What do we do for a left back against Fulham?

[Spursidol]

I expect Harry to use Bale on the left back.
However Adam Smith is the best fit "left back" at the moment,
a better defender than Bale.

Agreed, Adam Smith is best fit-by a country mile - but when we might finish 3rd to 6th depending on results it's not the easiest debut for a good player untested at this level RB. He will not be in the frame unless Redknapp has tried him out before,

Classic reason why Redknapp should learn how to rotate - and reason why Redknapp lovers should hang their heads in shame at the exposure of his shortcomings (BTW he clearly has sterengts but needs to understand how to overcome his list of shortcomings of which this is one). Regrettably do not think he will get the chance now - if we had not gone on the disasterous run of 10 games or so this is exactly the sort of fixture to have tried out Smith and other potential squad members from the youth set up. That hiatus will end up costing Spurs more than anyone might think now in lost players and cost millions in terms of either lost players or the cost of buying players because we have not tried them out and got the confidence to use them. However the short term need is to get into CL so Smith will not play unless Redknapp includes him from the bench - unlikey as Redknapp is the ultimate in short termist.

 

[King of the Lane]

Maybe Livermore could be LB?

 

[Spursidol]

Maybe Livermore could be LB?

So Rednapp to try to fit his 'best players into a team - even if they are square pegs. Think Livermore would try hard and we might get away with it if we are lucky (but imo there are better options available) - would be a lot more confidfent if Livermore were fillimg in at RB (where he has played in emergency before).

If we are looking at Livermore for LB, do not forget that if Birmingham do not reach the playoff finals, Townsend will return allowing Bale to be LB and Townsend left winger - ie not disturbing our usual team balace. Just a thought, and possibly more valid than others as it escapes the 'round peg in square hole' syndrome.

 

[jamesc0le]

i'd use Jake at lb though im sure redknapp will no doubt bring parker back in the fold. and, well, bale is the best left wing back in the world..

----------------ADE------------------
----modric----rafa------lennon----
----------parker---sandro----------
bale-----kaboul--gallas---walker
---------------Bradd--------------

martinez would go with

-------------ade--------------
------rafa--------lennon-----
bale-modric--parker-sandro
--kaboul--gallas--walker----
-----------al habsi-----------

 

[saintlyspur]

bale at left back hang on that would mean that he would have to tackle someone,actually get his foot in and tackle does he remember how?

 

[guiltyparty]

100% this - but I fear Harry may have one of his moments and choose;

Friedel

Walker Nelsen Gallas Kaboul

Lennon Parker Modric Bale

VdV

Adebayor

Agreed, I'm with Pink but don't think Harry will be

 

[adamthfc]

bale at left back hang on that would mean that he would have to tackle someone,actually get his foot in and tackle does he remember how?

And hold position could be a blessing or complete nightmare

 

[RJ1882]

I suggested Gallas at LB against Bolton and was laughed at. I don't think it is suitable in this game. Too defensive for a home game we have to win IMHO.
Bale at LB could work. It'll give him much more space to run into. He can time his runs and arrive at defenders at pace overlapping as opposed to a standing start trying to beat a man.

I do however like the idea of King playing simply because I fear it could be his last game for us.

The big secret to winning this game, as it was against Villa, is having Adebayor play a CF role and bloody sticking to it. Bale gets slated for drifting infield, but Adebayor is the biggest culprit we have of drifting. Drops far too deep and far too wide. Play the box, use your strengths and get on the end of one of our 19 corners and 40 odd crosses we had against Villa.

 

[WestBelfast Spurs]

who knows what the team will be like we all want the above 4 2 3 1 formation but this is Harry he brought on Parker for Rafa when we were dominating Villa so who knows what way harry thinks.

 

[Blockbuster]

Stick JD at Left Back, he will appreciate the game time.

 

[tiger666]

Joe Jordan LB. Scare them sh*tless.

 

[King of the Lane]

Well considering i used to play footy as a rb and sometimes had to fill in as lb i know from experience that its not very different. If you cant adapt to the other side then you shouldnt be a prem player.

 

[radkovic]

adam smith for me...

---------------friedel----------------
walker---kaboul---gallas---smith
---------sandro---modric----------
-lennon--------vdv-----------bale-
---------------ade------------------

 

[brasil_spur]

100% this - but I fear Harry may have one of his moments and choose;

Friedel

Walker Nelsen Gallas Kaboul

Lennon Parker Modric Bale

VdV

Adebayor

I'm pretty sure this is what Harry will go with too.

 

[double0]

Easy Bale at left back...Modric on the left Sandro Paker in the middle.

...............Friedel
Walker Gallas Kaboul Bale
...........Parker Sandro
Lennon Van De Vaar Modric
.............Adebayor

 

[Bowlesinho]

...............Friedel
Walker Gallas Kaboul Bale
...........Parker Sandro
Lennon Van De Vaar Modric
.............Adebayor

As other's have said I think this is a no brainer, it keeps Bale on the left and stops him roaming all over the shop, it adds some steel to the centre and allows Modric to float, with Bale exploiting the space he leaves.

 

[beats1]

So if Bale starts at LB does this mean he will spend most of the game at CB

 

[spursfan77]

Whatever we do, we cant play bale at left back. It nullifies our best attacking threat.

I reckon Redknapp will make the huge mistake of going three at the back with bale and walker as wing backs.

 

[tototoner]

So why can we not play Bale at LB if that is the position Barcelona want him to play in

Catalan Sport Paper has Bale on the front page this morning

http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/...n-van-persie-are-front-page-targets-for-barce

 

[radkovic]

in fact he would be a great wingback. the problem is he thinks he's a great all around the pitch attacking midfielderwhatever...