Josh Smith previews our second Europa League group game. After only collecting a point away in Belgrade Spurs really need maximum points tonight.
Preview: Spurs v Besiktas
Tottenham come into this rather important group game needing three points after an opening game stalemate in Belgrade.
Spirits will be high around the Hotspur Way training complex after a hard fought point was obtained at the Emirates, in what was Mauricio Pochettino’s NLD debut, what a way to win the hearts of Spurs fans.
The former Argentina international had an impressive start as boss, but a run of four games without success cast a few doubts over Pochettino’s managerial ability, but a Capital One Cup victory and the point away to Woolwich has reinstalled confidence from the White Hart Lane faithful.
[linequote]A run of four games without success cast a few doubts over Pochettino’s managerial ability[/linequote]
This all brings us to today, Tottenham take on Besiktas, who are giants in their own domestic game and no strangers in Europe after nearly putting Tottenham’s North London counterparts out of the Champions League qualifying stage in August. A disappointing opening day 1-1 draw at home to Asteras Tripolis has gave the visitors a setback early on, and means they will have to target victory at the Lane. Backed by a reported 2800 fans, Demba Ba and co. will pose a serious threat.
On to the hosts and Mauricio Pochettino has a near fully fit squad to choose from. Hugo Lloris is expected to continue in goal in Europe, while Jan Vertonghen and Younes Kaboul are expected to be rested. Two from Eric Dier, Vlad Chiriches and Federico Fazio are expected to deputise at the heart of the defence.
[linequote]a win for the hosts puts them in a commanding position in the group[/linequote]
Paulinho and Mousa Dembele missed out at the Emirates while Harry Kane was left out all toghether and its expected that Harry Kane will start in behind Roberto Soldado, with Paulinho and Dembele doing the dirty work in the midfield. Aaron Lennon and Andros Townsend are likely to start for Tottenham, with a win for the hosts putting them in a commanding position in the group, and builds even more momentum ahead of a tasty looking encounter with Southampton on Sunday.
Predicted Spurs XI: Lloris; Naughton, Dier, Fazio, Davies; Paulinho, Dembele; Townsend, Kane, Lennon; Soldado.
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02/10/2014 @ 12:34 pm
The team really suffers without players who can create. Paulinho contributes so little currently he should not play. Besiktas will cause Spurs problems and we need at least one of our play makers in the team. I would select Eriksen because he has not got back to the form from last year and I think playing him with Lamela is not working so far. Therefore, give Eriksen maybe an hour to be the main man and get back his form and to make something happen for the strikers.
I do not agree in playing Lennon especially at home. Lennon has become non existent as an attacking force and he is best employed as cover for an attacking fullback like Davies who struggles to get back quickly. Unsure about playing Naughton for the 3rd time in 8 days especially when he will probably play again on Sunday.
I feel Spurs are not using Dembele in the best way to maximise his skills. Tim played him wide against Newcastle and it worked and we won 4-0. Why not start with Dembele playing wide with instructions to get in the box he may not be the quickest but he so hard to knock off the ball. Play Stamboule in the role in front of the back 4. Bring on Townsend in the 2nd half when the game is stretched a bit and the defenders are more tired and let him attack the right full back if only to hinder him from shooting from stupid positions.
Unsure about the strength of Ba versus Chirches who is error prone and weak. I feel Chirches should be given a go at RB where his skills can be better employed and put Dier in at his best position CB. Dier is one of the best tacklers in the team and a much stronger player to face Ba.
So my team
Lloris ,
Chirches, Fazio, Dier, Davies,
Stambouli, Bentalb
Dembele, Eriksen, Kane,
Soldado