Dembele was rumoured to have a hip injury during the Belgium-Scotland game, but AVB reported no new injuries and that Naughton + Livermore both fit. Big decisions are Lloris/Friedel and Defoe/Adebayor. I can't imagine him starting Defoe+Ade given we will need to numerically match their bodies in midfield, at least to start. For me: -------------Lloris Walker-Gallas-Caulker-Vertonghen --------Dembele--Sandro Bale------Dempsey---Lennon -------------Adebayor I think Lloris's game against Spain makes him a must-keep, he's on a roll. Although AVB has been hinting that Friedel will be back in goal and Brad hasn't done anything wrong this season. Defoe has played a day later on a rough pitch, Ade also looked sharper last week. Not sure what AVB will do, may prefer starting with Defoe's pace and movement against Cahill/Luiz, then bring on Ade if Defoe starts flagging or we need Ade to hold the ball up.
Both your 'big decisions' are very interesting. Just thinking about who will start in goal. Friedel was in goal vs United, I think he gets the nod vs Chelsea.
i really love brad, but have a feeling that hugo is on a roll and he'll start, especially after the great game vs. spain
The goalkeeping situation will be interesting. Ade I would think would start over Defoe considering Ade is the superior player and is now fit. I would love a win but I think it might be a draw.
Personally I'd go with Adebayor too, best option as a lone striker. Win would be a big statement after the Man U win. But I can see a draw that both teams will settle for. Never have a good feeling when we are the early game.
I just been looking at poll as to who the fans think should start in goal against Chelsea. It is well and truly split http://facebook.com/tottenhamcrazy
big call for striker and left back positions too. I think Ade and BAE will be on the bench. AVB has been loyal to Defoe and Caulker has been good so I think he might stay in with Vertoghen staying left.
MY big decision is this: get up at 4:30 AM to watch, or stay up all night to watch. Early game + time zone= lots of booze or lots of coffee. But there's no way I'm not watching as it unfolds, this game is too huge.
I think it should be Ade and Lloris. Ade for ball skill and Lloris due to his roll and that in his one start he did not give a goal and showed he is more mobile. And I want Spurs to get all 3 points.
Ouch, no Dembele, not even on the subs bench. Hope his hip injury is not too serious. Friedel; Walker, Caulker, Gallas, Vertonghen; Sandro, Sigurdsson; Lennon, Dempsey, Bale; Defoe. Not sure about Defoe uptop without Demebele, could well get isolated. Hope for big games from Sigurdsson and Dempsey, and Ade coming on 2nd half. Bale now out of squad with Huddlestone replacing him. Not ideal
Why is Bale not in the side? What happened. We needed him in this game. Now I'm very unsure. I can't see us exploiting both wings now. SHIT!
We are really missing Bale's pace. Still under 10, so hope we can get on the ball. Dempsey another giveaway.
Well 1-0 to them. Gary Cahill can't say I didn't see it. Fridel should have done slightly better, but the defence as a whole should be better. We look shit right now. No way we're winning this game like this.