NLD Spurs v Arsenal

everdead.ie

So time to stop salivating over the Siggy show on Monday night

Big Question for me is who do we play in central Defense?

Caulker and Dawson were almost faultless in their Displays against West Ham and we haven't lost a game Daws has started this season(so I have been told).

But with Walcotts pace would we be better off with a Caulker Verts combo and Benny as LB or keep the back four from the last game?

Siggy deserves a start over Holtby after his great second half or do we keep him back as a super sub?

Carroll also deserves his place on the bench imo.

irishmover

It'll be a different back four. AVB set that Defence up knowing fat Sam would play the long ball to Carroll.

I expect BAE to start with probably Dawson and Vertonghen starting centre half. Wish Walker would be dropped though. Not confident with Naughton either. Dawson hasn't regressed like I expected him to do and looks to deserve a place in Defence. Still my third choice centre half though and not our long term captain.

Actually thinking, this is the first time in a few years where I've felt we've got several candidates for captaincy. Vertonghen, Sandro, Kaboul, Lloris and Dawson are all influential team motivators.

Put Bale on the bench ofcourse. Drop the mug.

everdead.ie

irishmover wrote: »

It'll be a different back four. AVB set that Defence up knowing fat Sam would play the long ball to Carroll.

I expect BAE to start with probably Dawson and Vertonghen starting centre half. Wish Walker would be dropped though. Not confident with Naughton either. Dawson hasn't regressed like I expected him to do and looks to deserve a place in Defence. Still my third choice centre half though and not our long term captain.

Actually thinking, this is the first time in a few years where I've felt we've got several candidates for captaincy. Vertonghen, Sandro, Kaboul, Lloris and Dawson are all influential team motivators.

Put Bale on the bench ofcourse. Drop the mug.

Long term Captain either Verts or Caulker imo.

Dawson still has another 3 years at the club though I'd say.

irishmover

everdead.ie wrote: »

Long term Captain either Verts or Caulker imo.

Dawson still has another 3 years at the club though I'd say.

I think Caulker has a long way to go to be honest. Another couple years like this and then maybe we'd be looking at King mark II but for now he's my fourth choice.

I really love how AVB can rotate our CB's utilizing them for exactly the right matches and maintain a high position in the league. I can't remember the last time I felt confident having four top quality centre halves at the club. That is if Kaboul comes back at the level he was last season.

Hatch99

BAE a cert to start on Sunday I'd imagine

spursman11

any word of Kaboul making a comeback for reserves or making bench,a solid well organised defence has been key this season even if we do concede.not depending on a half fit King is a big plus,BAE will start with vertongen on bench I d say.

jobeenfitz

Hope we having a flying start Sunday and test their keeper. I feel its a must win with many tough fixtures to come in Mar/April. Don't Want them gooners getn de sniff of blood. Although agree we look stronger at the back now. As for Bale, just f*cking wonderful.

tippspur

Lorris
Walker Dawson Vertongen Benny
Lennon Dembele Parker Bale
Siggy

ADE

tippspur

I feel confident about this game,that's not always a good sign.:(

KingdomYid

tippspur wrote: »

I feel confident about this game,that's not always a good sign.:(

I never ever feel confident about this game and am a bag of nerves for the 90 minutes. I think it will help that I am going to the game, am more nervous watching on tv haha. I really really hate this lot and it would be so sweet to get the 3pts on Sunday. COYS COYS COYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sugarlumps

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4814546/Jermain-Defoe-eyes-shock-Spurs-return-v-Arsenal-on-Sunday.html

Fantastic news even to have him on the bench.

irishmover

Will wait until he's in the squad before getting optimistic but would be a boost to have as an option on the bench.

Hatch99

Sig will hardly start out of the blue on Sunday would he ? I'm not saying he doesn't deserve a chance, I'd just be surprised if he started in our biggest game of the season, considering he has hardly started a game all season.

2nd Row Donkey

I really hope we give these guys a walloping this weekend. We really need to put them to the sword. There hasnt been much between us in the last few years but they've a much better record. A good thumping is in order. I dont want any sort of moral victory or a draw or even a scrappy win - an ass kicking is the order of the day.

Leinstersqspur

Hatch99 wrote: »

Sig will hardly start out of the blue on Sunday would he ? I'm not saying he doesn't deserve a chance, I'd just be surprised if he started in our biggest game of the season, considering he has hardly started a game all season.

Would be surprised if he started but he's banging on the door, especially after Monday (although I still think other factors contributed to our fortune, the Pogatetz sub)... Holtby was a little off the pace on Monday, maybe AVB will opt for Siggy on the left.

Didn't see the Arse v Villa highlights but read that Villa got plenty of joy through the middle so expect Bale to be operating centrally again.

How about Siggy on the left and Holtby dropping deep to replace Parker?

irishmover

I find reading Arsenal fans on Twitter and Sky Sports extremely irritating. These fans still believe their club has the god given right to be top 4 and that Spurs are a bad team.

It's boring how they reference the two 5-2 wins when mentioning 5pur2. I don't get why all theses fans are in such high song still. Their club is not close to getting back to the level where thy once were. Look at how awful their youth team is. That used to be the backbone of the club and now look. Yet Arsenal fans still seem to pretend like their club are big.

I sincerely hope that we give them a deserved thumping on Sunday and finish well above them this season. With hopefully Everton making up the 4th spot. Chelsea and Arsenal missing out on CL as its gone beyond irritating to see both sets of fans not be embarrassed by their clubs current situation. I know I'd be highly furious if I supported either club.

jobeenfitz

I sincerely hope that we give them a deserved thumping on Sunday and finish well above them this season. With hopefully Everton making up the 4th spot. Chelsea and Arsenal missing out on CL as its gone beyond irritating to see both sets of fans not be embarrassed by their clubs current situation. I know I'd be highly furious if I supported either club.[/QUOTE]

Dunno about thumping them, would settle for a one nil win from a crooked Walker shot flying in off Schzeny's arse. Seriously, Arsenal are not a bad side and any win would do.

Kold

At the risk of being Captain Obvious. A point will be fine, a narrow victory will be great and a trouncing will be glorious. I'm in probably the worst place in the world to try and catch this game (Laos- 11.30pm curfew laws) but I'm trying to figure out a way of watching this game. May involve an 8 hour bus ride to another city. If I do that and we lose...

mickman

Leinstersqspur wrote: »

Would be surprised if he started but he's banging on the door, especially after Monday (although I still think other factors contributed to our fortune, the Pogatetz sub)... Holtby was a little off the pace on Monday, maybe AVB will opt for Siggy on the left.

Didn't see the Arse v Villa highlights but read that Villa got plenty of joy through the middle so expect Bale to be operating centrally again.

How about Siggy on the left and Holtby dropping deep to replace Parker?

No way man, parker is needed to break up their attacks

with your lineup, we would be wide open through the middle

Sugarlumps

Dunno about thumping them, would settle for a one nil win from a crooked Walker shot flying in off Schzeny's arse. Seriously, Arsenal are not a bad side and any win would do.[/QUOTE]

Agreed. It’s a derby and tensions will be running high. I’d settle for a draw seeing as our options up front are severely lacking.

Bale could have an off day and nobody else looks like stepping up. I wonder if ade will embrace the entire arsenal team again?

Antisocialiser

My guess at the line-up:

Lloris,
Walker, Gallas, Dawson, BAE,
Lennon, Dembele, Parker, Bale,
Holtby,
Ade.

Possible line-up for them:

Szczesny,
Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Monreal,
Wilshere, Cazorla, Arteta,
Walcott, Podolski, Giroud.

We are yet to register a loss in 2013 :pac:

irishmover

jobeenfitz wrote: »

I sincerely hope that we give them a deserved thumping on Sunday and finish well above them this season. With hopefully Everton making up the 4th spot. Chelsea and Arsenal missing out on CL as its gone beyond irritating to see both sets of fans not be embarrassed by their clubs current situation. I know I'd be highly furious if I supported either club.

Dunno about thumping them, would settle for a one nil win from a crooked Walker shot flying in off Schzeny's arse. Seriously, Arsenal are not a bad side and any win would do.[/QUOTE]

It's more the sheer animosity of Arsenal fans on forums that had me say that. I'd be happy with a result but I would love it if Arsenal were hammered, the fans shut up and actually realized their club is in dire straits.

DubPerryman

I think AVB's main challenge will be to control the players' emotions. There will be three things playing on their mind;

1. We need to get them back after the 5-2 defeat.
2. The WHL crowd will be vying for blood.
3. This is our greatest chance to finish ahead of Arsenal in the PL. Three points here and we're seven clear.


With that kind of emotion running through the players' bodies and minds, going 1 down, could be catastrophic if not managed well.

On the flip side, if AVB can focus the players, we could be in for a great match and result!

COYS!

Antisocialiser

Definition of a 6-pointer!

SuprSi

One thing is for sure, I would expect Ade to be well up for this one!! If he's ever going to rescue his form, Sunday is when it will happen. If it doesn't, and if he can't get himself fired up for this game he without doubt needs to go in the summer.

Personally I wouldn't be surprised to see Caulker in there. Their defence isn't great and he offers a real threat from corners. It'll be interesting to see how they counter Bale through the middle, assuming that's where he plays.

Antisocialiser

SuprSi wrote: »

It'll be interesting to see how they counter Bale through the middle, assuming that's where he plays.

Can't imagine Wenger setting them up to do anything but outscore us. They will try and dominate midfield.

2nd Row Donkey

I dont think arsenal are as bad as some people and the media make out.

I'm a firm believer that the table doesn't lie and they are only 5 points behind us. Hardly falling apart. When they lose they lose badly (performance wise) but other then that they are a difficult team to play.

Their character is often called into doubt where as i believe we contain more spirit, more steel, more fight then them which is why I still cannot get my head around the 5-2 result even with 10 men it was totally unacceptable.

2nd Row Donkey

AVB versus Arsenal


got whacked 5-0 when arsenal played porto


lost 5-3 when in charge of chelsea to arsenal


loses 5-2 to arsenal while managing spurs




(just copy and pasted this off another site, did verify the top 2)

Eamo71

2nd Row Donkey wrote: »

I dont think arsenal are as bad as some people and the media make out.

I'm a firm believer that the table doesn't lie and they are only 5 points behind us. Hardly falling apart. When they lose they lose badly (performance wise) but other then that they are a difficult team to play.

Their character is often called into doubt where as i believe we contain more spirit, more steel, more fight then them which is why I still cannot get my head around the 5-2 result even with 10 men it was totally unacceptable.

In a points table from the start of 2013 Arsenal lie in third behind us in second and ManU first. This tripe about Arsenal being bad is a media contrivance and the small mindedness of of their fans.

irishmover

Take a look at Arsenals fixtures since December 1st though.

Played a bunch of average teams then out of Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool only managed 1pt at home to Liverpool.

Can see why their fans aren't happy. They're a shadow of the club they once were. Now on par with Spurs, who many of their fans still rate as a mid table club.

irishmover

Antisocialiser wrote: »

My guess at the line-up:

Lloris,
Walker, Gallas, Dawson, BAE,
Lennon, Dembele, Parker, Bale,
Holtby,
Ade.

Possible line-up for them:

Szczesny,
Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Monreal,
Wilshere, Cazorla, Arteta,
Walcott, Podolski, Giroud.

We are yet to register a loss in 2013 :pac:

Wenger has just said Sagna won't be fit for Sunday. Gibbs aswell and Diaby may not pass a late test. Guessing jenkinson will play RB for them. Should be handy number for Bale.

irishmover

irishmover wrote: »

Dunno about thumping them, would settle for a one nil win from a crooked Walker shot flying in off Schzeny's arse. Seriously, Arsenal are not a bad side and any win would do.

It's more the sheer animosity of Arsenal fans on forums that had me say that. I'd be happy with a result but I would love it if Arsenal were hammered, the fans shut up and actually realized their club is in dire straits.[/QUOTE]

Arsenal are supposedly in dire straits yet are only 4 points off Spurs who are 3rd, and 2 of Chelsea who are 4th. Right, okay.

irishmover

AdamD wrote: »

Arsenal are supposedly in dire straits yet are only 4 points off Spurs who are 3rd, and 2 of Chelsea who are 4th. Right, okay.

You've obviously forgotten where that club once was, not so long ago. Also who said Chelsea aren't in dire straits too? They are. Spurs are the only one's of the three punching above their weight at the moment.

irishmover

irishmover wrote: »

You've obviously forgotten where that club once was, not so long ago. Also who said Chelsea aren't in dire straits too? They are. Spurs are the only one's of the three punching above their weight at the moment.

Using the term 'dire straits' is just complete hyperbole. In terms of wages and transfer fees Arsenal are pretty much exactly where they should be, and they've built a new stadium during this time.

irishmover

AdamD wrote: »

Using the term 'dire straits' is just complete hyperbole. In terms of wages and transfer fees Arsenal are pretty much exactly where they should be, and they've built a new stadium during this time.

They pay £50m a year more than Spurs on salaries, give or take £5m. Their revenue is larger than Spurs' largely due to their new fancy stadium and fanbase over the past 20 years. Cost of their first team is too. Their profit margins are much larger and have been for quite a while. In terms of financial's they're healthy. In terms of league position, trophies, squad ability they aren't. Dire Straits might be a little harsh but all things considered their fans have good reason to not be happy. They should be well ahead of Spurs but for the second year running aren't.

irishmover

irishmover wrote: »

They pay £50m a year more than Spurs on salaries, give or take £5m. Their revenue is larger than Spurs' largely due to their new fancy stadium and fanbase over the past 20 years. Cost of their first team is too. Their profit margins are much larger and have been for quite a while. In terms of financial's they're healthy. In terms of league position, trophies, squad ability they aren't. Dire Straits might be a little harsh but all things considered their fans have good reason to not be happy. They should be well ahead of Spurs but for the second year running aren't.

Arsenal finished above Spurs last year. They have the 4th highest wage bill, and came 3rd last, currently sitting 5th. They spend less on transfers than pretty much everyone, they aren't in dire straits, they do however have a money grabbing board and the fans have every right to be unhappy with them. But lets not exaggerate as to how bad the position is, because its really not that bad. Spurs are punching above their weight and doing very well however.

starskey77

i thought esso ekotto was poor against Lyon central midfield will be the
problem against gooners will defoe be back. calker and dawson for me
just stop wiltshire controling the game

irishmover

AdamD wrote: »

Arsenal finished above Spurs last year. They have the 4th highest wage bill, and came 3rd last, currently sitting 5th. They spend less on transfers than pretty much everyone, they aren't in dire straits, they do however have a money grabbing board and the fans have every right to be unhappy with them. But lets not exaggerate as to how bad the position is, because its really not that bad. Spurs are punching above their weight and doing very well however.

Arsenals squad cost more than Spurs. They spend more on transfers than most. Arsenal finished above spurs last year? Didn't know that. By how much?

Look. If you look at Arsenal over the past 10 years its pretty clear they're not in a good position. They were very lucky to finish in the top 4 last season due to Chelsea being awful and Spurs blowing a 13pt advantage. They might get lucky again this season but really they used to be a force and are now a club with a manager who rates 4th as a trophy.

All I had said was that some Arsenal fans seem to think they're still way ahead of Spurs and that Spurs are a piss poor club. Arsenal have hugely fallen from grace over the past 8 years and are now currently equal to Spurs. I'd like Spurs to give them a hiding and finish well ahead of them this season to take some of their fans back down to earth. That was all.

Devo from Dublin

Although we say AVB has to make sure we keep a cool head....
the new guys from Arselol will be just as anxious especially if we get behind the team from the off, and get a early goal.....
cant bleedin wait for sunday!

yiddo59

I'd go with
Lloris,
Walker, Vertonghen, Dawson, BAE,
Lennon, Dembele, Parker, Bale,
Holtby,
Adebayor

Biggest NLD since the last one

COYS

irishmover

yiddo59 wrote: »

I'd go with
Lloris,
Walker, Vertonghen, Dawson, BAE,
Lennon, Dembele, Parker, Bale,
Holtby,
Adebayor

Biggest NLD since the last one

COYS

I'd drop bale. Bet Wenger wouldn't see that one coming!

SuprSi

How about we wait until after the match before saying that Arsenal are a team in decline?! I know their results and performances over the last two seasons haven't been as good as everyone would expect, and they've been losing their key players, but until the match is over on Sunday, and in reality until the end of the season I think it would be best for all of us to stay out of the fight and hope that we win on Sunday and go on to finish 3rd/4th. If that happens, we can boast and gloat all we want, but not until then.

2nd Row Donkey

I wouldn't play Dawson. He hasnt done anything wrong. But its horses for courses and while he did excellent against Carroll, Walcott and co are a different prospect altogether - I'd have either Caulker or Gallas alongside Verts.

I watched the highlight of last Novembers game and Walcott destroyed Naughton at left back. Big game needed from BAE (would be too risky playing Vertogen there aghain this weekend - not fast enough)

yiddo59

SuprSi wrote: »

How about we wait until after the match before saying that Arsenal are a team in decline?! I know their results and performances over the last two seasons haven't been as good as everyone would expect, and they've been losing their key players, but until the match is over on Sunday, and in reality until the end of the season I think it would be best for all of us to stay out of the fight and hope that we win on Sunday and go on to finish 3rd/4th. If that happens, we can boast and gloat all we want, but not until then.

Irrespective of Sunday they are in decline and have been for a while. Hopefully Sunday will be another nail in the coffin.
As for the boasting and gloating I do it at every opportunity. Always have even when we were really sh1t back in the late 90s. When as happened last season they finished above us I got it back big time but so what? Sticks and stones! It's only a bit of craic

irishmover

Anyone see the statue Arsenal are erected for Bergkamp? Really impressive looking.

http://sulia.com/channel/soccer/f/0e94b8e7-62c5-45d8-8e5e-e62b1af943c4/

irishmover

@SpursStatMan: Spurs have not lost against Arsenal at White Hart Lane in the Premier League since 2007.


Jinxed

Hatch99

I'd take a scrappy one nil now ye shower of headcases

irishmover

Hatch99 wrote: »

I'd take a scrappy one nil now ye shower of headcases

Everyone would. But wouldn't it be great to hammer the ****e out of them to shut them up?

jobeenfitz

irishmover wrote: »

Everyone would. But wouldn't it be great to hammer the ****e out of them to shut them up?

Whether We beat them by one or four It will be cause for celebration and no chance of working monday. It may only be a bit of craic for some I cant say the same. I am really looking forward to 4pm Sunday but I am as anxious as a young one about to do it for the first time. Then its onto Liverpool next in the league, probably rehab after that.

Hatch99

irishmover wrote: »

Everyone would. But wouldn't it be great to hammer the ****e out of them to shut them up?

Fcuking sure it would mate, I'd love nothing more than a 4 zip win

Sugarlumps

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/9901399/How-Arsenal-and-Tottenham-Hotspur-compare-ahead-of-the-north-London-derby.html