Duke's preview of the Spurs match, a bit wasted to be left behind in the old thread
Spurs vs Liverpool PreviewThe last time we played Spurs at the lane, they hit 4 past us and we ended the match with 9 men after Charlie Adam and Martin Skrtel were sent off. Spurs played a really quick passing game that was easy on the eye and when we decided to stick Martin Skrtel at rightback against Gareth Bale, you got the sense that a sending off was on the cards. Charlie Adam's lack of pace was also exploited as he committed numerous offences, eventually earning himself 2 yellow cards. We haven't won at White Hart Lane since 2008 so suffice to say, the odds are stacked against us.
DefenceI expect to see Agger and Skrtel in defence flanked by Johnson and Enrique returning to his more familiar leftback role. This would be to accomodate Suso who was rested against Swansea. No easy feat having to play 4 games in 10 days which explains why Rodgers didn't field what some may term as his strongest 11 against Swansea.
The key concern here is the in-form Gareth Bale. I would have opted for the returning Andre Wisdom but after seeing him exposed against quality opposition in Chelsea , I'm inclined to play Glenny there. With Aaron Lennon on the other flank, Spurs have two players who can play traditional wide roles and I reckon that Enrique will have a better time against Lennon than Johnson will, being naturally left footed and therefore, more comfortable with players taking the ball out wide instead of drifting infield.
MidfieldI'd like to see Gerrard, Allen and Shelvey in the starting lineup and with the likes of Dembele and Parker out, it's an area of the pitch we can take advantage of. Huddlestone is a big physical presence who is adept at passing the ball about whilst Dempsey is a goal threat from range or close up. He makes timely runs into the box and has scored some valuable goals doing so. Whilst Allen will surely anchor the midfield again, he isn't a physical presence and I reckon it will take someone like Shelvey to pick Dempsey out.
Attack I reckon we'll see Suarez flanked by Sterling and Suso. If Spurs have a weakness, it surely must be in defence where Gallas is living off his reputation. Spurs are error prone here and it will be up to Suarez to force the likes of Caulker and Galls into a mistake. I reckon Sterling will play in important role, starting on the left up against Kyle Walker who despite pipping Martin Kelly to a spot in the England setup last season, hasn't really put in a tackle this season and done anything note worthy.
In summary, I suspect we'll do well in this game and have a good share of the possession in midfield where Spurs have lost Parker and Dembele. I don't see Huddlestone, Siggurdson or Dempsey as ball winners. Much of their play I reckon will go through the flanks via Lennon and Bale. Enrique and Johnson have the pace to deal with them but I think it's important for Allen or Shelvey to pick out Dempsey and obviously, Defoe.
We should have a good time going forward with Spurs lacking any real defensive cover in midfield. We should use Sterling to exploit Kyle Walker any chance he gets. Shelvey and Gerrard should also look at driving straight through the heart of what I think is a volalite Spurs defence that has concede 22 goals, only 4 less than bottom placed QPR.
So boxing day gathering guys?
The Curve?
Led, KoolSpyda, Duke, Moody and who else?
Moody, just drink Coke with Panadol la. Same effect. LOL
Game's at 3.45am I think... any good place to watch a game that late?
Nov 27 2012, 01:52 PM, updated 13y ago
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Will join you guys if there's a change of plans.
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