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AVB vs Sir Alex - The Rematch!

Manure return to the Lane expecting all three points and with the added bonus of not conceding a goal.

Since the PL started Manure have recorded a total of 16 shut outs from their previous 28 clashes with Spurs. Of those 28 matches, 12 have been at White Hart Lane; exactly half of these have resulted in Spurs failing to score and half again ended in victory for Manure. However, Manure have only managed to prevent five teams from scoring in league action this season.

Spurs have failed to score in three of their last five against Manure prior to our jaw-droppingly unexpected victory at the Theatre of Dreams earlier this season. Before AVB took over, Spurs had lost seven of their previous meetings with Man United. Manure will be keen to exact revenge on us and will fancy their chances.

The facts are stark. Manure's record against teams in the top six this season are ominous. United's three away games against teams who fall into the top 6 bracket have seen three wins from three. Spurs haven't fared so well against opposition from the top 6. Our dramatic victory over United represents the only time we haven't been beaten when playing a member of last season's top-six this time around, losing at Newcastle, Manchester City and Arsenal, as well as Chelsea at home.

Most of us would feel that Manure will return to the Lane and we all go back to situation normal. But will it? When Manchester United conceded the title to their neighbours at the end of last season everyone expected a response from Alex Ferguson. Sir Alex doesn't like his dynasty being interrupted by the likes of Chelsea, Scum and now City. So United did spend this summer, and spend big; £27m on Robin Van Persie and £14m on the Bundesliga's player of the year Shinji Kagawa. All these purchases were geared to making United's offense, already featuring players such as Wayne Rooney and Antonio Valencia, one to be feared.

In Ferguson's own words; 'Last year we lost on goal difference and I don't expect us to lose on goal difference again. I think Robin may make that difference.' And yes RVP has! So if we look at what happened at OT are there any lessons we learnt that day or have Manure learnt more? The one thing Manure were not on that day was clinical. Their build up play was as surgical as usual but their finishing in front of goal let them down. I would like to say that we defended well but we all know that we were lucky.

So what have we got to do this weekend to get the same result? For me this is the defining moment of our season not just for our progress in the PL but for AVB and for Daniel Levy. The QPR game was not the result we would have hoped for coming into the United match. A defeat this weekend would ring alarms bells as we all want to avoid the now customary January slide and with just 1 point out 6 we would open the door again for Scum and Chelski to open up a bigger gap or close it. However, to get a win on Sunday will mark a turning point for the club because it will firstly mean that we have taken 6 points off Manure.

Secondly, it will show that we are getting closer to sitting at the top table. Thirdly, it will give us the belief we need to beat Citeh and Scum when they come to the Lane. But, and there is always a but, if we do win, what will that mean for us bringing in a marquee signing in the January transfer window? or our transfer ambitions?

If we get sunk by an RvP goal/s will that send any kind of a message out to Daniel Levy? The stakes therefore are higher than just losing or winning 3 points. It's about seeing how far we have progressed under AVB. A win will mean we already have the players and the squad to compete this season, despite notable absentees. A win will mean that we can build momentum and have a genuinely realistic chance of shutting the door on fourth, and, given the inconsistent mess that Chelski are in, a real crack at 3rd Place. So can we do it? Can AVB pull it off again?

Written by OyVeh Maria

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Writer: OyVeh Maria

Date:Thursday January 17 2013

Time: 5:00PM

Your Comments

Firstly lets get a good result.

Crissybwoy

there is absolutely no way in hell that any match against united, home or away, defines our season. having already beaten them at old trafford, if we end up taking three points from the likely champions at the end of the season then fantastic. we were fortunate that rooney was only just back and only featured in the second half last time, no such luck this weekend. I can understand that the result against QPR will be viewed as 2 points dropped, even though we haven't won at loftus road for almost twenty years, however we do go into this game as the underdogs, so if we do lose can we not have the usual our season is collapsing crap. last season we took 3 points off QPR and 0 from united, this season we took 4 off QPR and already have three off united.

Guernman

If Bale is on it and our defence stays solid i really fancy us do the Mancs...but knowing our luck the snow will get the game postponed and by the time its rescheduled it will sandwiched inbetween the Lyon games and Rooney would have found form and Parker be injured lol nonetheless COYMFS!!!

JattYid

Guernman like that positive spin

JattYid

this could be a belter. Utd will come at us and we play better when teams attack us. The first half at Old Trafford was the best I've seen us play this season. The second half was unbearable, but that's Spurs. I expect there will be goals at both ends here. I don't think we can go toe to toe with them and expect to outscore them though, and I doubt we'd get away with a repeat of the 2nd half at Old Trafford again - AVB will need to earn his money on Sunday

Yorkspur

Glad we no longer have a manager who rolls over and accepts his medicine when Man U are in town! AVB goes for the jugular, and I love him for it!

Tactically Challenge

This might appear overly simplistic but the team who takes their chances will win this one. By that I mean that we will have as much possession and create as many scoring opportunities as them but who would you bet on, JD or RVP? Please Lady Luck, smile on the Yids.

Love totty

Hope that we park both the bus and the trailer, hit them with a counter and get a scrappy win. With the blind owl as ref, anything can happen!

dannylane

two things NOT to do here. Dont play Naughton left back, play a left footed left back and do NOT play Livermore in place of Sandro. Naughton could play right back to give Walker a kick

tophobunty

Formation: lloris, Naughton Dawson verts BAE, Parker dembele, walker bale Lennon, Dempsey 4231 COYS

tottingham10

Or bale up top on his own and Dempsey in the hole, hit them on the counter with the pace of walker Lennon and bale

tottingham10

Im predicting the usual thing will happen against united, and teams similar. We'll play quite well then united will score from nowhere, and when we try and attack them we'll concede more and end up losing 3-0 or 3-1. Or we'll score earlier and United we'll just hammer at us and we'll blow it. Rooney normally scores against us, when nani plays us he normally scores, and i cant see rvp not scoring. Having said that since lloris has been playing we concede an awful lot less, i think 11 in 12 and five of them came against the scum, so maybe he'll help us. For us to win parker has to be back at his best, mouse has to play better than last week and defoe has to be clinical and hopefully it will be bales day, but would anyone be surprised if bale just shot at every opportunity and missed?

craig spur

I think Utd might let us come at them and go in for the kill when our energy level drops or our frustration shows. Expecting a cracking sunday though. Esp as I live in a house full of Utd fans! COYS!

edmontonspurs

Big game for Parker... Needs to be on it but am confident he will be!! Tactically AVB got i right in the first half but they then inevitably came at us. Looking forward to it!! Confident of a result, as always, but also nervous of a shocker s always!! COYS

YidoDave

I don't like the AVB versus Sir Alex tact. This is players against players, plain and simple. Both managers know what they are doing. ManU's players will be out for atonement, but much more importantly, they will want to et three points from us while seeing City and Chelsea drop points to us. Fergie will coach this as 1 game in 38 that is as important as any other of the 38. It's how AVB should approach it too. What did we learn from the first leg? Well Walker and Gallas were saloon doors and but for poor finishing, we should have lost. Then again, both of the United goals, IMO, were savable. Lloris will be in net and Gallas should be nowhere near the pitch. We also cannot let Scholes sit in the midfield, untethered as he pulls the strings. I still can't believe that Defoe just sat there for the better part of an 30 minutes watching him move the ball right, left, centre just 20 yeards in front of him. I also note that United's poor defence has not gotten any better. They concede goals. They also played yesterday. We have had more rest. Parker and Dembele is not a huge drop from Sandro/Dembele. If we take our chances, we could well win. I'd play Dempsey with Sigurdsson in behind. Defoe as sub, if necessary. Perhaps this time he'll beat a defender for pace as he should have last time when twice he just had to outrun a defender to be in on goal alone and was both times beat to the ball. We have the talent to win. Play a disciplined, controlled game and dominate of set pieces in their end. Their defence is not great. It's our home. Time for the fans to let everyone know whatthat means. Rock the joint, take the points. COYS

peterballb

tottingham10.. I like your thinking, however cannot see it happening! Agree tho that my defence would be Naughton, Dawson, Verts, BAE... Walker needs a kick up the arse!!

YidoDave

Agreed peter. AVB and Fergie have no beef. Would be a good game for BAE to start. Bale plays well with good service from him. And Parker/Dembele can be as good if not better than Sandro/Dembel. That's one area where we really do have strength in depth. I fact I think it's an ideal game for Parker

edmontonspurs

Look on the bright side and think of this match as a win win situation. Win and we've taken six points off united. Lose and Levy might just get us that striker we've needed for [insert your own number] years.

In-spurs-ational

I think bale has what it takes to play up top if he plays on the shoulder and Dempsey can find a through ball no one will catch bale, and with Lennon and walker on the wings we won't lose pace, can't see why they don't try it, it's not like bale can do any worse than Defoe and plus walker and Lennon have the pace and are defensively minded to get back COYS

tottingham10

Edmonton, this is, as you say, the perfect game for Parker. He gets away with loads that Sandro doesn't. Also, I think you are right about BAE. I suspect AVB had his eye on this game and wanted to make sure that BAE was available. I doubt AVB would do it, but I would play 3-5-2. Lloris, Dawson, Caulker and Vertonghen, Lennon and BAE out wide, Dembele and Parker in the middle and Bale and Dempsey up top with Sigurdsson tucked in behind. That would make it very hard to work through the middle while having three big bodies in the middle to deal with incoming crosses that Lloris can't get to. Throw everything we can at their box and see what happens. Sir Alex will be playing to stop us doing what we intend to do. It's how he beat Harry every time. Just sets his team up to stop us doing what we want and then nick a goal and the victory. Throw a solid defence at him with a top end that he will not have planned for. Young is not likely to play. Vidic is just back from injury. They played yesterday, though they rotated players. It all takes a toll. COYS

peterballb

It's going to be ONE HELL OF A GAME. Tottenham10 - what on earth are you on about talking about Defoe like that. He's abs lethal and is even holding up the play well and linking it. He's so close to being prem top scorer. Nearly against QPR and games before that. Give the guy a break....he has to play! What a shot! What a finisher... Guernmen... What a lovely and positive refreshing outlook. Of course it's not doom and gloom if we lose to United. We get back on the horse and fight. But realistically I think we are 55/45 favourites at the lane. Bring it on!

willfry

Peterb.. like your thoughts on 3-5-2- give alex a headache 1st half score 2 goals... the swich to 4321 midway 2nd half will have him shouting for ref and 4th official to give 100 mins playing time, so they can equalise... COYS

Block D Spurs

willfry, I love the level of support for Defoe. Truly I do. It is a little optimistic though. He is not "lethal" and is not "close to being the prem top scorer". Now I don't like EA Sports numbers, but even they have him as the 9th best forward with both Bale and Lennon considered as better offensive performers. He has scored 14 in 28 and has scored 9 of those in 4, which means 5 in the other 24. Hardly on fire. Over 1800 minutes at 10 goals in the Prem. That's one goal every 180 mintes on the pitch or .5/90 minutes. His career average is .6/90 minutes. You did get the one word that properly qualifies him though "nearly". Impact sub at best. Harsh? Sure, but Harry got that one right. COYS

peterballb

Dempsey has to sit on scholes or carrick....and we need to press their back line....that'll mean bale working the left, not floating about....

shedboy2

It's a shame with Kaboul fit 3 at the back looks almost better than 4...Verts Caulker Kaboom...not easy to get past them!

shedboy2

We have to support Defoe, he's the only striker we have! Not supporting Defoe would be like not supporting AVB....wouldn't it?

shedboy2

In a way Guernman is spot on. Our excellent win at OT gives us leeway on the game on Sunday. A draw will be an excellent point earned, although I'm hoping for all 3.

HuddersfieldYiddo

What's the word on sandro? funny that one year on, and about that long since I was last blahhing about how good he is, and now how important he's become, how everyone else has realised how much we'lll miss him. How long is he going to be missing? Talk about a jellyfish with no spine. Kind of like Gaurdiola picking Germany over Premier league. Phucking spineless planner. Untikl you pit your wits against the best, you're like a nazi ba$tard fighting the second world war. Weak (unt

PERTH OZSPUR

shedboy, I have always supported every player that has pulled on the kit. It does not mean I am blind. If (ad I expect he will be) he is in the starting XI, I will hope that this is his brace game. COYS

peterballb

.....................Bale..........................

...Bale..........Dembele........Lennon...

...........Verts..............Parker...........

BAE......Dawson.....Caulker,,..Walker

.....................Lloris........................

We will need to defend ....

Yidmarks

bale is worth 100 mil now yidmarks?

tophobunty

Yep !...let's fool an old fool ! (fergie)...joking. Grab the midfield.....for a change..vs utd. 3 / 5 / 2. I be thinking........Lloris, dawson,caulker,vertonghen, walker,lennon,parker,dembele,bale, dempsey, siggurdsen...subs...friedel,naughton,gallas,livermore,townsend,defoe,o'bika. Work that one out...fergie..lol

82spursdebut

Defoe up top... not Bale...

Yidmarks

3 at the back for a huge game when we have not played it all season? suicide me thinks....yes lets grab the midfield but 451 does that better and that can change to a very fluid 433 when we break...

tophobunty

>>>>>>>>demsey...siggy<<<<<<<< ........................................................ Bale....dembele..parker..lennon...walker ........................................................ >>>vertonghen..caulker..dawson<<<< ....................................................... >>>>>>>>>>Lloris<<<<<<<<<<<

82spursdebut

IS THAT ALL WE'VE GOT J DEFOE? OH NO. NEED A STRIKER OR DOWN WE GO. CHAMPIONS LEAGUE. DISTANT DREAM. GET A REAL STRIKER OR POINTS WE'LL BLEED. JD AINT IT, HE'S REALLY $HIT, ONE SHOT IN TWENTY THE POST HE'LL HIT. WE NEED SOMEONE GOOD, CAN SHOOT BETWEEN THE WOOD, NLOT A PHUCKING HOBBIT THAT AINT NO GOOD

PERTH OZSPUR

LOL..your hopping mad, you kangaroo !..LOL

82spursdebut

433
Llorris
BAE, Verts, Caulker, Naughton
Dembele, Parker, Siggy,
Bale, Dempsey, Lennon

ItalianYiddo

Italian, is that BAE at right back, Maughton left back and Bale right side with Lennon left side?

tophobunty

It doesn't matter what the result is it will not change Levy's approach. At best you could say he is building for next season, at worst he is repeating what he has done for the last several seasons and not filled the critical gap of a goal-scorer when the rest of the team is coming together. Can't see anything other than a Utd win but I hope AVB will prove me wrong.

Harry-Kari

topho, didn't work out as intended, need to mirror image it, BAE on the left and Naughton on the right and so on. Would love to see that formation, not sure United is the team to try it on!

ItalianYiddo

This isn't AVB vs Fergie, It's Spurs against Man Utd.

TopSpur13

Italian, yes i thought you were way too sensible and knowledgable. I like 433 but I think it should be a 451 able to switch to 433..and i think you might be right in the fact that Dempsey might be able to play that role better than Defoe

tophobunty

genuine thanks for the article oyveh but one game against anyone does not define a season. imo our main threat to Manure is pace, even the midweek cup gaim may give usan extra few percent chance. i take the point on 'arry almost on damage limitation mode against manu but i really would like us to play in last (1st half) season mode against most teams

troffer2

topho, that's exactly it. It can instantly change from a 433 to a 451 depending on different phases during games. I think AVB is trying to make players adaptable to different schemes according to opposition. It will take a couple of seasons to bring the right players.

ItalianYiddo

I like many of you here am wondering perhaps we are NOT going to get anyone in this transfer window. (Nothing like maintaining status quo). That will make for a hard slog for the players, coach and us supporters for the remainder of the season. Will we or won't we get CL, that is. I believe if Levy and AVB get a couple of attacking players in to complement our already great squad, CL is in the bag. I suppose investing 20 mil now to markedly increase our CL chances for some reason is not worth it to those in charge. From our track record last few years, I certainly won't be holding my breath for any new signings :-(

Madaboutspurs

Mad, you can hold your breath, but just don't start until January 31 about 20 minutes before the close of the window.

4-3-3 is not a system that would suit us given our personnel. To have 4-3-3 you need a striker who leads the line, can hold up play and link well with the player to the right and to the left. While I like the idea of Dempsey up top, he does not hold up play very well. I think in a 4-5-1, or as I have suggested a 3-5-2, you could have Dempsey up top with Sigurdsson just behind him. I just don't think we have the players for a 4-3-3. Get in Negredo, Willian, Son, Holtby and Sissokho and then we're talking. COYS

peterballb

Madaboutspurs All along levy and AVB have said no one in this January. Does no one on here listen any more.

chrishove123

Good article Oyveh. I don't really agree on the bit that this game will define the rest of our season. No doubt a win will give everyone a lot of confidence. However a loss will not imo send us down any spiral. AVB has more sense than that. We'll just have to knuckle down and keep getting points week in week out. COYS & WIN X3

Madaboutspurs

LOL!! chrishove (as in I am LOL at myself). Yes AVB has told everyone and anyone who would listen in the last month that we are buying nobody. However, the dreamer in me was just hoping that was all just smokescreen while they prepare for something special. Like I said....LOL :-)

Madaboutspurs

Hope this does the trick. COYS

peterballb

peter, most of us will be doing hundreds of refresh on SPURS news sites in the last hour no doubt, as usual. Levy likes his good deals. Sometimes it works well- VDV, and sometimes it does not- Mmm I was going to say Pav but I know you rated him.

Madaboutspurs

I am so smart, SMRT. COYS

peterballb

@shedboy: "We have to support Defoe, he's the only striker we have! Not supporting Defoe would be like not supporting AVB....wouldn't it?"

It almost sounds as if you are pleading to Levy with that statement!.....but falls on deaf ears!

Critical_Spur

Mad, it wasn't that I rated Pav so much as that he scored as frequently as Defoe when done on a goals per minutes on the pitch basis. Neither were what we needed. One got maligned, while the other, as is again the case, gets a pass. "lethal" Defoe. Bless. COYS

peterballb

Like your way with words, peter. But yes, Pav was effective coming off the bench often. AVB may have been able to work wonders with him. Some of Pav's goals were nothing short of spectacular. Have a great evening.

Madaboutspurs

Mad, I was a fan of Pav, class player and always found space but needed to be in a team that was properly coached (Redknapp doing similar at QPR prefers Mackie or SRP to Hoilett...,ludicrous).But dont agree with Peter on Defoe, much improved this season under AVB

matt hoten

As for Man U I always judge a one off by performance rather than result but would accept a lucky 3points any time

matt hoten

Agree on Defoe there matt, but he does blow hot and cold. We do need someone else as an option upfront. Talk about stating the obvious.

Madaboutspurs

First thing is first, Defoe starts up top. I don't rate Jermain (both of them) whatsoever, but we all know that he is going to start, barring an injury in training or warm up. 4-4-1-1. Dempsey will play behind him, the usual midfield with Parker, replacing Sandro. Back 4 or LB is the biggest decision. We might see Jan, back at LB with Caulker and Dawson in the middle or a return of BAE. LLoris in goal.

thenuge

matt hoten, Defoe is averaging .47 goals per 90 minutes this season. Significantly down from his career average. Last year as an impact sub he was significantly above his career average-Harry got that one right). The stats bear out what I see on the pitch. He's lost speed. All he has is the turn and shoot. 1 goal in his last 7 PL games (since December 1) and in the game he scored (Villa) I had him as the worst player on the pitch until he scored which brought him up, admittedly, in my opinion, to the second worst player on the pitch. He was awful. Against QPR, other than one shot that the keeper had to save, he did nothing.. I'd play Dempsey up top of Sigurdsson, but you needn't worry. Nothing I have seen from AVB suggests he will not start Defoe. Bale has one assist, Ade nada, Dempsey few. Even Lennon, who has been vastly improved has identical stats to his last season stats - more minutes this year though. Sorry, Defoe up top alone is, IMO, detrimental to all others on the pitch. Sure, he'll get his 18 goals. Everyone else's numbers will be worse. Bale, Ade, Dempsey.

Mad, we don't need an option. We need a proper up top, lone striker who can play football. Defoe will start Saturday. Hopefully he'll start blowing hot again. Eerily reminiscent of 2009/2010 when he had 10 by November 22, and then sucked the rest of the way. COYS

peterballb

C'mon peter, would you stop beating around the bush and just tell us how you really feel about Jermaine Defoe . lol ;-)

Madaboutspurs

I think he is an excellent impact sub. COYS

peterballb

Sadly I see a loss here. They will be out for blood. Can we get lucky twice? I don't think so.

Tottenham Hotcore

Another chance to hang onto the edge of my seat and enjoy the match and no I won't waste it worrying about buying this guy or selling this guy, I'll just enjoy the match......ps It hit 47 degrees today....anyone want to swap??

Underspur

In the absence of a new striker signing, I think someone else is gonna have to carry the gauntlet and deliver, e.g., Dempsey + Siggy. Defoe will be smug being the main striker and one of these guys needs to get him off his high horse. I am sure Defoe will start against Utd as well as Walker. AVB has his hands tied on Defoe and seems to favour Walker regardless. I won't be too concerned as long as we maintain a resolute defence and start putting our chances away. Defoe is due another purple patch, so I expect him to net in this game. COYS!

Critical_Spur

...if defoe's strike rate is .47 per 90 minutes then he has had his 90 minutes at Loftus Road..ergo... peterB... he has to score against Manure, ...law of averages..Yes, the trick is, can JD score 1 more than Manure score.......with just one striker and only Dempsey and Siggy as options blue nose will be smelling a victory.....however, there is a 12th man on Sunday for Spurs...Those of us inside the stadium....dont let us down, get the set pieces right, break up their play higher up the pitch and if we get our noses in front dont give up 2/3rds of the pitch and let them come on to us...Parker needs to close the spaces on Scholes dont let him play, strangle the supply from the midfield and Bale and Lenny need to turn their full backs and get in behind them...dont ping the chuffing ball into the box cos we aint got any height ,play the slide ball and keep the balls into the box on the deck..Bale's bound to come in and start taking shots so JD has to be in the box to pick up any half chances...link up play on the lines has to be tight, at QPR our link up play between Bale and Naughton was rubbish. BAE has to play to give us the overlaps. Walker has to get his bloody concentration sorted out, he let SWP get the better of him at QPR he's got to close the spaces down. Verts has to wear the same shorts as RvP dont let him get infront of him we all saw what he did to Liverpools pokermon, squirtles..give RvP any room in the box and he'll poach one.....the atmosphere inside WHL will be hyper its important that the lads on the pitch feel the buzz...this will be Parkers most important game he is going to have to cover every blade of grass and Bale and Lenny need to get back and cover if they lose possession......Im going to be screaming my lungs out so hard I'll probably see my beer again!

OyVeh Maria

We are short in the striker department and even the fit one we have (Defoe), most of you would start without him to which I would also agree. This highlights our problem for the rest of the season and not only for the United game. I'd be happy to see the following line-up come Sunday.

Lloris

Walker...Dawson..Vertonghen...BAE

Lennon...Parker...Dembele...Bale

Siggy

Dempsey

yiddyboy

OyVeh Maria - Defoe scores 0.5 goals per game, his last coming against Villa. Since then we have had 4 games so I guess he'll deliver a brace then??

yiddyboy

We won at Old Traff vs Pure Manure, and there's no reason we cannot do the same in N17. My only source of down feelings stems from Sandro's injury, which really does have me feeling ominously sad. But, we won the last time we met the Manures, and we can do so again. One thing we do know that differs from our last scoreless match vs Harry and his Houdinis, they will not be parking a coach across the box so we should have scoring chances. Curious to see if we stay in a 4-4-2 without Adebayor. If so, who's the other forward with Defoe? Or will we see a reversion to a 4-2-3-1? Let's hope Scotty has enough fuel in his tank to replace Sandro for the full 90+ minutes. He often didn't have sufficient energy to last last season. We need the old man now. COYS. (And Come on you Sandro. Heal fast, rapaz.)

Total knobhead

haha Yidmarks, I liked it better when you had cloned Bale. Bale passes from the wing and it connects with CF Bale for a gooooooooooal! nice stuff.

Total knobhead

Any transfer gossip? I read an article about us wanting Anas Sharbini any one heard anything about this?

thfan

unfortunately defoe tends to score the odd hatrick against poor opposition so he can afford these long goal droughts and still keep his stats just south of average. A finisher is judged by how many chances he needs to find the back of the net, how many shots per goal. Unfortunately for us our ***** hot striker is actually a poorer finisher than the much disparaged lennon, bale naturally and even dempsey who is only just getting warm. Its amazing what a PR campaign can do, pundits keep saying defoe is a deadly finisher and every believes it, even defoe unfortunately, perhaps thats why he never passes

Guernman

By the way JJ is back useful loan spell then to put him in the shop window. One start and only six appearances at Forest. Plagued with injuries again. So more expense for us re wages or will he replace Sandro lol

thfan

Will Jenas replace Sandro, thfan? Wash mouth with soap. Now. Repeat several times. Then sit in corner with large pointed hat and dumbfounded expression of face. Good one, mate.

Total knobhead

I just want the 3 points to be fair. Don't care if the win or lose will affect us bringing in any new player. It shouldn't anyway, its one game. If there is an area we NEED to strengthen we should be doing our best to fill it regardless. The club, the experts, the scouts need to look at the risk and spend time to make sure they are going for the Right man. Not just blow silly money on any old tom dick or harry just to show intent. It always extra tough in January as everyone knows. As for the game, well another chilli one for the lads ha, my head says it won’t be an easy game but my heart says this year will be ours. I watched United’s last cup game and fergi did rest a few players, RVP one of them. They played ok, nothing spectacular though. Hernandez was their stand out man imo (even though they gave mom to giggs), if he plays we need to keep an eye on him. I think they will step it up a gear against us as it’s the league but I genuinely feel that we can make things much tougher for them than the spammers did. Real shame about Sandro and Ade is away, so I hope that Parker, Defoe/Dempsey will all be ready. Looking forward to the game, just need to wrap up warm! COYS.

SpursOne2

whos' the ref? we don't want this game spoilt by silly sending off's or the usual avalanche of decisions in Manu's favour....they got all the decisions v west ham....

shedboy2

I read somewhere it is Chris Foy. Hope that's wrong info.

Madaboutspurs

I think that's correct Madaboutspurs - Referee: C Foy; Assistants: S Beck, M McDonough; Fourth official: L Mason.

SpursOne2

One game does not define a season, but it can be pivotal. Our game against the scum last year, losing as we did from 2 up was crushing to us and inspirational to them. I don't think this game has that potential but it wouldn't hurt to play them off the park. LOL.

Love totty

Same ref as at OT?

Love totty

Madaboutspurs I am hoping against hope that it's a smokescreen as well mate but something inside me says it isn't and we'll have to wait until summer because it's usually cheaper then. Typical Spurs attitude to buying. Wait until the bargain time and miss out on the cream. Oh well I suppose that's what comes of supporting Spurs. Never a dull moment with us is there. I though AVB came out with the we don't need new players because he was probably told when he signed that there would be no money until the summer, so he was being diplomatic as well as keeping the moral of the players up by not saying we need new this and that, so that the whole squad will feel wanted and needed. Positive Jedi mind tricks. HEY maybe AVB IS a Jedi Knight in disguise and will get us through this and come out next season with CL and the Prem championship. LOL

chrishove123

Well MAYBE this is the move that we all want. Is it going to happen before this window shuts. I certainly hope so. AVB is trying to get Holtby over here to replace Sandro as soon as possible even if it means paying a fee before his contract runs out. Now THAT would be great and shows that at least AVB has got his priorities in order. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/jan/16/tottenham-midfielder-sandro-surgery

chrishove123

Firstly it is true to say, we fluked a result at OT, we turned the form book over. They have the best away record in the PL, the quality of their squad blinds ours, how many of ours would get into theirs, they have Hernandez as a bench warmer for Christ's sake. We have no right to get anything off of them, although of course I hope we do, and then to add insult to injury we have Chris Foy reffing it, Howard Webb's colleague on the PRMUSA, the Professional Referees Manchester United Supporters Assoc. The problem of the 2 donated points from the QPR game, is that if it becomes 1 point from 6 in the last 2, it may well contribute to defining our season. This is why you must beat the dross, it is a lot more difficult to take points off of the cream.

Frank

Foy was indeed ref at Old Trafford. He arguably missed a couple of good penalty shouts for Utd that day. After we won the next match he took charge of was in league 2.

edmontonspurs

Frank - it was no fluke, it was hard won. We scored three good goals and restricted them to two despite the incredible atmosphere urging them on in the second half. You had to be there as I was to experience it. We were tremendous in the first half and fully deserved to win it. We can get at them.

Love totty

if it is a repeat performance of old trafford than i think we will not be so lucky,because that second half was one of the biggest maulings i have witnessed

ghulamville

The key to that win at OT was scoring in the second half. Often we have been ahead at HT there and Man U 2nd half response is pure shock and awe. We've been three ahead and lost before but we've never added to our tally in the 2nd half. It just pushes the finish line that bit farther away.

edmontonspurs

GV - That's what it all the more satisfying. We didn't crack and for all the pressure none of their chances or appeals were clear cut. It really *****es me off when that great performance is denigrated by so called fans.

Love totty

They were three sweet goals too!

edmontonspurs

Correct Espurs. I was with their fans and sat on my hands when we scored the first two. But when the third went in just after they scored I erupted... but sat down rather quick:).

Love totty

While we fear them, fact is they should also fear us, after all in top 10, they have lost only to us & Everton. We need to go out positive in the game. Yes, we dont ve Ade & Sandro, but we have players who can make the difference.

My XI would be Lloris, Walker, Dawson, Caulker, Vertonghen, Parker, Dembele, Bale, Dempsey, Lennon, Defoe.

sydqcb5

I was watching at home in a house full of MU fans, as I will be on Sunday. Tried not to go overboard last time, but the goals were just too good! COYS!

edmontonspurs

chrishove123, so you think AVB is a Jedi knight. I suppose that would go some way to explaining that voice of his. May the force be with us on Sunday!

In-spurs-ational

Chris Foy, slammed by fergie at old trafford in his words, ''how can you win a game with only 4mins added time'' Soon fergie will start the mind games so be prepared. Man U vs wet spam this week, how scholes stayed on after his late tackle was a crime, his been sent off in his time for a lot less. Having Chris Foy away and now again at home, this has to be a first? One of Two RVP get's carried off after 5mins or has a complete off day. Spurs will win this game, Utd down to 10 men after Rafael gets sent off.

spu 4 life

There is no reason to be downbeat imo. Records and history will go out of the window. Slowly but steadily AVB is building a strong mentality in he squad. We are not 4th because of any fluke. It is more to do with graft, hard work and ethics. A tactical aproach to every game. Everyone thought the trip to QPR was a foregone conclusion, i.e., 3 points. Similarly, bookies and pubdits may well have Utd game as a banker for the reds. But there is no reason to lack belief, Against the usual top 5 teams we have given a good account of ourselves. City (unlucky to lose), Utd (scored great goals and fought hard), Chelsea (did well but mistakes cost us), Arsenal (Ade sending off)and Everton (extra time madness). It's a game that will show how far we have come given the circumstances of this season. The pep talk from AVB will get them well up for this. As usual, we need to score first. Utd are the last team we would be expected to come from behind to get anything. This time the longer it stays 0-0, we may well nick it. There will be no room for poor finishing. COYS!

Critical_Spur

Frank - You mention who would get in the United team from Spurs

Lloris, Vertonghen, Dembele, Bale, Sandro (when fit) or am I just bias?

yiddyboy

I know there is at least ONE person who will say "OH HOW BORING YOU ARE GOING ON ABOUT REDKNAPP AGAIN YAWN" but he can go and spin for all I care because this is far too funny NOT to see. He is really upset by the interviewer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xJBsI7RAuvk

chrishove123

Official... the beast is out for the rest of the season according to Spurs official site..

Yidmarks

Critical Spur, The difference between our game at QPR, and them coming to us, is that you can bet your house on the fact, that if they get 16 shots, 7 on target, they will score, probably more than once, that's the difference, or rather RVP will be the difference.

Frank

Saints sack Nigel Atkins. Football has finally gone insane

HuddersfieldYiddo

yiddyboy, if you had said Defoe instead of RVP, then I think you might be a bit biassed

In-spurs-ational

Frank, I fully agree with you about them being able to put their chances away. More a reason why I consider it vital that we score first. Peeps talk about bus parkers, but if you are vying to become a top 4 team then clinical finish is paramount and Defoe is NOT the person to take us forward. How many times has RVP come to the rescue of Man U and formerly at Arsenal. That's what a finsher does. Those that think Defoe is a finisher live in la la land!. Hope Levy and AVB fully recognise this and more importantly do somehitng abou it. Damn frustrating to keep gettting so close and failing through lack of investment in the right area. Glaringly obvious ffs Levy!

Critical_Spur

HuddersfieldYiddo, I can't believe it either. Successive promotions. Even if they had got relegated this year, you can't say he's doing a bad job. What's the betting on Fergie getting the boot if we win on Sunday.

In-spurs-ational

TRAVEL NEWS FOR MANCHESTER UNITED FANS; you can keep upto date with AA travel watch for London and the home counties on google, those walking to white hart lane, the AA report all footways are clear. The AA report the 3 fans who live in manchester please set off early to avoid delays.

spu 4 life

Nigel Atkins is probably the worse sacking I have ever heard, oh well sure I will get over by the end of my lunch.....

Worse new is Tottenham's statement on Sandro, if we were really going for a midfielder in this window you'd think we would have kept that quite for a couple of weeks.

T.H.F.Chris

spu 4 life, I didn't realise we had fans in Manchester :)

In-spurs-ational

Finally I'm not the only one who thinks Defoe is not the man to take us forward. Better late then never I suppose!!!

yiddyboy

T.H.F.Chris, as you say " if we were really going for a midfielder". The key word being "if". AVB has constantly said we wouldn't be bringing anyone in. I assumed he says this to make sure prices don't go sky high. Putting out that statement on Sandro probably means we aren't looking for a midfielder. It probably means no loan deals for Thudd and Livermore

In-spurs-ational

In-spurs-ational- yeah they run the Rajdoot indian restaurant in the city centre.

spu 4 life

Nobody thinks that yiddyboy, some of us just give him the support cos he's our player. As bashing him every chance we get is counter productive

luv it spu 4 life

Ossie

yiddyboy, I do rate Defoe. By far and away, he is the best striker we currently have available (okay, so he's also the only one, but, in a group of one, he is definitely the best)

In-spurs-ational

Ossie, agree. No point in being Chelsea and booing your own team win lose or draw. No wonder they can't win at home, I'd be terrified as a player to make a mistake.

In-spurs-ational

Sure, Defoe is a very frustrating player. Needs to look up sometimes. He's still our top scorer, he's Spurs through and through and he's due a goal. COYS!

edmontonspurs

4real In-spurs-ational

Ossie

ADKINS SACKED?? My my what a silly bunch they are, Saints have played some really good games this year, idiots.

ledgespur

O Bicho, Sandro estâ fora! Qual mal noticia! Misericórdia. Macumba, ajuda nos agora. Estou em contato com alguns benzedeiros agora. Não se preocupe.

Total knobhead

I understand from a very good source that we have been offered Damiao for 15 million EUROS. and Levy has balked at it, his representatives would prefer to move him elsewhere because of this but its not 100% dead yet.

tophobunty

Not to worry about Sandro. We have invoked strong forces to help him. He will return stronger than ever.

Total knobhead

Ledge with you 100% ref Soton, I hope they get relegated as a result of this. I have lost total respect for them over this. I hope he finds a way to take very public and expensive legal action against them. What a reward to two successive promotions!!!!!

tophobunty

Re Defoe. I accept that he is the BEST we HAVE....yes, WE have. No one else has ever wanted him. BUT, he is NOT the BEST and the ONLY striker we SHOULD have. I get fed up of hearing all this talk about 'spurs through and through'....load of poppycock! Stop being so sentimental. In the modern game (the club, fans, players) do not have sentiments. If Defoe was at Man U, he would've been out of the door sooner than Berbatov's time there!

Critical_Spur

Again Critical I don't think anyone doubts if Defoe or any spurs player has the opportunity to play for one of the biggest teams in the country/world they wouldn't take it.

Ossie

Tophobunty – If that’s true Levy needs to be hung from the neck.

hudderspur

Wow I really missed Vital Spurs!No internet connection during trekking Annupurna Base Camp!Just going Through all the articles I missed and so much negitivity around here!!! I'm really optimistic about this match and just want us to win it!! I dont care how we do it,What's the scoreline;Just a win;3 points in the bag.Once I come home,thier they come Bragging those Manutd **** Bragging how small we are and how they are unbeaten 10 years at the Lane!Feck them!

SilwalYid

Booing is not counter productive .Letting players play $hit & still supporting them is counter productive ,easy money for them .
A trend of poor performances should not be tolerated & it`s the fans job to give the team a kick up the arse if & when required .
They`re their to please us not us their to please them .It`s their job but they all love Spurs ,really ? .Sucking up to millionaires is one thing that should never happen with constant bad performances .
But they need our support ? They get that by putting in a shift & doing their job to the best of their ability .Not good enough is not our problem .
The more money they earn the less sympathy they get ,a lifestyle that can`t have all their own way ,or we will become complete mugs,bending over & exploited by the club & players at such ease .

Man City fans paid £62 to watch them play away to Arsenal ,that`s criminal & complete exploitation knowing the fans will pay it .I think that`s enough support already ,maybe it`s the footballers who should be returning the favour .

big cockeral

There*

SilwalYid

i don't think we'll ever buy anybody that could really push us forwards, we'll always be expected to create a miracle out of someone half decent a la Dempsey so Joe 90 & Daniel 'Savings Book' Levy can pocket the loot and rub each other down with Ambre Solaire in their pyjamas, I mean the Bahamas. Sorry, call me 'Frank' (sorry Frank), but these guys just take our money and blow smoke up our ass. I would love to be wrong but doubt that I am

Cape Town Spurs

I agree, there is no place for sentiments from players - it's a job and why should they care especially about any one club over another. But it's nice to know you've got a good player who is also loyal. Yes, he is certainly not the best striker we should have. This situation regarding our strikers is shocking.

edmontonspurs

12 years selwal

Cape Town Spurs

Hudd i cant gtee 100% its true, but this guy is a friend of mine and doesn't tell me much that is not true. he is the same guy who told me Sandro had the op and would be out for 6 months the day of the op. days before it was in the media or announced by the club.

tophobunty

Cape Town, its a difficult one ref Levy, but the way i look at it is simple, has he improved us on the pitch since he took over? i think the answer is probably yes (come on stato where are you?) if it is yes and we have improved financially at the same time, then I think he deserves an award before most things else.

tophobunty

topho, i can't knock the improvement, but what i don't get (and please, no-one sing me the new stadium anthem), is the reluctance to (re)invest to push on for glory. This squad are and have been for a couple of seasons 2 maybe 3 players short of a title challenging side, so why not push for that title, because if you miss this opportunity it'll be 20 years until it comes knocking again. I'm not advocating spend spend spend and love the sensible way our club is run, but there seems to me to be a lack of desire for glory and that's not good for a football club. Levy, we know you have the money, plug the gaps, back AVB and make history. History is something you can be remembered by, how much money you squirreled away is not.

Cape Town Spurs

..the problem for defoe is he doesnt know what he should be ....Jimmy Greaves, sniffer Clark, they were players who played in and around the 18 yard box and had an instinctive eye for goal and thats why teams played to their strengths. Some teams set up their team around a player...I dont think we play to Defoe's natural game. Defoe is an opportunist and he also been too selfish at times....granted he has started to go back and get the ball and he has started to look for work but the problem he has is, if he is left to lead the line alone up front, he cant play as well on his own than when he has a partner who can create the space and the opening he can score from....we have had too many games where we leave too much space between the midfield and defoe and if you look at the Goals Defoe gets its normally more when he interacts with Lenny on the right than it is with Bale on the left. Adebyour should be a good combination but Adebyour is not causing enough problems in the box...what Defoe needs is a Berbatov or a Rooney someone who he can play give and go or a slide ball...its pointless pinging defoe a cross....he's better when he is running at a defender or he has his back to goal, but unless he gets that time and that space he gets shut out too quickly..the touble is too many sides at the top of the PL know how to play Defoe just like 2 metre peter became predictable Defoe is predictable at times. I dont understand how we have ended up in this situation! I dont really rate Defoe good enough for 90 minutes and I defo dont rate Adebyour and the jury is still out on Dempsey....... Dembele has a big job ahead of him on Sunday, he has to find that space in front of their back four and get our wide men in behind their defence, we need that extra bit of quality in the last third and we just have to hope we can run at manure like Bale did at OT and move their defence around and create the spaces.........

OyVeh Maria

top..I suspect Levy would baulk at the payment if they want it all in one go....but couldn't we just do with a player like Damiao against Manu...and he might have been useful against QPR as well!

shedboy2

wtih a decent striker that could put away chances we may well be sitting 2nd in the league right now, when has that ever happened? um, never!

Cape Town Spurs

@oyveh, how we ended up in this situation is simple mate, the money we got was never reinvested, it was skimmed and pocketed.

Cape Town Spurs

SinceInter, AC, Chelsea, Barca, ManU, RM have all had interest in Leandro and we have a right to match, can it not be presumed that whatever is being asked is too much. Honestly, if it's 15M Euros, why wouldn't any other team jump in, pay that transfer fee and state that they will give the player more than we will. Force our hand. I suspect as there is a lot more to all of this than meets the eye. I also fail to see how a 20M GBP player is now only worth 15M Euros. I am much more disappointed that we have not just signed Negredo. Get hm in. That takes all of the striker pressure away. Then Leandro can come when the deal works out. We still have right to match as he is an Internacionale developed player. VDV and Ade played well off of each other. Nothing I have seen makes me think that any combo is going to set the world alight, although Ade and Dempsey really haven't been on the pitch together too much in the middle. Best defence is a great offence. If Defoe or Adebayor had scored early at Loftus Road, that is a whole different game. COYS

peterballb

fair enuff assesment OM!!

Ossie

CTS, Especially now that we have sorted out our defence (probably the best in PL), yes, we'd e sitting pretty 2nd but for a notable striker.

Critical_Spur

Here is my prediction for the future. Please remember the players we have already sold and the money we have not spent despite protesting we have tried to! We sell our 1 remaining jewel for 55million or whatever, claim we are about to sign Messi, the deal's as good as done, only to learn his Gran dropped a tin of beans on her foot and he had to take her to the doctor which meant he missed his medical and as luck would have it now the windows closed. So with the assets stripped, Berbatov (not replaced), Modric & VdV (not replaced), Bale (not replaced) they've skimmed as much out the squad as possible, now off-load the land with all its development rights without laying a single brick and sail away into the sunset.

Cape Town Spurs

Now we seeing eye to eye Peter, good post

Ossie

Now we seeing eye to eye Peter, good post

Ossie

just given out on radio one; Sandro out for the rest of the season with cruciate ligament injury, that is not only a major blow for us and for Sandro, but how much damage has been done, remember Gazza done his, though that was a stupid challenge on Charles in the cup final vs Notts Forest. We are lucky to have Scottas back up and both fit it helped to rotate in other games, now his back up is what, Livermore and tug boat Hudd, i hope Scotty is up for playing 19 plus games to may.

spu 4 life

If they had scored Peter, yes, a whole different game, but they didn't and as a result, it wasn't. Just the same old tosh.

Cape Town Spurs

Big C with you on that one....would be really great to bring in a max wage to get these ponces back soemewhere near the real world.

tophobunty

Cape Town agree 100% with what you are saying ref re-investing for the final push

tophobunty

Tesco New Advertising Campaign Launch; ''Tesco Burgers, not part of your 5 a day, but they offer a STABLE diet''

spu 4 life

boom boom spu 4 life -- it's the way you tell 'em! now stop horsing around and get back to football

Cape Town Spurs

could well be the case Shedboy2

tophobunty

Ohveh, as I recall Defoe and Berbatov was like Berbatov y himself. There is no give and go with JD. It's just give and he is easily muscled off the ball. His runs for crosses are, more often than not, in behind defenders who are 6"-8" taller than he is. I will agree, he is best in a 4-4-2 where he can find the seams and beat guys for pace as a result of the space created by the other. To talk of partnership with Defoe is ridiculous if one looks at all who have tried over the years.

CapeTown, I presume you are expecting a huge profit at year's end that will all go to Levy and Lewis. That has not, to my knowledge, been the case up to now. You want them to push on for glory and I believe everyone will share your sentiment. The question is how to do that in a responsible fashion. QPR, Southampton and Vill have 90M of net spend so far (I expect QPR and Southampton will go in further - Villa have finally come to their senses and said enough is enough). If they all go down, they are all going to be in a spot of bother. Yes, owners can go in to their own pockets, but when an owner like Fernandez is worth 500M, and needs to go in to his pocket to the tune of 50M with no real prospect of money for next season all while having to make a host of players happy that don't want to be in the Championship and who are on wages inconsistent with their revenues so long as they remain there. It's a potential mess and if he loses interest in losing money on a paything, it's the club and the fans that suffer from the largesse.

CL would probably add 30M to the kitty for next season. 4 teams legitimately fighting for 2 spots, and that is likely to be the case next year though Everton may well stick around in the race so 5 teams for 2 positions. So, how much do you wantthem to throw at the problem, knowing that overspending will mean, in any properly run business,that expenses need to be curbed next year if it does not pan out. COYS

peterballb

If we do not replace Sandro and rely on Hudd and or Livermore to cover for him I think we are likely to finish 5th or 6th. It is not easy to imagine at least one other midfielder either Dembele or Parker being injured before then end of the season, if that happens to either for more than 1 month i think it could be 6th or 7th. This is a very bad situation for us sadly.

tophobunty

PeterB, you are the most considered and rational of posters on this beloved home of ours, and I rarely disagree with you, after all, common sense is hard to argue with. I consider myself to be somewhere between balanced and insane depending on my sugar levels. Seriously though, & I get and respect the business side of things, I honestly truly believe we are being led a merry dance. ENIC are doing the bare minimum to keep their long term plan in touch. That does not mean their long term plan is the same as that as a supporter.

Cape Town Spurs

Ossie, that must have been a great post if you posted it twice. I'll try and stay on track. COYS

peterballb

Take for example Moussa goes in for a 50/50 on Sunday and comes out worse for it, that would put us back to a CM of Parker and Hudd/Livermore which is not good enough for top 4 IMO. #noplaymaker #nostrikystriker #ledgenohappy

ledgespur

@ SPU 4 LIFE.....Went to Tesco Deli the other day for a burger they asked what would you like on it, I said 10 quid each way please.

ledgespur

CapeTown, don't think for one second that I don't know that Levy and Lewis are in his for themselves. Of course they are. Lewis and Levy are the shareholders with 71 and 29% respectively. They have seen their investment grow from 243M in 2007 to 546M at last Forbes rating (May 2012). As I have stated, only United have grown by more in the same period of time. Much of this growth, and the financing of the new stadium (no doubt) has a lot to do with how things are being run. If banks, households, nations had had the same intestinal fortitude over the past 2 decades, the world economy would not be as messed as it is. Debt is fine, so long as it is manageable. All I am saying (and I am advocating a spend of 45M-Son, Negredo, Holtby in now, Sissokho similarly or free in June and Willian) is we need to continue to balance the books. Sell Hudd and Rose (if BAE will extend) and Gomes, loan out Bentley, loan out Livermore. Let the dust settle in August when AVB can decide who fits best while realizing we have some talents in Townsend, Pritchard, Smith et al that need to be in the team picture. Players that would be sold would all be on contracts that could be moved and as they are young, we should be able to recoup our investment, if not turn a profit. I'd like to see us go with 22 players in the squad and kids who don't count so that we can have higher quality on higher salaries while balancing the books. We just need to appreciate that if a calculated gamble fails, we need to be able to right ourselves without throwing away all of the gains of the past 7 years when we have become a Europe regular on the cusp of CL. COYS

peterballb

we are a well run club, i dont want to happen to us like pompey an leeds, etc, and if we had roman would u like spurs run like chelsea are right now.

123spurs

we have players to challenage but is up to them if they want it. we can out spend everton an attract better players then them but it seems they are on same level as us.

123spurs

im looking forward to see this so world classs bale do this sunday

123spurs

Anyone see The picture of Sandro's knee? I've seen it and don't understand why it looks so horrific. I had ACL reconstruction and a small plate put in my knee about 12 years ago and that was a small scar on the top of the shin and one drainage hole and two camera holes, his looks like a full knee reconstruction, anyone have any ideas? Appreciated.

Jantheman

who wants to see world class players like so called bale diving does he need it?

123spurs

not to bothered about sandro, we have parker. sandro can be loose cannon at times, careless passing and tackles an a red card awaits. we must get at least a point to his again another average utd team, if we have any belief if finishing top 3

123spurs

Cometh the game.....cometh the man......."DemBale"....he likes Man.utd games.

82spursdebut

123spurs, life is a lot easier when you can run the same guys out there all the time. They have been fortunate with injuries and, as we know, injuries always play a role. 7 of their players have played in 21 or 22 of their 22 gaes and the lowest number for their starters is Neville at 15 games. Injuries to them are much more costly than they are to us. Losing Sandro is terrible. Having a replacement in Parker is a luxury Everton do not have. More teams in the mix is good. It means that Everton, WBA, Newcastle and even Liverpool will all be looking to drop as few points as possible to all of the others in the top 8. It means less easy games for Chelsea, Arsenal, Everton etc. It also means Everton, Liverpool and others will really push Arsenal and Chelsea in their matches. COYS

peterballb

I have a good feeling about Sunday. Manure will come at us and give Lennon and Bale a chance to run in behind, they must be well up for it after QPR. I think Parker is going to be the key man though, he has had a couple of warm ups but manures quality means our medfield general needs to be on form. 3-1 Spurs Defoe x2 and Verts from a corner!!!

T.H.F.Chris

Bales has been our best attacking player & is our most valued player for a reason .We notice it more when bale has a bad game because he`s that important it shows .Bale is far too relied upon IMO ,others need to step up ,NO actually Levy has to spend .& Sandro has made more interceptions than any other EPL .Sandro is a fine player & when Spurs are controlling games but not scoring ,the controlling is down to him & Dembele ,the scoring is the part that goes missing .

We have possession but no penetration ,striker is a need not a want .Adebayor is a waste of time & Defoe is not as good as he thinks he is .Lennon just doesn`t do enough to warrant the praise & protection he gets .

IMO we need a winger & a striker or 4th may be lost ,want do you want 4th or sentiment ,this season you can`t have it both ,the competition is too fierce .

big cockeral

123spurs, Sandro has more tackles than any other player in the EPL, and he is way out in front. He is not a loose cannon. Loose cannos get the second yellow. Sandro carries on and avoids the second yellow. I think he is one of the best DMF in the world. I like how Parker has also been pushing the play forward this year, and, as such, I am not that worried about the loss, although the quality gap is huge if Scotty goes down. Squad rotation will be critical for AVB and this squad. Lots of games to come. Only Everton have a light schedule. Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle all have schedules just s bad, if not worse than ours. COYS

peterballb

BigC, I believe Lennon has supplied more scoring chances than ale this season. I know he is short, but you really should not overlook him. We need cover on the wing, a real, up top striker, as you say and a string puller. Negredo, Son Willian and get Holtby here now as cover/option for Dembele, Sissokho on a similar deal to Holtby or free in June. COYS

peterballb

peterballb Have to agree to disagree on that one .I may be wrong but i`m expecting lennon to be dropped if the competition for places heats up .IMO Lennon is not doing know where near enough .WQhen he gets the ball i now expect nothing to happen ,no anticipation & find him very predictable in his play .
Ginola was the opposite

big cockeral

Lennon is a top top player BIGC we are lucky to have him.

tophobunty

Reports from France in last couple of hours we have made contact over M'villa

Chelmspur

Big C I agree with you, hold on no I don't you're talking rubbish again. Lennon is getting this praise because he is playing brilliant, even you admitted it a couple of games ago (.....maybe someone stole your account). Lennon is more consistent that Hazard, better than Young and Milner, and his **** understudy at the scum doesn't even compete. Trust me he'll rip Evra part again on Sunday!

T.H.F.Chris

lennon...reminds me of paul allen

82spursdebut

tophobunty Lennon is the only one we disagree on .He just goes missing too much for me & his final ball is poor still & his shooting is pathetic at times .
just don`t get having a right midfielder who can`t take corners or free kicks ,imo need more from him than just silly dribbling skills then lose the ball

big cockeral

It seems Belhanda's deal to Turkey has not gone through and he is available. He is the one we should be in for. Get Sissokho as well for a nominal amount and we have cover/option for Scotty and Moussa. Behlanda's 6 goals in 12 shots is pretty impressive and he has always been one to score goals. COYS

peterballb

its true BIGC i think this is the only issue we have ever disagreed on. 82..you talking about John or Neil?

tophobunty

lol THF

Ossie

Bale has 1 assist. Lennon has 5. Lennon has provided more scoring chances than Bale. Sure, Bale can win you a game, but then, as has been shown, he can be shut out of a game. Both suffer from no striker who is able to get on the end of all the chances, but to suggest that either have not been critical to where we are with the mis-firing strikers, is ridiculous. Both could use a kick up the butt. Willian and Son would do that. Add Negredo, and all of our front players would get the kick they need. Add Belhanda, and you have a provider/scorer up the gut. COYS

peterballb

You must be 13 using lol & 4real

big cockeral

Would make sense that move Clelmspur, but I wouldn't hold my breath

Ossie

Do you really think I give a $hit about whatever you think, sittin behind your keyboard throwing cusses.

Peter hasn't Belhanda been selected for the AFCON for Morocco??

Ossie

BigC, if we signed Willian and Son, I can assure you that Bale and Lennon would have to fight for playing time. Produce or you sit. I appreciate both Bale and Lennon were being choked out of the game against QPR, but cannot accept that they didn't go get the game. If it won't come to you, be patient. If it still won't come to you, be more patient. If it still won't come to you, go get it. At 60 minutes, I'd have taken off Defoe (ok wouldn't have started him), brought on Dempsey and asked Lennon and Bale to go get the game. All they did was switch wings. Walker was useless. Naughton looked devoid of ideas. We needed overlap at pace followed by crosses being attacked by strikers. If overlap doesn't work, then get Walker and Naughton throwing the ball in t the middle, just inside the box, from before midfield. Long balls aren't sexy (I know, I know) but they make defences have to act. One bad clearance (Gallas) and it's in the back of the net. We don't ask enough questions of defences. We don't run at players who are cards waiting to happen. We don't do anywhere enought tight, quick passing. This is what you have to do to create. Passing around the perimiter just allows the defence to settle. Throw ins should be immediate. free kicks too, unless it affords the opportunity for a chance on goal in which case, hit the darned net (Bale, Walker). You make your own luck. We need all of our players to start doing that. COYS

peterballb

peterballb Don`t confuse stats with what you see in the games we play .The naked eye is all you need .
A player scores 4 in a game we lose 5-4 ,what`s the point ?
lloris keeps a clean sheet against QPR drawing -0-0 - great stats ,would have been better winning 5-4 .

Only fools go by stats ,they don`t tell the full story .How many games did those stats get you points is the only one . He set up 3 but we lost 4-3 ? means phuck all .
WIN SOMETHING

big cockeral

willi son and bellender, that sounds like a porn movie cast

tophobunty

Yes, Ossie and they have a good team. It would not stop me from doing the deal though. COYS

peterballb

speaking of sexual activity Tophobunty, Boris Johnson is trying to get the 2018 Gay Games for west hams new stadium, that should be interesting.

T.H.F.Chris

BigC, the stats confirm what I see and sometimes they tell me I am not seeing something. I don't make a judgment based on a stat but when a stat confirms what I see, then I believe I am pretty much on track. I can tell you, both Lennon and Bale have dropped many crosses in to the opposition box. I can tell you, Lennon, more than Bale, creates scoring chances because he does not whip them in with the pace of Bale. This means players can adjust to his crosses better. It's why he has 5 assists to Bale's 1. The reduction in Bale, Ade and Dempsey on the assist side of things uis entirely down to our up top top striker. He just isn't there. Lennon's stats are the same as last year, though I imagine he has played more minutes this season. He has been much better this year than last and yet, has not done any better. If we had that proper striker, Bale, Lennon, Ade and Dempsey would all be looking brilliant (maybe not Ade because he has been poor). Yes, Lennon, and Bale, need competition. Every player does. I would not bring in Son and sit him infavour of Lennon if Son was looking electric. COYS

peterballb

avb...should have had townsend on the bench..vs qpr

82spursdebut

peterballb Trust me, Lennon is on the verge of getting dropped

big cockeral

I think AVB's comments over the past month or so in regards to lennon would suggest otherwise. Time will tell. Let's just hope he plays well enouh to make me right and that defoe scores enough to make me wrong. COYS

peterballb

peterballb +1 on both counts .I 100% agree with you on Defoe ,inconsistent players will always make an inconsistent team .

big cockeral

It is quite amazing how Defoe doesn't read Bale very well..........away to man.city last season, springs to mind. But, Defoe is more right footed, than left.

82spursdebut

82spursdebut Has Defoe read anyone ?
I like Defoe but he`s not as good as he thinks he is .

Defoe has come off the bench & scored more times than any other EPL player .
That tells you he doesn`

big cockeral

That tells you Defoe doesn`t do gameplans so well ,& is a predator who is best when his prey are at their weakest .
In the animal kingdom he would be a Hyena ,laughs alot with his cash & women ,arrogant ,very arrogant , but thinks he`s top of the food chain when clearly he is not .

big cockeral

oh, i agree......ideally, Defoe is a third choice striker, now, for a top 4 team....or should be.

82spursdebut

THF Chris, good one, i have been on a Boris bike, come on you irons x

tophobunty

big cockeral So what information are YOU privy too that the rest of us mere mortals are not? Yet another of your absolutely useless ITK's is it eh? Why wouold AVB drop a player who has improved so much under his tenure? Only an idiot would do or suggest such a thing as we have no one wlse as good in his position.

chrishove123

Dempsey must sit on carrick...if he does this we have a shot...as long as the ref doesn't cave to the berrating from Sir Alex....how foy is getting the game after fergies blatent attempt to put pressure on the next time I don't know...The sooner he retires the better it'll be for the integrity of the game...

shedboy2

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