Saint Charlie Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 (edited) We know our defense is crap. Time to select a regular back line and at least get some continuity. For me this would be: ----------------------------------Boruc--------------------------------------- Clyne----------------Fonte-----------------------Yoshida----------------------Fox Hooiveld is too clumsy at this level, and Yoshida has good decent when played at centre half. Fox has his weaknesses but unless Shaw is ready (doubtful) then I would prefer Fox to playing a centre back out there, plus we get his set piece delivery (others were dreadful on Sat). In midfield Morgan and Davis pick themselves in the centre. If fit Ramirez obviously slots in somewhere but assuming he isn't I would play JWP/Cork in with Morgan and Davis to add some extra energy and a bit more solidity compared to Lallana. -----------------------------------Morgan----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------Davis-------------JWP/Cork---------------------------------- In the front three I would play Rickie centre, then Lallana to the left. This is where he made himself the player he is, he can be a goal threat and we need to use that. Right would be Puncheon or Mayuka (who has looked lively each time from the bench). ---------Punch/Mayuka---------------------------------------------Lallana ------------------------------------Lambert------------------------------ IMO that isnt too bad a line up. When Ramirez is back he can either slot in for JWP or out right of the front three. Edited 22 October, 2012 by Saint Charlie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pingwing Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 Rumour has it Dembele might be injured for this. Thats one down.... Only 8 other mishaps to go... (happened on the simpsons so can happen in real life) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjk Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 Lets hope Ramirez and Cork will be back,we have missed Cork so far this season.Not confident though,however i would like to see the whole stadium showing support for Adkins,he doesnt deserve the sack yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MOSaint Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 We know our defense is crap. Time to select a regular back line and at least get some continuity. For me this would be: -------------------------Boruc--------------------- Clyne-----------Fonte-----------Yoshida--------Fox Hooiveld is too clumsy at this level, and Yoshida has good decent when played at centre half. Fox has his weaknesses but unless Shaw is ready (doubtful) then I would prefer Fox to playing a centre back out there, plus we get his set piece delivery (others were dreadful on Sat). Speaking of Shaw, what's happened to him? He played that cup match, then he was "ill" and he hasn't been near the first team since. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 We know our defense is crap. Time to select a regular back line and at least get some continuity. For me this would be: ----------------------------------Boruc--------------------------------------- Clyne----------------Fonte-----------------------Yoshida----------------------Fox Hooiveld is too clumsy at this level, and Yoshida has good decent when played at centre half. Fox has his weaknesses but unless Shaw is ready (doubtful) then I would prefer Fox to playing a centre back out there, plus we get his set piece delivery (others were dreadful on Sat). In midfield Morgan and Davis pick themselves in the centre. If fit Ramirez obviously slots in somewhere but assuming he isn't I would play JWP/Cork in with Morgan and Davis to add some extra energy and a bit more solidity compared to Lallana. -----------------------------------Morgan----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------Davis-------------JWP/Cork---------------------------------- In the front three I would play Rickie centre, then Lallana to the left. This is where he made himself the player he is, he can be a goal threat and we need to use that. Right would be Puncheon or Mayuka (who has looked lively each time from the bench). ---------Punch/Mayuka---------------------------------------------Lallana ------------------------------------Lambert------------------------------ IMO that isnt too bad a line up. When Ramirez is back he can either slot in for JWP or out right of the front three. It is absolutely pointless putting up teams without Rodriguez in them, he'll always start in front of Punch or Mayuka unless he's taken over Rickie's role again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 Speaking of Shaw, what's happened to him? He played that cup match, then he was "ill" and he hasn't been near the first team since. Didn't he get injured in an U21 game a while back? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 (edited) Well I think we'll get something against Spurs, they're not all that great at the back and we're a lot better in the second game after an IB than we are in the first.Last time it was a 6-1 trouncing at the Arse then the win against Villa, this time West Ham then Spurs. I think if you look back over the last say 5 years or so you'll find that we get thumped after nearly every IB. Edited 22 October, 2012 by Window Cleaner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Charlie Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 Might be time to play Shaw and Fox, double up on the left side so they can help each other out. Feel sorry for the full backs getting so much blame when the players in front of them leave them so exposed. Spurs are good, better than us obviously, but not as good as Man Utd who we perhaps should have beaten, so there's always hope. If that Norwich side can beat Arsenal, we can beat a big team too. Seeing as we play 4-3-3 I can't see Shaw and Fox starting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 Personally I think it's time for Mayuka to be given a run. I'd say up front, but obviously seeing as Rickie will play there, he'll go out on the right. I would play... Gazzaniga Clyne - Fonte - Yoshida - Fox Davis - Morgan Mayuka Lallana Puncheon Lambert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nexstar Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 Would like to see Mayuka have a big part in this game. Blistering pace can cause all sorts of problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 Would like to see Mayuka have a big part in this game. Blistering pace can cause all sorts of problems. I think he's more than just pace, seems to have a good brain and movement off the ball. I've only seen glimpses of him, but they've been positive. I know he's been nursing a knock the last few weeks, so I'd hope based on his sub appearance that he's nearing his full start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LGTL Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 Personally I think it's time for Mayuka to be given a run. I'd say up front, but obviously seeing as Rickie will play there, he'll go out on the right. I would play... Gazzaniga Clyne - Fonte - Yoshida - Fox Davis - Morgan Mayuka Lallana Puncheon Lambert This. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 As posted elsewhere, hopefully Cork will be back soon- even Guly could do a job in a midfield 3 (a midfield 2 is a recipe for disaster). He's physically bigger and hard to muscle off the ball, can keep it simple and seems to prefer taking up a deeper position. And yes, shock, horror his work rate is decent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Charlie Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 I think he's more than just pace, seems to have a good brain and movement off the ball. I've only seen glimpses of him, but they've been positive. I know he's been nursing a knock the last few weeks, so I'd hope based on his sub appearance that he's nearing his full start. Yeah would agree - he was purposeful at WH and also looked sharp vs Villa and Everton when he came on. I agree with your team, was pretty much what I said apart from I think Boruc should play - he needs games and an experienced keeper to marshall the defence should be what we need. Gazza will clearly be class but we need to get some consistency of selection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 Personally I think it's time for Mayuka to be given a run. I'd say up front, but obviously seeing as Rickie will play there, he'll go out on the right. I would play... Gazzaniga Clyne - Fonte - Yoshida - Fox Davis - Morgan Mayuka Lallana Puncheon Lambert Reckon NA would probably favour Guly over Puncheon as he did when Mayuka came on against Wham. Shoring up our right hand side is going to be critical against Bale. I think NA will give the nod to whoever he thinks is defensively more solid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 Reckon NA would probably favour Guly over Puncheon as he did when Mayuka came on against Wham. Shoring up our right hand side is going to be critical against Bale. I think NA will give the nod to whoever he thinks is defensively more solid. Fair points, although to give him his due I think Puncheon has offered support to his full back this year when required. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 Fair points, although to give him his due I think Puncheon has offered support to his full back this year when required. Agree he's been better than Lallana in this regard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slickmick Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 Time to try and sturdy things up at the back. Gazzaniga Clyne - Fonte - Yoshida - Shaw Davis - Morgan Chaplow Lallana Fox Lambert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 As posted elsewhere, hopefully Cork will be back soon- even Guly could do a job in a midfield 3 (a midfield 2 is a recipe for disaster). He's physically bigger and hard to muscle off the ball, can keep it simple and seems to prefer taking up a deeper position. And yes, shock, horror his work rate is decent. Agreed. I think Guly would make up a good 3 in midfield with Davis and Schneiderlin, almost in that sort of Yaya Toure role (obviously he's no-where near that class of player before anyone gets the wrong end of the stick). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bender Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 3-2 saints if we play Gazza 18-0 spurs if we play Boruc or Davis....... (note this is tongue in cheek) Aim for a win, look delighted at a draw, could loose. Spurs aren't all that, Bale, Dempsey, Dembele are their best players, everyone else is a bit average/poor. They are a team on the down a bit which should help, though they still are better than us. So Gazza's gonna score 3 goals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
latter day saint Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 Agreed. I think Guly would make up a good 3 in midfield with Davis and Schneiderlin, almost in that sort of Yaya Toure role (obviously he's no-where near that class of player before anyone gets the wrong end of the stick). i thought that was the position he played in Italy,so make sense to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai_phil Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 Well be fine. As long as Guly starts on the same side of midfield as Bale. And remembers his (alleged) Dead Leg technique. I have an easy solution in order to ensure FMDP & I enjoy the game. Extra Beer time first Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai_phil Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 Fair points, although to give him his due I think Puncheon has offered support to his full back this year when required. Agree with that, just a shame that Puncheon seems to totally go to pieces whenever he gets within 5 yards of the final third of the pitch. Defensively sound and a solid mover of the ball in his own half but in the formation we play where you need some creativity or at LEAST the ability to find our own player with a pass when attacking - dreadful and would take Guly every time ahead of him IF Gaston was fit (So he MUST be bad) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patred44 Posted 22 October, 2012 Share Posted 22 October, 2012 Gazza a definite starter.. Boruc is about 2 weeks and 1 and half stone short of being fit. Perhaps it would help if gave up the burgers and fags:rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingsbridge Saint Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 If Lambert starts and we take the lead I reckon we could get something. Provided Adkins doesn't have another brain fart and take him off again of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tajjuk Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 We need to play positively it plays to our strengths and their weaknesses, we aren't going to be able to 'keep it tight' against a spurs including bale and co, but defensively they aren't great, aging Gallas, both fullbacks are much better going forward than defensively. Get the crowd behind the team, get in the spurs players faces lots of pressing like against Man Utd, get Lambert unsettling Gallas and I'd like to see Mayuka on the right with Clyne, not only is that a lot of pace to help deal with bale but it'll give Bale something to think about defensively as well, we need him away from our last third as much as possible. A unlikely return for Gaston would be a big boost as well, anyone know how he's doing? His quick passing would unsettle the spurs defence, similar what Chelsea did to spurs on Saturday. Finally I think Boruc will start, he needs games and he has a big personality and lots of experience that I think means he will recover well from Saturday and come back stronger. For me:- Boruc Clyne Fonte Yoshida Fox Morgan Davis JWP Mayuka Lallana Lambert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 We need to play positively it plays to our strengths and their weaknesses, we aren't going to be able to 'keep it tight' against a spurs including bale and co, but defensively they aren't great, aging Gallas, both fullbacks are much better going forward than defensively. Get the crowd behind the team, get in the spurs players faces lots of pressing like against Man Utd, get Lambert unsettling Gallas and I'd like to see Mayuka on the right with Clyne, not only is that a lot of pace to help deal with bale but it'll give Bale something to think about defensively as well, we need him away from our last third as much as possible. A unlikely return for Gaston would be a big boost as well, anyone know how he's doing? His quick passing would unsettle the spurs defence, similar what Chelsea did to spurs on Saturday. Finally I think Boruc will start, he needs games and he has a big personality and lots of experience that I think means he will recover well from Saturday and come back stronger. For me:- Boruc Clyne Fonte Yoshida Fox Morgan Davis JWP Mayuka Lallana Lambert On the basis that we were told that Ramirez was involved in light training last Thursday, he can't be a million miles off at least a place on the bench for Sunday? Agreed on Boruc. We need to know who our first choice keeper is and stick with them. The need for a settled back 5 is massively important. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Garrett Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 Would be a surprise if Gaston was involved, but hope he's improving quickly. Maybe an outside chance for the WBA game ? That will be about a month since he got injured, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjsaint Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 I can literally not remember a time where our new manager won his first game :-( Exactly. It usually consigns us to a month or so in the doldrums while every squad member gets 'to prove themselves' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Garrett Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 For me ----------Boruc Clyne - Jose - Yoshi - Fox -------Morgan-Davis------ Puncheon -Lambert--Lallana ---------Rodriguez--------- Gazza, Hooiveld, Reeves, Chaplow, Mayuka, Guly, JWP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatch Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 really worried about Sunday, think we could get tonked by 5 or 6. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPTCount Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 reading all these comments is like we the city and united games never happened. we will get a point or three out of this with a last minute goal from mayuka. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tajjuk Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 Agreed on Boruc. We need to know who our first choice keeper is and stick with them. The need for a settled back 5 is massively important. A match fit Artur Boruc will be winning us points crucial points. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 Any word on cork or Ramirez for this one? Either back will be huge. And i would stick with Boruc - he is better than the other 2 you can tell and we need to bed down a settled back 5 ASAP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 It was cruel to drop Gazza and Boruc looked far from match fit last weekend. There is the potential for both to improve, it's a dilemma... but I would revert to Gazza for the time being. Hopefully Richardson will be back fit, the best we have looked defensively this season was with him on the right. So, being optimistic with injuries, my team: --------------- Lambert --------------- Lallana ---------------------- Puncheon --------- Davis ---- Ward Prowse ------ ------------- Schneiderlin ------------- Clyne --- Yoshida --- Fonte - Richardson ----------------- Gazza ------------------- Substitutes: Boruc, Hooiveld, Fox, Ramirez, Chaplow, Mayuka, Rodriguez Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 23 October, 2012 Author Share Posted 23 October, 2012 It was cruel to drop Gazza and Boruc looked far from match fit last weekend. There is the potential for both to improve, it's a dilemma... but I would revert to Gazza for the time being. Hopefully Richardson will be back fit, the best we have looked defensively this season was with him on the right. So, being optimistic with injuries, my team: --------------- Lambert --------------- Lallana ---------------------- Puncheon --------- Davis ---- Ward Prowse ------ ------------- Schneiderlin ------------- Clyne --- Yoshida --- Fonte - Richardson ----------------- Gazza ------------------- Substitutes: Boruc, Hooiveld, Fox, Ramirez, Chaplow, Mayuka, Rodriguez go with that....if we are going to play 433 lets have 3 in the middle like that...we looked far far better against Man U like that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 reading all these comments is like we the city and united games never happened. No they both happened and we lost both. The Arsenal, Everton and West Ham games also happened. As did Fulham and Villa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elmore Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 If he is fit, I wouldn't mid seeing Shaw at left back. Our defence can't really get much worse can it? Wasn't Bale the same age as Shaw when he started playing for Spurs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 If he is fit, I wouldn't mid seeing Shaw at left back. Our defence can't really get much worse can it? Wasn't Bale the same age as Shaw when he started playing for Spurs? Bale had turned 18 when he started actually playing at Spurs (only just) Had a couple of games for us at 16 though I think and the best part of a season at 17 in the CCC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 If he is fit, I wouldn't mid seeing Shaw at left back. Our defence can't really get much worse can it? Wasn't Bale the same age as Shaw when he started playing for Spurs? Frustratingly Shaw has got injured again, and will miss the England U18 games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 If he is fit, I wouldn't mid seeing Shaw at left back. Our defence can't really get much worse can it? Wasn't Bale the same age as Shaw when he started playing for Spurs? Have you actually seen Shaw play? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elmore Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 Bale had turned 18 when he started actually playing at Spurs (only just) Had a couple of games for us at 16 though I think and the best part of a season at 17 in the CCC. Oh yes - and now I remember Bale wasn't an instant hit either was he? I remember some Spuds fans at work telling me how cr*p he was - they thought he was a Jonah as he wasn't in a winning Spurs side for about a whole season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elmore Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 Have you actually seen Shaw play? Yes several times. Thanks for the enquiry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 Yes several times. Thanks for the enquiry. Just wondering why you're so keen to get him in? I've seen him a couple of times this season and also had reports from a friend of mine who is a scout and has seen a few U21 games; opinions from both of us are shared that he's nowhere near ready for a first team showing. Perhaps you see something else in him. In any case, if we go for a youngster I get the feeling Ben Reeves will get a chance before Shaw does. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rshephard3 Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 Just wondering why you're so keen to get him in? I've seen him a couple of times this season and also had reports from a friend of mine who is a scout and has seen a few U21 games; opinions from both of us are shared that he's nowhere near ready for a first team showing. Perhaps you see something else in him. In any case, if we go for a youngster I get the feeling Ben Reeves will get a chance before Shaw does. I don't doubt this point but I do genuinely think most people are finding Fox unmanagable to watch at times. His ability to take a set piece is so so overwhelmed by his inability to do his job it's almost embarrassing to watch him. I can honestly say I've never seen a player so consistently out of position without learning a thing from his last mistake. On this basis, I don't think it would be ridiculous to imagine a player who is young enough to learn quickly could take Fox's place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supersonic Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 Anyone know the chef or the recipe for the Lasagne? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissyboy31 Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 Anyone know the chef or the recipe for the Lasagne? Ex Lax can be hidden quite successfully in Bolognaise sauce. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintPC Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 For me ----------Boruc Clyne - Jose - Yoshi - Fox -------Morgan-Davis------ Puncheon -Lambert--Lallana ---------Rodriguez--------- Gazza, Hooiveld, Reeves, Chaplow, Mayuka, Guly, JWP This, but with Gazza in goal. Boruc for me looked unfit and off the pace against WHU. I think Lambert could play well as a number 10 (Rooney style). We then get the pace of Rodriguez and the invention of Lambert, Lallana and Puncheon creating behind him. Also I thought Fox looked reasonably decent against Fulham so should be, and almost certainly will be, starting over Shaw IMO. Having said all this, I think we're going to struggle to get anything from this. But, who knows, Spurs are a funny team who can be brilliant one game and very dodgy the next. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captainchris Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 I don't doubt this point but I do genuinely think most people are finding Fox unmanagable to watch at times. His ability to take a set piece is so so overwhelmed by his inability to do his job it's almost embarrassing to watch him. I can honestly say I've never seen a player so consistently out of position without learning a thing from his last mistake. On this basis, I don't think it would be ridiculous to imagine a player who is young enough to learn quickly could take Fox's place. A very sensible post. The thing is, as a couple of people have said before - is NA able to spot good players from bad. Whilst I was not a Pardew fan he seemed very good at picking very able players to buy or play but poor NA - I'm not so sure he is as talented as Pardew in this part of management... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dig Dig Posted 23 October, 2012 Share Posted 23 October, 2012 A very sensible post. The thing is, as a couple of people have said before - is NA able to spot good players from bad. Whilst I was not a Pardew fan he seemed very good at picking very able players to buy or play but poor NA - I'm not so sure he is as talented as Pardew in this part of management... Yes he can which is why he subbed Fox at half time against Villa and dropped him. The trouble is, we haven't faired much better since then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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