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Should Pochettino start Kane against Liverpool?

mawspurs

Staff
Jun 29, 2003
35,066
17,740
The Argentine coach has a huge decision to make over whether to start his top scorer, who has not played since April 9th, in Saturday's Champions League final.

Source:BT Sport
 

JimmyG2

SC Supporter
Dec 7, 2006
15,014
20,779
Nah he'll never make a footballer
Lower division at the very very best.
England squad you're havin' a larf.
Golden boot? Bootees more like
Champions league final, leave it out

go HK go..
 

theShiznit

Well-Known Member
Jul 26, 2004
17,800
23,813
We don't know where Kane is in terms of Fitness/Touch/sharpness.

I would rather start him and see, then change if needed. Than bring him on in a break glass in case of emergency scenario and see he's nowhere near...

Not to mention the mental boost (or blow to the dippers) when we(they) see his name on the starting team sheet.
 
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DiscoD1882

SC Supporter
Mar 27, 2006
6,934
14,669
Better to start and be able to change him than bring him on and then need to win him if something goes wrong.
 

yid-down-under

Well-Known Member
Sep 21, 2003
3,181
4,016
I’d start with Lucas and son. Theyre faster and will pull Liverpool’s back line out of position more. Bring him on after 60 to score the winner
 

S17PUR

Well-Known Member
Aug 31, 2006
1,313
3,829
It depends on his fitness and the tactics we're going with. I'm honestly 50-50 on this one. I just want Saturday over and done with now, my nerves are already shredded!
 

wpmcg

Well-Known Member
Nov 16, 2018
432
612
I think we all agree he would start if match fit. If he's 100% fit but not match sharp I would intend to use him in the 120mins but I'd like him to be there at the end for penalties. So I'd not start him and bring him on if we are losing but not before half time unless we're 2 down. If we're not losing I would bring him on about 60.
 

hutchiniho

Top Cat
Mar 19, 2006
4,662
5,879
It’s simple not possible for him to be 100% match fit. I’m sure he’ll be up to full go in training this week but to hit the ground running with full sharpness for a cup final is a big ask.
We are best with Kane fully fit and firing, that is beyond doubt but I just can’t see him playing 90 minutes.
Pick your poison for the first hour or last 30 (usually ((plus extra time maybe))?
Tough shout, But this will be a genuinely interesting team choice.
Think we def need 5 in midfield. So Kane would have to do a lot of running.
I’m starting Winks Sissoko and Eriksen. Then we need two wide and one up top from 4.
 

Trix

Well-Known Member
Jul 29, 2004
19,336
329,025
All this talk of match fitness/sharpness is pointless. No one playing will have played a competitive game for 3 weeks or so. If he's physically fit enough then he should 100% start.

And 4-2-3-1 is a must imo.
 

JC-Rule

Well-Known Member
Dec 14, 2005
1,993
1,285
This is a really tough dilemma.

I'd edge towards bringing him on from the bench in the 2nd half, but what if we get a penalty in the 1st half, I would really want Harry on the pitch.

This tread just made me anxious.

I was non plussed before now, now I'm nervous.

I wish I could log off for a few days and sign back on @9pm on Saturday in Madrid.

All I'm bloody thinking about is this damn match.
 

poc

Well-Known Member
Aug 6, 2004
3,235
3,652
Tough one, I think I would start him on the bench unless he was in near full fitness. I do not care too much about match fitness more that his ankle is fully recovered and there is nothing like having to give him injections or anything like that.
 

Sir Henry

Facts > Feelings
Aug 18, 2008
2,706
2,817
No, absolutely dont start him, he wouldnt last 90, especially against Liverpooh.

Last 30 I'd bring him on.
 

bozzaSPUR

Well-Known Member
Aug 31, 2012
475
541
E
I think we all agree he would start if match fit. If he's 100% fit but not match sharp I would intend to use him in the 120mins but I'd like him to be there at the end for penalties. So I'd not start him and bring him on if we are losing but not before half time unless we're 2 down. If we're not losing I would bring him on about 60.
Exactly this. It may go to penalties; we may have to go in search of an equaliser or winner. Who else would you want to be able to bring on in such a situation. 100% fit and match sharp, no question about it on from the start but he can’t be both of these. It’s fantastic that he has recovered in time to even play a part but Son and Lucas deserve to start as a reward for their respective heroics. Also if Harry is as humble as Poch says he is, he himself will appreciate this, despite being desperate to play from the start. All three can help us to win this!
 

Lilbaz

Just call me Baz
Apr 1, 2005
41,363
74,893
What do people think they mean when saying 100% fit?
He has been in physical training since before the ajax game. He is as fit as the rest of the squad.
If you are talking about the ankle, it is as strong as it is going to be. The ligaments aren't going to get stronger.
Play him or don't down to tactics not fitness.
 

double0

Well-Known Member
Aug 29, 2006
14,423
12,258
Its the most easiest decision...you start with/play Harry Kane, our talisman our own a goal scoring machine left foot right foot headers free kick penalties, don't left the meth confuse you that we are a better team without Kane.
 

lis spur

Well-Known Member
Dec 7, 2006
2,571
5,946
Last 20 against a tired defence with Winks pulling the strings ,just keep it tight for first 60-70 with Power and Pace.
 
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