Team news for Bolton (H)

[mawspurs]

Source: Official Site

Tom Huddlestone, Vedran Corluka and Roman Pavlyuchenko are back in contention for Sunday's match with Bolton Wanderers.

Tom has returned to full training after missing the trip to Udinese with a knee injury, while Roman and Vedran are available again after being cup-tied for Thursday's UEFA Cup tie.

Gareth Bale and Michael Dawson will miss the visit of Gary Megson's side due to suspension.

LOANS EXTENDED

Andy Barcham and David Button have had their loans, at Gillingham and Grays Athletic respectively, extended by one month.

[Coyboy]

Assuming Woodgate is fit and Bentley is in the dog house;

Gomes
Hutton
Woodgate
Corluka
Gilberto (BAE not good enough for me)
Jenas
Huddlestone
Zokora
Modric
Lennon
Bent.

As far as we can, I would like to see us employ a team with some similarities to Jol's 05/06 team. That is a midfield four of Jenas, Zokora, Huddlestone and Modric with Lennon in a free role off Bent with Jenas gettting forward to support also. I thought Jenas looked very good in an advanced role yesterday until the team as a whole drooped like a flower after the goal. We can have Huddlestone and Modric dictating play and with one helping Zokora graft and width can be supplied by a roamning Lennon and the two full backs.

I doubt Huddlestone or Gilberto will play though, so we will see O'Hara and BAE, two inferior players in my opinion.

[mil1lion]

I'd play

Gomes
Hutton...Corluka...Woodgate...Gunter
Bentley...Jenas...Zokora...Lennon
Giovani...Bent

I just dont think this is the right game for Modric to start. And Pavyluchenko doesn't seem sharp enough or fit enough right now.

[2bearis2do]

I'd play

Gomes
Hutton...Corluka...Woodgate...Gunter
Bentley...Jenas...Zokora...Lennon
Giovani...Bent

I just dont think this is the right game for Modric to start. And Pavyluchenko doesn't seem sharp enough or fit enough right now.
:clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:

[rc1]

Anyone who thinks Zokora or Bent should be anywhere near the starting line ups are insane. They both offer absolutely nothing to the team. I'd have Pav and Campbell up front and give Bent a free. I'm fed up with seeing images of him holding his head in two hands thinking he nearly connected with a pass. He is a bag of *****. I wish he wasn't and have tried to look for something good but there isn't anything.

Zokora isn't worth talking about. And while Ramos persists with these two it only confirms he doesn't know what he is doing.

[Coyboy]

Oh shit I forgot about Pav, I quite like my team though and I really want to see Huddlestone given game time, ditto Gilberto. And I think Modric has started to look better in each game so 'dropping/resting' him now is not wise for me.

[The Original Yiddster]

Gomes
Hutton Woodgate Corluka Gilberto
lennon Modric Huddlestone GDS
Bentley
Pavlova

For me come Sunday, if King is fit I would push Corluka in the middle instead of Huddlestone

[JimmyG2]

Giovani behind Pav. Modric Jenas Huddlestone Lennon.Hutton Woodgate Corluka Gilberto
Lets play them off the park.
Zokora was poor against Udinese.Bent should have scored to level the game.Giovani and Modric looked good when they came on.
If Woodgate isn't available then Zokora a could play Centre half. Assume King wont be available

[BringBack_leGin]

I think the key to this game for us is outpacing them. No point in trying to physically match them because we can't and we won't.

I'd go with

..............Gomes
Hutton Woody Corluka Ekotto
............Hudd Jenas
.....Giovani Modric Lennon
...............Bent

This is not a team that passes through the middle on the ground, they pump it up through the air, so Zokora in the defensive aspect is made redundant. And as for when we have the ball, Hudds strength and technique will fair better against their power and aggression in the middle to keep the ball, rather than Zokora's 30 yard run ending with either a foul on him, or the other team regaining possessoin.

Bent right now is more appreciative of the physical battle needed up front in the league, which against Bolton will be very important, so I'd have him ahead of Pavlyuchenko just now. Long term I hope it switches around, but not at the moment. He also happens to be the only person anywhere near looking like scoring in our squad.

Giovani the other day came on and made mistakes, including losing the ball for them to go up and score their second. But he also looked pretty dangerous and put in the msot dangerous ball of the match. Lennon, like him or not, is our most on form attacking midfielder (i like him by the way) so to drop him would just be silly now wouldn't it? And Modric, playing in the hole where he is far more effective (his pass rate is much better in the final third than in his own half, which i think says a lot about him as a player considering that its meant to be harder to pass higher up the pitch) is the one player we have who might be able to release Giovani, Lennon and Bent. If they make the runs, and he makes the passes, with their pace it should work.

Going into midfield, Jenas actually has done ok the past couple of games, and I'm not a fan of his but right now of the central midfielders he is the best of a bad bunch. As for Huddlestone, I've already explained why Zokora I think would be wasted in this game, and some of the benefits of Hudd in terms of keeping the ball. I am also thinking about the extra height he gives us.

The full backs are both pacey and strong and, with Lennon and Gio likely to cut in a lot onto their better feet, width from the full backs will be important. In the middle of defence, Woody if fit kind of picks himself, as does Corluka in the circumstances. If King is fit however, and I know this is near impossible, I obviously want him there. As for the possibility that Woody might be injured, if he is, then his position is the one I'd give to Zokora in this game. For someone under 6 foot he wins most headers, he is strong and fast, and from centre back he doesn't give the ball away for some reason and is a far more disciplined player.

If the teamsheet strays far from this I'll be dissappointed. Even though I don't want him in there, I can both udnerstand and tolerate why Bentley might be in ahead of either Lennon, Giovani and Modric, and the same goes for Pavlychenko. But that aside, I hope to see something similar to what I have suggested.

[DEFchenkOE]

Swap bae for Gilberto and I'd go with that team BBLG if we're playing 1 up front. But the midfield must support properly and not leave Bent isolated.

[Boaman]

I can't believe we extended the loans of Andy Barcham and David Button.

Allen OUT

I just thought I'd moan about something different

[doom]

At this stage we should be playing counter attacking football. At the moment our build up play is too slow and predictable and we get caught out too often. I think we need to get the players behind the ball and let Bolton come at us. Our squad is suited to this type of play but it is always the opposition who play us at this game - forget possession football for a while. I'd like Bringbacks team selection for this.

[lis spur]

we shall see if the bale voodoo is true or not on sunday

[pistolP]

Gomes
Hutton Woodgate Corluka Gilberto
lennon Modric Huddlestone GDS
Bentley
Pavlova

For me come Sunday, if King is fit I would push Corluka in the middle instead of Huddlestone

I like your idea of playing Corluka ahead of Huddlestone in the Center.

[dawson 5]

my team for sunday is
cesar
hutton woodgate king gilberto
corluka
bebtley jenas modric
pavlyuchenko giovani
I rest gomes he has a hard couple of weeks

[theoldguy]

Thanks everyone who put forward his/her team selection. So much more enjoyable than reading all those moans and groans. Seeing the differing line-ups only encourages me that we do have choices in players. My only concern is that in my view 4-5-1 isn't working so a 4-4-2 is my preference or even a 4-4-3 with Lennon and Bentley or GDS working the wings and crossing or cutting in.

[ASF060561]

At this stage we should be playing counter attacking football. At the moment our build up play is too slow and predictable and we get caught out too often. I think we need to get the players behind the ball and let Bolton come at us. Our squad is suited to this type of play but it is always the opposition who play us at this game - forget possession football for a while. I'd like Bringbacks team selection for this.

I hope Ramos reads your post. That system gives us our best chance in the current set up. Unfortunately he won't, so another humiliation is on the cards.

[bones82]

Thanks everyone who put forward his/her team selection. So much more enjoyable than reading all those moans and groans. Seeing the differing line-ups only encourages me that we do have choices in players. My only concern is that in my view 4-5-1 isn't working so a 4-4-2 is my preference or even a 4-4-3 with Lennon and Bentley or GDS working the wings and crossing or cutting in.

4-4-3 sounds good, think the ref might notice, though soon be down to the right number of players with the amount of red cards seem to be getting.

Agree about the wingers, but bentley more of proper right winger, and best staying wide, and best suited to 4-4-2, but we don't have a proper right winger, so have to have bale, lennon, o'hara, dos santos to cover.

So maybe
--------------Gomez
Hutton King/Corluka Woodgate Bale
------Huddlestone Zokora--------
---Lennon----Modric------Dos Santos
---------Pavlyuchenko-----------

When hutton and Bale push forward Zokora, and Huddlestone to cover.
Bale to provide width on left.
Bent to come on second half

but maybe
--------------Gomez
Hutton King/Corluka Woodgate BAE
--------Huddlestone Zokora--------
Bentley------------------------Bale
--------Pavlyuchenko Bent---------

Maybe not at the moment, but when Bentley and Bale on form, and Pavlyuchenko & Bent as target men in the box, plus Woodgate and King for crorners/free kicks, going to score lot of headers with this formation.

Or
--------------Gomez
Hutton King/Corluka Woodgate Bale
--------------Zokora-------------
--------Jenas------O'Hara-------
--------------Modric-----------
-----Pavlyuchenko Bent---------

Lacking a bit in width, but if Zokora helps cover when one wing back gets forward, could see a return of the diamond.

[macspurs]

I think we should employ a 10-12-8 formation, with Greaves, Klinsmann, Sheringham, Gilzean, Archibald, Ginola, Linaker and Docherty leading the attack. Of course I was joking about Sheringham. Nothing ventured !

Or a 2-3-0, and save the ref some work.

Just please, a prayer to the Gods of football, please let us win this effing game. One in off Gilberto's left nut - a freak Bolton own goal - a last minute corner forced home that has every Bolton player surround the ref in protest about the injustice that is later proved on MOTD2. I DON'T CARE !!!! It's time we had a bit of luck.

Positive thoughts people.

[spud]

I'd play

Gomes
Hutton...Corluka...Woodgate...Gunter
Bentley...Jenas...Zokora...Lennon
Giovani...Bent

I just dont think this is the right game for Modric to start. And Pavyluchenko doesn't seem sharp enough or fit enough right now.

So you leave out potentially your best player in Modric, showing that you are afraid of a possible physical approach from the opposition and handing them the initiative.

Then, bearing in mind that we can't buy a goal, you put two headless chickens who can't create a damn thing in the middle of midfield and play Lennon on the left where I can't recall him ever being any good.

Then you cap it off by playing a teenage full-back with hardly any experience out of position on the wrong side.

You're not Juande Ramos are you?

[AdelaideSpur]

I would like to see Modric and Corluka play alongside each other? they have before ..... it makes sense

[AndyLov]

I'd play

Gomes
Hutton...Corluka...Woodgate...Gunter
Bentley...Jenas...Zokora...Lennon
Giovani...Bent

I just dont think this is the right game for Modric to start. And Pavyluchenko doesn't seem sharp enough or fit enough right now.

Good call, Gunter has played for us and wales at left back and him and Hutton are physically strong enough to deal with them. It's simliar to the line up we played to beat the Poles at the Lane but if I remember when Frazer-Campbell came on he seemed to work better at getting close to Bent than Gio did.

Of course as it actually worked when we tried it before there is no way Ramos would try it again.

[miles_64]

Gomes
Hutton Woodgate Corluka Gilberto
Lennon Jenas Huddlestone O'Hara
Modric
Pavlyuchenko

Need a bit of strength in the midfield so I've plumped for O'Hara on the left à la Malbranque.

[mil1lion]

So you leave out potentially your best player in Modric, showing that you are afraid of a possible physical approach from the opposition and handing them the initiative. Exactly the problem. Potentially our best player. As in, maybe in the future. He's still too lightweight for me, in this type of match. So surely thats the complete opposite of handing the initiative to Bolton? You know, playing the more physical players so we dont get bullied off the ball.

Then, bearing in mind that we can't buy a goal, you put two headless chickens who can't create a damn thing in the middle of midfield and play Lennon on the left where I can't recall him ever being any good. Zokora and Jenas, like them or not, have been the heart of our midfield for the last two seasons. One thing we need at the moment is consistency. Plus they're both more physical than Modric, and both know the Premier League a lot better. This isn't a game for pretty football, its Bolton, its a battle.

Then you cap it off by playing a teenage full-back with hardly any experience out of position on the wrong side. I thought every Spurs fan knew that Gunter can play anywhere along the back four. Obviously not. He's played left back a couple of times before for Spurs. And he's no less experienced than Bale.

You're not Juande Ramos are you?

p.s Its called an opinion. And its no less valid than anyone elses here.

[mil1lion]

I would like to see Modric and Corluka play alongside each other? they have before ..... it makes sense

I'd like to see that in the future aswell. I think Corluka could be our new Carrick. But we'd need to sign a couple of centre backs first though. One to stand in for King, and the other to replace Dawson. Right now though, we need Corluka at centre back.

[dee safer]

Gomes
Hutton Woodgate Corluka Ohara
Bentley Zokora Huddlestone Lennon
Campbell Bent

Must win game against the modern day Wimbledon. This isn't a game for the foriegn imports. Modric would be bypassed and possibly end up with neck ache. Pava not up to speed. We cannot afford to slip up. We have to have players out on the park who understand what is needed and that has to be a core of British players.

We will need Hudd's height, frame and passing ability. I would like to see him push on as the link man because he has that killer pass which can create an opportunity for the front two. Zokora can do the work behind him. Not Ideal but the best we have got. I cant believe that someone suggested earlier that his 30 yard runs are a negative thing, at least he is taking the responsibilty to carry the ball and not pass it on like a hot potatoe.

Fair to say I am not a JJ fan AT ALL. For me he offers nothing and him wearing that captains armband epitomises our problems. Bentley should return because it is just plain stupid to leave him out for just being honest. He cares and knows what we are going through in the stands and right now we can't dismiss that. It is what we need.

[UncleBuck]

I'd be tempted to hand Dervitte a start if fit and play Zokora, Jenas and Huddlestone or Corluka as a three in midfield. We keep bringing in these youngsters but they don't ever progress to the first team!

Gomes
Hutton Dervitte Woodgate (if picked after saying we were in trouble!)- Gunter

Zokora Jenas Corluka/Huddlestone
Lennon Bentley
Bent (because there isn't anyone else!)

[ashley]

Desperate times call for desperate measures.Both Bent and Pav are off form so how about putting Huddlestone in their place.