up the arse and he's the best person to administer it.

But playing Taarabt and Routledge would be thoroughly suicidal. We're already playing with our 4th and 5th choice CBs and our 4th choice LB. Playing with two non-defending midfielders against a newly-promoted side would be inviting them to scrap us to death.

The defence picks itself because no one else is available. As does Bent. And I expect that MJ will prefer to Keane to Defoe.

In reality, I don't expect that Huddlestone, Taarabt or Boateng will start, or that Boateng will even make the bench. MJ will persevere with the players he trusts: Jenas, Zokora, Malbranque.

[somersetyiddo]

we all kno wot clog man will do we were shite against sunderland had the chance to bring in taarabt or routledge n he stuck with 4 cm by trade 2 playin out of position expect more of the same.

[Paolo10]

Sometimes you just have to laugh at people.....Cerny In - Robbo Out....Routledge AND Taraabt on in the biggest game of the season so far after a poor start largely due to injuries.....Jol out etc.

Get a grip, you're not playing Football Manager lads....you also seem to have very short memories as to how close we were to going down a few seasons back...BMJ has turned us into a European outfit again and if you're going to ignore the progress we've made, then you are all bigger idiots than I suspected.

It'd be nice to just have some more fans who would GET BEHIND THE TEAM rather than waiting for the first opportunity to boo and get on players backs, if anything we need that more than ever against Derby...be fans rather than fickle.

COYS!

[Bilko]

We`ll get a result.
But I don`t think we´re gonna get out of this injury crisis for some time.
I`m so pissed off with having to wait months to see this shitty start.

[gloryglory]

There are an awful lot of very silly "FM" type formations on this thread.

Realistically, MJ isn't going to make wholesale changes, because it's not his way. I'd like to see Huddlestone because I think his passes have "Bent scores for Tottenham" written all over them. I'd like to see Taarabt, because our midfield desperately needs a kick up the arse and he's the best person to administer it.

But playing Taarabt and Routledge would be thoroughly suicidal. We're already playing with our 4th and 5th choice CBs and our 4th choice LB. Playing with two non-defending midfielders against a newly-promoted side would be inviting them to scrap us to death.

The defence picks itself because no one else is available. As does Bent. And I expect that MJ will prefer to Keane to Defoe.

In reality, I don't expect that Huddlestone, Taarabt or Boateng will start, or that Boateng will even make the bench. MJ will persevere with the players he trusts: Jenas, Zokora, Malbranque.

I wanted to be the one to post this (or Paolo's post underneath).

Nothing could be worse for the side than wholesale panic changes. Bad for the new boys coming in as the side will be a mess, nobody knowing who plays where. Bad for the people dropped, obviously. Bad for everyone.

The defensive problems we have are caused by injuries, plain and simple.

The attacking problems we are having are because we've changed the side too much, not too little. Trying to accommodate Bent has destroyed the midfield. We need round pegs for round holes.

Agree that the defence picks itself, Keane will start up front with Bent, and Jenas, Zokora and Malbranque will be in midfield. Personally, I'd like to see Routledge start on the right, or Steed on the right and Taarabt on the left. A midfield with JJ, Steed and Taarabt would certainly be fluid, but this isn't the time to be messing with formations.

And on the plus side - Bale soon, and Lennon back!

[spurs_viola]

What it prob will be is:

.............Robbo
Chimbo, Rocha, Gardner, Lee
Routledge, Jenas, Zoko, Steed
.......Bent, Defoe

Bench: Cerny, Keano, Salty, Taarabt, Thudd.

KPB ain't match fit yet and Jol will not rely on untried players with all this shit flying at him at the mo. He'll stick to the guys he knows and hope that they'll get him out of the hole he's in (apparently). Def need WR to give us width, even though he aint top class at the mo. Maybe give Taarabt 30mins at the end.

I am trying to be realistic/sensible and name the most liekly side.

Jol will most likely keep Keane in the side at the expense of Defoe, as usual. Jenas and Keane are his untouchables.
Other than that, will not be surprised at all that's the side to start tomorrow. Taarabt hopefully will at last be given a chance at least from the bench...big litmus test of Jol's decisiveness here.

My team would be:
Robinson
Chimbonda Rocha Huddlestone Lee
Routledge Zokora Malbranque Taarabt
Defoe Bent

Subs: Cerny, Dervitte (if fit), Jenas, Boateng, Keane

Huddlestone did play as CB previously, and would play against his former club. With Zokora given primary responsibility as a DM without Jenas there should be realistically an adequate cover for Hudd's lack of pace, against a team like Derby who don't seem to have very fast forwards.
Malbranque plays better as a CM (no need to cut inside all the time, leaving flanks open) and can provide the link up with attack better from the middle.
With Hudd from the back and Malbranque in the middle, as well as with Taarabt and Routledge on the wings, there should be quite enough creativity for the forwards, both on the ground and with crosses in the air.
Defoe would be able to have more than a couple decent chances to finish - he always has more shots on goal than any of our strikers, it seems.
Bent would be able to profit from long range passes from Hudd and from crosses from Taarabt and Routledge.

But unfortunately, I still expect to see the team much like wee_yid's, except Keane i/o Defoe when I get the text from spursmobile by 2.30pm tomorrow...

[spurs_viola]

There are an awful lot of very silly "FM" type formations on this thread.

Realistically, MJ isn't going to make wholesale changes, because it's not his way. I'd like to see Huddlestone because I think his passes have "Bent scores for Tottenham" written all over them. I'd like to see Taarabt, because our midfield desperately needs a kick up the arse and he's the best person to administer it.

But playing Taarabt and Routledge would be thoroughly suicidal. We're already playing with our 4th and 5th choice CBs and our 4th choice LB. Playing with two non-defending midfielders against a newly-promoted side would be inviting them to scrap us to death.

The defence picks itself because no one else is available. As does Bent. And I expect that MJ will prefer to Keane to Defoe.

In reality, I don't expect that Huddlestone, Taarabt or Boateng will start, or that Boateng will even make the bench. MJ will persevere with the players he trusts: Jenas, Zokora, Malbranque.

Agree with most of it. But saying that "playing with two non-defending midfielders against a newly-promoted side would be inviting them to scrap us to death" is just too negative when we are at home against the least improved side from the promoted teams. Our team needs a shake-up and an injection of fresh blood. Taarabt and Routledge can provide that, although of course ideally it would be Lennon on the right. And Routledge has been taught at Fulham to come back and defend under Coleman and Sanches.
Taarabt can also be told - and reminded during the game - to come back and help out Lee when necessary.
Both Adel and Wayne would be keen to satisfy the manager and impress the fans, so I don't think they would be just idle spectators when the team needs to defend - unlike may I say was the case on more than one occasion with Jenas (2nd goal v Everton), Zokora or Malbranque.

[rem01]

My team would be:
Robinson
Chimbonda Rocha Huddlestone Lee
Routledge Zokora Malbranque Taarabt
Defoe Bent

Subs: Cerny, Dervitte (if fit), Jenas, Boateng, Keane


What have you seen from Dervitte that convinces you to put him on the bench ahead of Gardner? What have you seen from Huddlestone at CB, for that matter, that convinces you that he would be better there than Big Ant? Do you really think that Lee will be fit to play after being off injured since April and only returning to training on Thursday?

[t-baggins]

..........................Robbo................... ...

..Stalteri.....Chimbonda...Rocha......L.p.Pyo

..Routledge...Huddd...Zokora.....Malbranque..

..................Bent....Keane.................

Alnwick/Gardner/Jenas/Taarabt/Defoe

I think although Chimbo out of position it balances out as stalteri is back in at familiar RB. Routledge has the skills to play premiership as he has previously proven, now its time for him to show it in a spurs shirt, and I feel Hudd looks the most likely to thread passes through for bent stretching sides and leaving Keane plenty of space through the middle to have a free role. Taarabt can come on if we still lack imagination and are chasing the game, otherwise Jenas can come on for Routledge out wide and use his engine! Defoe for Keane at some stage,preferably with more than ten on the clock so he can get himself into the game!

[guynaisse]

No chance to see Dervite playing before 2 months . He s still recovering from his nasty injury. still 5 / 6 weeks before he can train normally. 10 months is the usual time for such injury... then he will have to come back at the level he was last year when MJ was about to open the door of the 1st team. May be for Christmass...

[sebo_sek]

Sometimes you just have to laugh at people.....Cerny In - Robbo Out....Routledge AND Taraabt on in the biggest game of the season so far after a poor start largely due to injuries.....Jol out etc.

Get a grip, you're not playing Football Manager lads....you also seem to have very short memories as to how close we were to going down a few seasons back...BMJ has turned us into a European outfit again and if you're going to ignore the progress we've made, then you are all bigger idiots than I suspected.

It'd be nice to just have some more fans who would GET BEHIND THE TEAM rather than waiting for the first opportunity to boo and get on players backs, if anything we need that more than ever against Derby...be fans rather than fickle.

COYS!

As much as I would like to agree with you, I would also like to point out that Robbo is one of the shittest keepers when it comes to commanding his area. Other teams know this. Cerny is just as good when it comes to stopping shots and must be pretty pissed off at not getting the nod, when observing the theatrics that Robbo performs. The goal at Sunderland, though not his fault, left him cemented to the ground, same for a few shots from Everton. To tell you the truth that reminded me of... me when I am not warmed up while playing with my mates.

So for it would be Cerny in.

As for Routledge and Taarabt. This is precisely the type of game when you give them a try from the go. Weak opposition, by our standards at least, on a par I would say with St. Patrick's, a game which Adel bossed for 45 mins.

After Wayne came on, and then Defoe, it looked for a second like we might get something out of the game against Everton. It wasn't to be, but my point is this - Defoe for keane, Taarabt on the left, Steed in the Middle for JJ and Routledge on the right and we just might have a midfield with enough grit and creativity to get a good result.

Come on Martin, take a chance!

[Jonesey]

Eveyone's forgetting Prince-Boateng.

He is worth a place in the squad today, surely. Rather see him given a go than Jenas.

And Routledge to start please Martin.

My team:

Robbo

Stalteri Chimbo Rocha Gardner (L.footer)

Routledge Prince-Boateing Zokora (reluctantly) Steed

Bent Keane

[WhiteHeartLowe]

as martin has no balls in dropping the players he has spent money on the team will look like this

robbo
chimbonda rocha gardner stalteri
malbranque jenas zokora keane
bent defoe


can see it happening... and getting worried

My sentiments exactly, I would be amazed if Jol changes from this basic eleven, (including Berbatov of course, when fit), for any premership game this season. Taraabt and Boeteng may get a run out in the Carling cup but otherwise I doubt if we will see much of them this year, unless our injury list keeps on getting worse. :shrug::bang:

[pistolP]

as martin has no balls in dropping the players he has spent money on the team will look like this

robbo
chimbonda rocha gardner stalteri
malbranque jenas zokora keane
bent defoe


can see it happening... and getting worried

If he puts out the same team as last week, i will be one of the people callin for his head. Capello any takers ?

[gdoguk22]

<TABLE class=tborder id=post567716 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1>Line up today:

Spurs: Robinson, Chimbonda, Lee, Gardner, Rocha, Malbranque, Jenas, Huddlestone, Routledge, Keane, Bent. Subs: Cerny, Stalteri, Defoe, Taarabt, Zokora. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[matty182]

today has made me remember how great i feel when we play well..and before people go "its only derby" they wouldve been thinking they could win this by everything that has been said in the press etc