Fine. I'll do it, then. Here it is. Those who supported this club through the 90s/early 00s are finding this slightly surreal, I suspect. Although a few who go back further will know that there's a bit of 'elite' in our pedigree. Regardless, we find ourselves in the final of a Champions League campaign that, at one point, looked doomed in the group stage. While Liverpool have won with metronomic consistency down the stretch, our League form dipped a bit, but we accomplished the goal of qualifying for next year's CL despite all the distractions (read: stadium delays) of a difficult season. At any rate, here we are. Liverpool will be favorites, objectively speaking, but it's a one-off, and despite having lost to them home and away in the League, both were tight affairs and no one is writing us off, whatever the oddsmakers may say. Perhaps the biggest question comes down to Harry Kane's match fitness and how the manager intends to use him. I can't imagine Poch will be letting the world know until the last minute. The fitness of Harry Winks may weigh in, as well, but having had three weeks off, we'll have as many options as we could have hoped for. I'm not sure what to say of this match going in. I have been supporting Spurs in some form or another for around 45 years and there have been some big games in that time; but I've no hesitation in saying this one is the biggest. I'm reasonably calm only two days out, which is better than I'd expected. Arsenal have lost their final, and I know others will say "who cares about them? This is about us, yadda yadda yadda" - and fairly so - but somehow it eases the tension for me. I suppose I feel roughly the same as I did going into the second legs against both City and Ajax. We weren't favored before those either, but we're in with a chance, eh? That said, if the drama going into injury time matches either of those, there could be ramifications for my cardiovascular system. But enough about me. Spurs are in the 2019 Champions League final. Roll on Saturday.
Elsewhere I saw the group of players that have travelled to Spain - pretty many. Makes me wonder who will be in the squad Saturday. If everyone is really healthy, my starting 11 would be Lloris, Trippier, Alderwiereld, Vertonghen, Rose, Sissoko, Winks, Eriksen, Alli, Kane and either Son or Moura (that's a tough one!). On the bench, Gazzaniga, Son/Moura, Davies, Sanchez, Lamela, Llorente, and then...one of Aurier, Walker-Peters, Dier, Wanyama. Actually a lot of good players available for a change. It will be good to have guys on the bench who are scoring threats. I think it will be key to avoid giving up an early goal, as we have been doing. How many incredible comebacks do these guys have in them?
I have zero expectations. Honestly Spurs were pretty mediocre on the run-in (despite showing well in CL), Liverpool were either really good or got results when they weren’t. Who knows maybe the three weeks off will have an impact on Liverpool’s momentum, but we’ll need to play to a level we haven’t played to for a while. Based on the past few CL games giving up an early goal might be imperative to winning
I'd have Kane on the bench - zero chance he's fully fit, if we need him I'd rather he was coming on than running out of steam. Lloris; Trippier Alderweireld Vertonghen Rose; Winks/Dier; Sissoko Eriksen; Dele; Lucas Son. We get 12 on the bench apparently, so basically everyone else (Gazza, Aurier, Davies, Sanchez, Foyth, Wanyama, Dier/Winks, Lamela, Llorente, Kane, KWP, Skipp???) Nervous. COYS!
Can't see Poch starting Kane if there's even a 1% chance that he'll have to pull him early like Atleti did with Costa in 2014. I also can't see Poch playing without a DM against Liverpool. There's a chance he's going to go with five at the back to counter Liverpool's fullbacks but in the end, I think it'll be this: ............................Son Dele..................Eriksen.......Lucas ..............Wanyama....Sissoko Rose..Alderweireld..Vertonghen..Trippier I'll be wearing my newly arrived 1962 replica kit on Saturday.
Hello, the match back in Oct 2017 (yes, I know the Liverpool defender now is not the same as the defender in 2017), but that match back then Tottenham won 4-1. I noticed that match Poch use a 3-5-2 lineup, where there 5 in the midfield to get the ball to Son and Kane to kick it in. Which the 5 in the midfield obviously did work in that game, hench you guys won 4-1. With the Liverpool in 2019, not a very good idea to have defender of only 3. But I still think the important of the midfield get the ball up to Kane, Son or Moura. Any chance Poch go with a 3-5-2 lineup again? (I still think midfield is the major component in who win here), I don't recall he use that lineup again eversince that 2017 match? yes? I still think Tottenham has what it takes to win, despite what the press or pundits say. It a one off game. If Liverpool can't finish their chances like in the first legs against Barca, or Salah keep hit the post. Anyways, anything can happen. Good luck Spurs. May the team that best on that day win.
I have a feeling, with the long layoff and the uber-dramatic semifinals, it will be the most boring game. Settled by a single goal in all likelihood. I really really doubt Kane will be ready. He has previous of coming back too early. No-one can blame him for wanting to play in this game, but it's up to the manager to see things clearly.
Yeah, it's really the same with everyone who has been out for a while. We read that everyone is healthy, but only the coaches know who is really ready to play.
I’ve been absolutely useless at work this week. Not cause I’m distracted or anything, I’m just shit at my job.
The difference with 2017 is we no longer have Dembele to control the midfield and Sanchez was less of a liability than he is now, so that 3-5-2 system is less effective.
So, my brother flies in to JFK tomorrow about 5.30pm. Ordinarily, I'd have to leave home around 4 to get there. Either (a) I make him wait, (b) I get to the airport early and find somewhere to watch, or (c) I risk veering off I-95 when listening to a stream and Llorente scores the winner in the 89th minute. Advice?
If there is a bar with televisions in the public area of the airport (on the public side of security), go there and watch amongst other fans. There's always the possibility of the game running to Extra Time. Furthermore, send a text to your brother saying what bar you are in if the game runs to PKs, that way he can come find you.
He gets a taxi/bus/train, or he lives in the airport terminal for 24 hours like that Tom Hanks thingie.
gonna set off, here, before too long. i'm honestly not sure what to make of this. I've seen us in finals before - lots of 'em. this is different, somehow. I wonder what this evening holds. and tomorrow.
It is surreal to be here... Woke up with a nervous energy mixed with giddy excitement and anticipation. I need to start drinking soon! This team has battled the odds to get here and we all know they’ll fight to the end to bring the glory home. COME ON YOU SPURS! GET STUCK IN AND DO THIS! YID ARMY! YID ARMY!
Kane to start. Winks, as well. Not what I'd've done, but in Poch we trust. Setting off now. Good luck, fellas. Hope we all enjoy this day. COME ON YOU SPURS!!!