PBP: EPL - Tottenham Hotspur FC vs Manchester United FC - June 19, 2020 [R]

Ironic that it may well be a virus that keeps Jose in his job a little longer.

 

Yeah, this match ain't happening.

 

I really wanted us to sneak in a destruction of Spurs before everything ground to a halt. But clearly for the best.

 

This... given everything that is going on, it is clear this is for the best, but another win for us and another loss for them would have been sweet. Not to mention they'll have players who are currently injured fit by the time we eventually play, if we ever play that fixture. I wonder what the hell becomes of the season.

Conventional wisdom says Euro is pushed back to 2021 and maybe this season is finished in July but there's no guarantee we'll be in a better place by then.

 

It's going to come down to which team makes the least mistakes. I think it's tough that we're going against Jose to start this thing off because he's usually defensively sound.

 

No idea what to expect here. The virus truly has been a blessing for Rashford, Kane, Pogba, etc. Glad to have them all back on the field.

 

Shame as we had momentum. Expect the first few games will be an indicator of best prep when teams are fairly evenly matched like this one.

Hopeful we get some lift from finally having quality options in midfield and options up front off the bench. Really looking forward to seeing Pogs/Bruno play together (unless Ole pulls a surprise).

Doubt this will be the pick but would love to see;

Rash - Tony M - Mason
————- Bruno
——- Pogs —- Fred
Shaw - Harry - Lindelof - AWB
——- ——- DDG

 

OMG, I'm jonesing so bad for some football, bring it on.

 

Delle Alli is suspended for this game: we can't catch a break...

The team I would go with for this one

-------------------Dave
AWB----Lindelöf---Maguire----Shaw
--------------------Matic
-------------Bruno----Pogba
---------Mase---Martial---Rashford

The midfield obviously is what gave me pause for this one (the rest is fairly straightforward). Would hope to see us take a real crack at Totteham and try and make a statement right off the bat: this team would do so imo. Fully aware that Mourinho will have his team prepared (and will probably try something that looks wacky to throw the boys/Ole off balance). But all the same, while they're potentially dangerous offensively, their defense looks pretty weak/average to me: Alderweireld aside (and he's shown this season he's only as good as the guy next to him), this is not a unit that should concern our own attack.

They should be tested and put under pressure continuously. That's why I have Pogs sitting higher up alongside Bruno. Matic can handle playing the lone 6, plus both Bruno and Pogs will help out and work defensively when required.

Matic is my pick for this one because he's the only natural DCM we have and he's been in good form prior to the league being halted. At that level, he's the one I want at that spot against top teams. In that game, positional discipline will be required at that spot: might be able to get it from McTominay (more so than Fred), but provided he's in good form, would still opt for Matic.

With all the games on the table and the need to keep players fresh and effective for as long as possible, I still expect for the role to be played by committee. As such, I would go with Fred or McTominay at DCM vs mid to lower table teams.

On the right, I expect James to get the start but this is a game where I feel, he'd be perfect to come off the bench. Having his legs and energy coming on in the 2nd half could be a nightmare for Spurs' backline

Not underestimating the threat Spurs and Mourinho present but I believe that if we assert ourselves and play our game, we will get all 3pts. Really would be the perfect springboard for the remaining of the season from a mental point of view: get positive results vs Spurs and then Sheffield and things could look very rosy going down the stretch.​

 

Cant wait

The first in-game footage of Pogba and Bruno linking up 🔗 pic.twitter.com/PsmRDvpIqv

— utdreport (@utdreport) June 12, 2020

 

You might have to.

Understood @NorwichCityFC player who tested positive was involved v @SpursOfficial yesterday.

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) June 13, 2020

 

It won’t impact the game. Only the player who tests positive has to isolate.

 

So a player from Norwich tested positive after running around unprotected with his own squad, as well as Tottenham's? Seems sketchy.

 

Whether it makes sense or not, that’s the protocol.

 

That's why there are daily tests for every player - otherwise each one of these positive tests would shut down an entire club and the whole thing would collapse.

 

Sky Sports News reporter @MissEmmaPaton explains why Tottenham players will not have to self-isolate despite playing against a Norwich player who tested positive for coronavirus on Friday. pic.twitter.com/11OluHGCnv

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 14, 2020

 

The Athletic is reporting Pogba will be on the bench Friday. Apparently Ole wants to stick with Bruno, Fred, McT.

 

Ugh. No one is in game shape any more, there's no reason to hold him out.

 

I doubt it’s true

 

I honestly would not be surprised given the form we were in when the season came to a halt. Do I think it's the right move? No, but I could see it happening especially against a Spurs side where we could get punished for being too open in the middle.

 

Hasn’t he played with the starters in every friendly so far?