Tottenham kick off their final White Hart Lane campaign tomorrow as they face Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace at 10am EDT.
In case you’ve forgotten, here’s what happened last time we played Palace:
Pure. Quality.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 18, 2016
Only one goal to #ThrowbackThursday to ahead of Saturday's game v Palace! #COYShttps://t.co/54vhRsACWz
The big question heading into the weekend is how Spurs will set up in midfield. The folks at WDR mentioned Harry Winks as a midfield option, as did Kevin McCauley. I also made the case before the season started. Earlier this week I also wondered if Christian Eriksen might drop into a midfield two with Wanyama or Dier to make room for Vincent Janssen in the first XI.
Given Poche’s generally conservative approach to squad selections, my guess is we see Dier-Wanyama again. What are you all expecting? I’m thinking we see last week’s XI but with Vorm in for Hugo. The big thing we’ll need to watch for is, obviously, the counter attack from Palace. If Christian Benteke is able to start with Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend on the wings, that’s a very dangerous counter-attack set up. Plus if last May’s finale against Newcastle is anything to go on, Andros will be up for it.
On to the links:
Poche isn’t worried about Christian Eriksen’s protracted contract negotiations. (I’m glad he isn’t worried.)
Villa is now linked with both Kieran Trippier and DeAndre Yedlin. It worked out so well last time they bought a backup right back from us:
Watford are confident of snagging ex-Spurs skipper Younes Kaboul in a £4m deal.
Fears of violence have delayed the start of the Greek league’s season until “at least” September 5.
One of soccer’s biggest agents buying the Al Capone mansion might be a little too on-the-nose.