Team vs Anzhi

[RButch]

Hope to go for a young team will some players who need some game time.

Thought I would just add that Europa League is going to a pretty good knock out this year... Shakhtar, Juve, Benfica, Basel, Napoli, Porto, Ajax and Viktoria Plzen all dropping down into the Europa Competition. Add that to some already strong teams in the competition.

 

[murichej]

we just need some luck with the draw till semis and then everything is possible

 

[chris_theo]

Must be quite hard to motivate the players playing tomorrow. Is a nothing game really and I feel fielding the more senior ones ie Gylfi, Capoue, Lamela and Soldado will do more harm than good, psychologically that is.

 

[carpediem991]

we just need some luck with the draw till semis and then everything is possible

We are certainly among the best teams left in the competition. It is good to know that no team from chelsea, arsenal, pool or manchester is in there. It is doable. Hopefully Juventus isnt up for it.

And there are some nice possible trips. Would like to go to Portugal, wouldnt be too expensive for me.

 

[Spursidol]

Something like Friedel - Naughton, Capoue, Dawson, Fryers (Rose coming in at some point) - Sandro(?), Holtby(?) - Lamela, Siggy, Townsend(?) (Eriksen coming in at some point for either Siggy or Andros) - Soldado.

Tricky one still. Because Rose could be fragile still, I'd prefer to rest Naughton. (emergeny RB /LB/ and even CB) so I'd pefer to play ::

Freidal, Fredericks, Capoue Dawson, Fryers

After that its a bit of a gamble.as to who plays v Liverpool.

With that defence, I'd be happy to start Dombaxe (but AVB may not be allowing one of Sandro, Paulhino and Dembele to partner him) - but I think Sandro needs to be rested tio face Liverpool. If we do not play Dombaxe my fear is that we ask another midfielder who needs tro start against Liverpool to start here.

Attacking midfielders and strikers are easy - lots of options just avoid the starters against Liverpool, and remember to give the youngsters some minutes !

 

[Spursidol]

Parting comment - its a nothing game so the first team players will be hard to motivate to be really up for it.

The youngsters will be up to impress - shame therre are not mpore of them involved. Anyone not understanding that just look at HR's UEFA teams - the teams with lots of youngsters in did better than those with lots of first team players in. I'm not suggesting teams with 6 youngsters in but thise with maybe 3 youngsters in will be better than those with all first team players in a dead riubber where motivation is difficult.

 

[whitechina]

Why play the tea lady as a last resort?
I WANT TO PLAY! I may be the wrong side of 40 but believe me I'd give 110% for the time I'm on the pitch!
motivation- NOT A PROBLEM WHL AND SPURS
ability- limited but makes up with enthusiasm
school report said- always tries hard and still do!

Oh damn- I'm not in the 25!
I STILL WANT TO PLAY

 

[Spursidol]

FC Shakhtar Donetsk, Juventus, SL Benfica, FC Viktoria Plzeň, FC Basel 1893, SSC Napoli, FC Porto, AFC Ajax all drop down into the in the Europ League.

for the next round, we'll be drawn against the lowest ranking of these and also the lowest 4 runners up from the group stages of Europa League (excluding Anzhi) and any English sides.

Lets se what happens on Monday (when the draw happens)

 

[5 year plan]

Nothing to really gain by playing ANY first team regulars. A couple of the downsides would player exhaustion or possible injury. I know players want to play but sometimes players are their own worst enemy.

 

[sim0n]

dombaxe in the provisional squad, but not mcevoy,... too bad they are not both in there...

a game neither side it commited to....

 

[tttcowan]

Sandro HAS to play vs Liverpool and not in this shit.

 

[Cavehillspur]

Rest Sandro and Paulinho tonight please.

 

[looklikemodric]

Tonight will be quite silly as anji have not got enough players to fill the bench!

For those mentioning veljkovic and bentaleb they are both ineligble due to uefa rules on young talent. Veljs becomes eligible from January it seems.

Adebayor again kept out of squad despite being fit to play.

 

[FinnYid]

Something like Friedel - Naughton, Capoue, Dawson, Fryers (Rose coming in at some point) - Sandro(?), Holtby(?) - Lamela, Siggy, Townsend(?) (Eriksen coming in at some point for either Siggy or Andros) - Soldado.

Wasn't that far off, Dembele <-> Sandro and full minutes to Rose and rest for Dawson so Dawson <-> Rose.

 

[Lighty64]

i'm shocked he has put out such a strong team

 

[bubble07]

Confirmed

Friedel
Naughton capoue fryers rose
Holtby dembele
Lamela sig Townsend
Soldado

 

[we_all_loved_freund]

Confirmed

Friedel
Naughton capoue fryers rose
Holtby dembele
Lamela sig Townsend
Soldado

At last, a sensible selection!

Players not risked who shouldn't be risked and players that need game time, given game time.

 

[Hoddtastic72]

nice goal Soldadooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[sweyid]

Brilliant pass from Lamela and a very classy finish from Soldado.