No one can change anything about the United game, it’s done, it’s been analysed, it’s over. Now it’s time to look forward to Spurs next match. On Thursday evening Hearts visit North London as White Hart Lane hosts its first competitive game of the season. It would of course be easy to make jokes at Hearts expense over their competitiveness, but there’s really no need, if all goes to plan, Spurs football will do the talking.
Being five goals to the good from the first leg, Harry Redknapp’s biggest challenge will be keeping his side from putting in a complacent performance. In all honesty that shouldn’t be too difficult, there should be more than a few changes from the manager with Sunday’s visit of Manchester City in mind. His options may be limited in some areas but it must be hoped that some more of the promising youth get a chance. This game could be a big chance for players to really put themselves in the frame for more game time this season.
Harry Kane obviously tops most people’s lists of players they want to see given a chance and with Redknapp surely going to play 4-4-2 must stand a great chance. There is nothing to be learned from a Pav/Defoe combo unless he wants to use it against City but that seems unlikely. Pavlyuchenko must be due a start and him alongside Kane would be an interesting prospect. Kane is powerful, has quick feet and a sharp footballing brain. On the evidence of the first leg, he could well provide Hearts with real problems and enjoy a confidence boosting performance.
After coming on in the first leg and impressing Andros Townsend must rate his chances of a start too. He could come in on either wing but would surely prefer the left side. Townsend is happy to run at his full back but like many young wingers needs to work on consistent delivery and also improve his decision making. Options in the centre of midfield may be limited but it would be good to get a look at Dean Parrett or Tom Carroll.
There may not be too many choices at the back, one at left back. Despite Benoit Assou-Ekotto’s ubiquity, this match is a perfect opportunity for Danny Rose to continue to push his claim for first team football. Who starts at right back may depend on fitness but I’d expect to see Corluka given a start. There is little choice at centre back, with only Bassong really available to come in for either Dawson or Kaboul. Between the sticks, Gomes may be given another chance to claim a cross properly but it must be fully expected that young, spritely Brad Friedel will start in the Premier League on Sunday.
As Monday night showed, a great performance and result against Hearts may not translate into the same against City but it will give the whole club a much needed boost. If that performance and result comes with a few potential stars of the future on view then the future may begin to look a bit brighter and put some smiles back on the faces of Spurs fans.
My Prediction
I’ve not talked much about Hearts and to be honest there isn’t much to say. It seems likely they may come on a damage limitation exercise and if they do, trying to break them down will prove a test for whatever line-up Redknapp settles on. Breaking down a team parking the bus requires patience and guile, the younger players will need to keep calm and the crowds support will be vital . As any football fan knows, those of Spurs even more so, you can never say never in football, but it’s incredibly unlikely that Hearts stand any chance of winning this match let alone the tie. I fully expect a strong Spurs performance against a stubborn,yet outclassed opponent and am predicting a 4-0 home win.
COYS
Submitted by www.thfc1882.com
