Possible/probable line-up:
Friedel
Walker, Dawson, Vertonghen, Assou-Ekotto
Lennon, Dembele, Parker, Bale
Dempsey
Adebayor
With no FA Cup game this weekend, thanks to that embarrassing defeat at Elland Road, it's unsurprising that AVB is going all out tonight. Our opponents were impressive in the group stage, taking 16 out of a possible 18 points, whereas we only managed 10. But looking at Lyon's more recent form and considering we're playing at home with a strong line-up, you'd have to give the edge to Spurs.
Lyon have lost 3-1 in their last two games in Ligue 1, first to AC Ajaccio away and then to Lille at home. Our boys on the other hand, are coming off back to back wins against West Brom and Newcastle. And the deciding factor in those two games - Gareth Bale - will start tonight.
Adebayor is expected to start for the first time since returning from international duty with Togo. We were over-reliant on Bale for goals last week, and were lucky he turned in such a monumental performance. It will be a welcome relief for both Bale and the fans to have a genuine front-man starting. Jermain Defoe (he's a yiddo) is still a few weeks away from fitness. Other changes to the team that beat Newcastle include the return of Brad Friedel between the sticks and starts for the recently dodgy Vertonghen and the recently very dodgy Assou-Ekotto. Dempsey continues to hold on to his place despite not putting in one decent shift yet. Disagree? Get commenting! Sudden fan favourite Lewis Holtby is likely to start on the bench, and I think a lot of us would like to see him get a run out at some stage.
With two big derbies against West H*m and Ar*enal coming up, followed by a trip to Liverpool, there will be a lot of nervous Spurs fans watching our lads tonight. It has become quite apparent that we are going nowhere without Bale or Dembele this season, and an injury tonight would be disastrous.
That's not to say that tonight isn't a big game in its own right. I for one would love to see some silverware at the Lane this year. Yes Champions League football next year must be the priority, but finishing a season with a trophy would be a huge boost for the club. With no game 'til next Thursday, and most of our first XI starting, tonight is also crucial for momentum. So let's try and forget about potential injuries for 90 minutes this evening, and enjoy the game for what it is, a big night of European football at the Lane that should make for a fantastic atmosphere.
AVB reckons tonight is a test of our Champions League pedigree. He said:
I think we've been handed the most difficult draw of this knock-out phase. This is like a Champions League tie. Lyon represent a club with tremendous Champions League experience in recent years. It will be a good test for Tottenham. It's always going to be a learning experience for us and I think it can serve that purpose towards the future, that's for sure.
With two big derbies against West H*m and Ar*enal coming up, followed by a trip to Liverpool, there will be a lot of nervous Spurs fans watching our lads tonight. It has become quite apparent that we are going nowhere without Bale or Dembele this season, and an injury tonight would be disastrous.
That's not to say that tonight isn't a big game in its own right. I for one would love to see some silverware at the Lane this year. Yes Champions League football next year must be the priority, but finishing a season with a trophy would be a huge boost for the club. With no game 'til next Thursday, and most of our first XI starting, tonight is also crucial for momentum. So let's try and forget about potential injuries for 90 minutes this evening, and enjoy the game for what it is, a big night of European football at the Lane that should make for a fantastic atmosphere.
AVB reckons tonight is a test of our Champions League pedigree. He said:
I think we've been handed the most difficult draw of this knock-out phase. This is like a Champions League tie. Lyon represent a club with tremendous Champions League experience in recent years. It will be a good test for Tottenham. It's always going to be a learning experience for us and I think it can serve that purpose towards the future, that's for sure.
I think he's right. This is the type of team we need to know we can put away if we're going to grow as a club. Let's see what Gareth *cough* I mean the lads, come up with tonight!
COYS!
COYS!
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