Saturday’s opener against Manchester United was a bit of a no show from both sides wasn’t it?
And although we can’t read too much into the performance of Tottenham there were a couple of obvious positives.
1) Toby Alderweireld looked like the boss next to Jan Vertonghen
He was brilliant in defence and even offered attacking threat. What a signing. At last Tottenham have a solid central defensive partnership – their best in many years.
2) Erik Lamela was a threat when he came on
He and Alli frightened the Dickens out of United in the last 15 minutes. And, while Alli looked raw, Lamela offered a solid final ball on a couple of occasions. We expect the mercurial youngster to start against Stoke at White Hart Lane this Saturday (Kick Off 15:00 local time)
3) At least Tottenham have great options at right back
Kyle Walker was pony. He started brightly but, after the own goal, his head went and he resembled Walker at his erratic worst.
Perhaps that’s a bit harsh – he still has pace to burn – but Tottenham will surely now give a chance to the likes of Kieran Trippier and DeAndre Yedlin.
Based on these observations, here is what we believe to be Tottenham’s strongest team against Stoke.
Despite an underwhelming performance and a mistake for the goals, we are giving Nabil Bentaleb another start because he’s a really good player.
Tottenham fans: let’s have your elevens
Tony
Aug 11, 2015 at 9:31 pm
Know your players positions in the formation before you pick up your pen!
Ped
Aug 11, 2015 at 9:44 pm
Can’t agree.. Bentaleb has been off the pace all through preseason.. Same with Lamella.. Dembelle is too defensive to play in the advanced MF role.. Ericsson just disappeared for two thirds of the game..
If it were upto me I’d obviously put lloris in goal .. Keep the back four with the exception of trippier for walke, put Carroll in the advanced attacking MF, mason on for bentaleb and if I wanted to bring on a attacking winger later on to create a chance.. Then Pritchard most definitely instead of Lamella..
Ryan
Aug 11, 2015 at 10:36 pm
Ok can I just ask why people think Bentaleb is ready to be a spurs first choice DM. He gave the ball away on so many occasions last season and cost us points. He did the same in pre season (passing to Bale) and he did it 4 times in one game against United and cost us the game again. He needs to be loaned out to kerb this where it won’t affect us. Now as for our starting X1 this would be a fine choice… Gk Lloris , Rb Walker ,
Cb Vertonghen,Cb Alderweireld, Lb Rose, Dm Alli, Dm Mason, Rm Yedlin, Cm Eriksen, Lm Chadli St Kane
Chris
Aug 12, 2015 at 12:50 am
Harry Kane
Dolphin, Erikson, and lamela
Dier and alli
Davies, vertongun, alderweild, and walker
I d like to see dembele subbed in for lamela or erikson(whoever is doing poorly)
Mason or bentaleb in for either dier or alli (whoever is doing poorly)
And give walker another chance, he was great before the og and he doesn’t deserve to have his confidence lowered further and if another sub is available bring on trips for last half hour
Ryan
Aug 12, 2015 at 12:22 pm
Actually
Lloris
Walker Alderwe Vert Rose
Mason Alli
Yedlin. Eriksen. Pritchard
Kane
Subs
Dembele
Chadli
Lamela