Tottenham comes into this opener as distinct favourites with the bookies, but any form produced off the back of the close season is not really the best.
Antonio Conte’s transfer business suggests that his side which finished fourth last term has been boosted further, but the proof is in the pudding, as the phrase goes.
This game is perhaps likely to be less about the starting XI, but more about the overall effect the entire squad may have upon the outcome.
As long as we don’t end up with too many players in the treatment room as in the past …fair enough.
Bissouma picked up his knock in the Roma friendly and Skipp was the victim of a freak injury, in training, where he went up to head the ball in a duel and the other player (claimed to be Emerson) landed with his studs on the back of Skipp’s heel. Nothing to do with training whatsoever, which is of a very high standard under Conte.
Training sees Skipp unavailable and Bissoouma a major doubt ..anyone thought about changing training.
Yeah. It’s a good flexible formation, where Emmerson and Kulu can be pulled back into a standard 442 if Saints show some attacking intent, which I suspect they might on the first game of the season.
If Destiny Udogie comes to Spurs and he becomes a Father will Destiny’s Child play THS… planning
I’m expecting 3-0 especially as Woolwich won away by 2 last night
I think the “4-4-2” suggests 3 CBs. It’s just a graphics thing.
Davies-Dier-Romero (CBs)
Sess – Bent – PEH – Royal
Son – Kane – Kulu
Oh, yeah forgot Richie is suspended lol
I agree, I don’t see him risking any of the new lads on the opening day of the season. Bissouma has a late fitness test, as does Perisic – I would expect Richarlson to come on in the second half. Spence might get a few minutes as well if Royal is having a stinker.
Get out of the first XI mindset. Ours was pretty good at the end of last season, could be improved of course, but we also lacked competition and cover.
Let’s disregard Forster, as solid a signing as he is. #2 keeper.
Let’s say Davies is unfit today after all. Rather than playing Davinson there, it will be a full French international in Lenglet. As it stand Davies deserves his place though.
Perisic 100% comes in for Sessegnon when fully fit. Again though, we go from having one player Conte trusts there, to two.
Doherty is another who probably starts today if fit. Royal finished well though, so it’d be no surprise if he starts over Spence today.
Bissouma had covid, missed the tour, picked up a niggle. He’ll be above Hojbjerg before long, he is a class act.
Richarlison is suspended. Hard to make a case he starts, hard to make a case for anyone we’d signed really – our front three were absolutely class. When we do look to rest one though, or sub them off, or need cover for an injury, we have Brazil’s starting no9 to call on.
Long old season, with Qatar on top
Identical side to our last XI
…wingbacks, mate.
I suspect he’ll play 3 CB’s.. so maybe Lenglet in for Sessy & Davies to play as left wingback
erm, Harold- since when has Conte played a 442?
So same ream as last year ??no additions?Great window alright