CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Twente vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

[TURKISH]

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: DE GROLSCH VESTE STADIUM, TUESDAY DECEMBER 7, 2010. KICK-OFF: 1945 GMT

This game is a dead rubber as Tottenham are already assured of a place in the knock-out stages while hosts Twente know they are destined to finish third in Group A whatever the result and therefore carry on their adventure in the Europa League.

Tottenham also have a Premier League showdown with Chelsea coming up fast on the horizon, so the Londoners could field a few fringe men and the Dutch champions go down the same route as they are on course to retain their title.

Yet neither side is likely merely go through the motions, for differing reasons. Spurs are keen to finish top of the group, which they will do if they match or better Inter Milan's result against Werder Bremen, while Twente want revenge for their 4-1 defeat in London in September.

"We want to finish top if we can," said Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp. "Inter Milan will go to Germany looking to win because that top position is important. Otherwise, it's Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich."


Key match-up: Gareth Bale v Theo Janssen. Although a certain Leo Messi tops the scoring stakes so far, Bale has been the outstanding individual in this year's Champions League, especially against holders Inter. Janssen is the man Twente look to when it matters most and he was also impressive against the Italians. And, as with Bale, Inter are now thinking about how to sign him.

Form guide: Tottenham have added four points to their Premier League total since clinching a place in the last 16 by beating Werder Bremen 3-0 last month. Redknapp's side came back from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1 before sharing a 1-1 draw at Birmingham at the weekend. Tottenham are unbeaten in six since being beaten 4-2 at Bolton on November 6.

Since losing 1-0 at Inter Milan last month, Twente have won both of their Eredivisie fixtures, winning 4-2 at NEC before beating De Graafschap at home last weekend.

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[Milney yid]

Hope we don't get complacent and get the win needed to top the group.
Mind you, at this level the difference between the team that finishes 1st and 2nd is often very small, so we will get a difficult draw regardless of our position

[TURKISH]

Hope we don't get complacent and get the win needed to top the group.
Mind you, at this level the difference between the team that finishes 1st and 2nd is often very small, so we will get a difficult draw regardless of our position

Its a huge difference pal, finish first and we won't face Barcelona.

[Milney yid]

True, although we will have to face them at some point if stay in the competition.

One thing I'm not sure on, if we finish first and Arsenal second does that mean we could play them? Or is there a rule where we can't face another English team until a certain round? That would be one hell of a game

[NDC123]

Looking at the groups at the moment - if we finish 2nd we WILL get a very difficult tie in the next round but if we finish top we may get an easier tie with the likes of Copenhagen, Roma or Marseille being possibilities. Its not guaranteed with finishing top we'll get an easier tie but a much better chance of it.


Milney - We cant face an English team in the next round but I think the last 8 onwards we can

[berbzy 'G']

win win win :ciao:

[mjbmedia]

win the group, and get AC Milan ! we'd murder them theyre so old and slow , though of course theyll foul and dive!

[TURKISH]

Not sure who we should play and rest considering we have Chelsea at the weekend. Should we go 442 or 451?

-------------------Gomes----------------
Hutton-----Gallas----------Bassong----BAE
Lennon----Sandro----------Jenas-----Niko
-------------------Modric----------------
-------------------Crouch------------

[GodGomes]

Not sure who we should play and rest considering we have Chelsea at the weekend. Should we go 442 or 451?

-------------------Gomes----------------
Hutton-----Gallas----------Bassong----BAE
Lennon----Sandro----------Jenas-----Niko
-------------------Modric----------------
-------------------Crouch------------


Resting Bale?

[Antilokhos]

Is Jenas healthy again? Is Sandro available for CL fixtures?

[TURKISH]

Resting Bale?

Yes, keep lad on bench for insurance.

Is Jenas healthy again? Is Sandro available for CL fixtures?

Crap forgot about Sandro not being available.

Palacios it is then....:bike:

[Gino Ginelli]

I want us to win this, finish top of the group and face Copenhagen rather than Barcelona straight away. For me, if we do that, then we will have accomplished far more than I was expecting to, and can chalk off the first main achievement of the season. Anything after this in the CL is a bonus. The next big, and more important achievement is to finish 4th again. That has to happen. By achieving this I hope that it's a bit of a weight off the lads shoulders and we can sort out our league performances and consistency.

As for tonight, I've read that Jenas will be available and that Daws is likely to be on the bench, so encouraging all round. As it's away I think we should stick with the 4-5-1 policy as well. So...

---------------- Gomes ---------------
Hutton --- Gallas --- Bassong --- Ekotto
----------- Jenas ---- Modric ---------
Lennon -------- Krancjar --------- Bale
---------------- Crouch ---------------

Drop Defoe and have Crouch up top. His CL form is excellent and he really gives the continental defenders nightmares. I really want to see Niko in VDV's place, he's the most natural choice. I know Defoe is just back from a spell out, but he's not offering anything anywhere near approaching Rafa's quality or contribution. Yeah he helps stretch defences but we need firepower and quality to be brutally honest.

[mjbmedia]

I think Niko has totally lost it, he rarely lasted a game anyway and even less so now, so he'd use up one substitution if he started, I would imagine JD and Dawson will want 30 minutes of CL match experience if JD doesnt start and we are in a position to 'afford' to ease Dawson in.

[TURKISH]

I think Niko has totally lost it, he rarely lasted a game anyway and even less so now, so he'd use up one substitution if he started, I would imagine JD and Dawson will want 30 minutes of CL match experience if JD doesnt start and we are in a position to 'afford' to ease Dawson in.

Niko is a gamble, I'm not sure what team we should play to be honest.

[Apples]

I'm pretty sure Gino is living in the past with this Niko suggestion

For anyone who has watched him from midway last season onwards and the few substitute appearances this season he looks completely off the pace!

He would offer us the same amount as playing a tortoise behind Crouch - as they are both too bloody slow!

[Gino Ginelli]

VDV's not the paciest? :dontknow: And surely it's all about the quality right, that free role behind the striker doesn't require him sticking a boot in or anything.

I'm just unconvinced by our return to 4-4-2 with JD and Crouch. We've lost a certain... not sure how to put it... edge. I wouldn't drop Crouch, he's been battling away and is in good form to be honest. God how I wish Robbie hadn't gone to Liverpool, him in his old incarnation is exactly what we need.

[TURKISH]

VDV's not the paciest? :dontknow: And surely it's all about the quality right, that free role behind the striker doesn't require him sticking a boot in or anything.

I'm just unconvinced by our return to 4-4-2 with JD and Crouch. We've lost a certain... not sure how to put it... edge. I wouldn't drop Crouch, he's been battling away and is in good form to be honest. God how I wish Robbie hadn't gone to Liverpool, him in his old incarnation is exactly what we need.

I think away in the CL we need to set up 451, Niko is better further forward then Modric so why not give Niko a chance? Crouch has to play in the CL considering thats where most of his goals come from.

IMO Crouch should be dropped if he doesn't play well against Chelsea on Sunday, the bloke has one league goal which is costing us big time.

[Gino Ginelli]

Even though he's been awesome against teams like Liverpool?

So frustrating, I can't see JD and Crouch getting much change out of Chelsea, and Pav simply doesn't work hard enough to be effective against them either. Unless he manages to be lucky enough to find himself 25 yards out and enough time and space to smack it in the postage stamp. Other than that he's just like Crouchy, can't hit a barn door from 6 yards out.

What on earth is the answer?!

[TURKISH]

Even though he's been awesome against teams like Liverpool?

So frustrating, I can't see JD and Crouch getting much change out of Chelsea, and Pav simply doesn't work hard enough to be effective against them either. Unless he manages to be lucky enough to find himself 25 yards out and enough time and space to smack it in the postage stamp. Other than that he's just like Crouchy, can't hit a barn door from 6 yards out.

What on earth is the answer?!

In what sense is he playing well? Working hard? Winning a few headers? The lad just doesn't look like a goal threat at all, but you play him in the CL or International game and he comes up trumps. Its december and the lad has one goal, thats shocking.

I think Crouch could cause Chelsea some problems, Terry just coming back in the side and he will ask questions of them. I would play Defoe because he needs a run of games, he is our best striker IMO which says alot really.

Pav isn't anything special either, I hope our scouts are busy searching for the next Torres or Drogba.

[mjbmedia]

Modric has man flu and is a doubt now!
JJ is available fit.

[TURKISH]

This will be a difficult game for sure, Twente looked dangerous against us in the first half and away from home we need to be solid. Should be a cracking game of football.

[earl warwick]

TEAM v Twente: Gomes; Corluka, Gallas, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto; Kranjcar, Palacios, Jenas, Bale; Defoe, Pavlyuchenko.

Subs: Cudicini, Dawson, Hutton, Giovani, Lennon, Crouch, Keane.

Modric out through illness. Kranjcar on the right isn't going to be effective. Looks like a team going for a draw.

[Chewy]

Gomes;

Corluka, Gallas, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto;

Kranjcar, Palacios, Jenas, Bale;

Defoe, Pavlyuchenko.

--

Cudicini, Dawson, Hutton, Giovani, Lennon, Crouch, Keane.

[Chewy]

Got there before me earl!

Not one proper midfielder on the bench - Sandro should be there! Silly not to register him.

Glad to see Niko getting a game but agree he isn't at his best on the right. Would of prefered to go 4-5-1 but seems we don't have enough midfielders to do that!

Edit: I imagine Harry will tell Niko to play the VDV role on the right i.e drifting in behind the strikers.

[mjbmedia]

OK Twente have nothing to play for here, they are 3rd no matter what, and are challenging the top of their league (for what thats worth) , so could be either an easy stroll, or they play for pride, but would they risk injuries for nothing to gain

[TURKISH]

Niko is horrible playing RW, Bentley is a much better player down the wing. So no pace down the right flank, with both players wanting to cut inside.:001_rolleyes:

[Indianspur]

Niko is horrible playing RW, Bentley is a much better player down the wing. So no pace down the right flank, with both players wanting to cut inside.:001_rolleyes:

Give krancjar a chance any position and im happy. if he is a complete midfielder he should be able to play anywhere. Bolton were a lot better across the park than us and hopefully kranjcar has more luck.

would be interesting to maybe swap jenas and kranjcar positions too if things arent working.

[TURKISH]

Give krancjar a chance any position and im happy. if he is a complete midfielder he should be able to play anywhere. Bolton were a lot better across the park than us and hopefully kranjcar has more luck.

would be interesting to maybe swap jenas and kranjcar positions too if things arent working.

Square pegs round holes son, JJ isn't a RW and Niko's not a CM.

Hopefully Defoe can pull something out the bag tonight because we can't keep clean sheets and we don't score that many.

[deadleyledley]

need to win so that we can finish top.

[deadleyledley]

an error hell need to forget quickly.

[Ginola's Son]

BAE was so nonchalant with that handball and then shrugged his shoulders afterwards, Irritating.

Gomes should had the re-taken pen.

[xXx Jo xXx]

Does anyone have a stream for the match? thanks.

[deadleyledley]

Does anyone have a stream for the match? thanks.

go to: atdhe.com

then select our game.

[deadleyledley]

why did jenas get a yellow card???

it was obvious that he was injured, but the ref thought he was time wasting i presume.

[Indianspur]

Well werder are winning! Kranjcars looking good in midfield but assume will he will tire soon!
Come on yids!

[xXx Jo xXx]

go to: atdhe.com

then select our game.

Thank you :)

[TURKISH]

Terrible ref, gives a harsh pen against BAE (should we complain considering the pen we got at home against Twente?) and then books JJ when the lad has a serious injury.

We have been terrible, apart from Gallas no one winning any tackles and not even getting close to winning the second ball. When we do finally win the ball back we give it straight back to them.

Defoe has been piss poor, Pav needs to get more involved and we need to keep the ball better.

Bassong should fvck off if he's gonna perform like that, switching off and not reading or dominating the box.

[TURKISH]

Finally from Defoe, but great awareness from Azza.

[TURKISH]

What a goal from Twente, super header.

[TURKISH]

Great pressure from WP, but he should have squared that to JD. Very lucky for WP.

[TURKISH]

Another great goal from Twente. 3.3.

[Gazza]

Janko:
scoring skills: 1/10
diving skills: 10/10

annoying lad.

[TURKISH]

This ref IS A FVCKING DISGRACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TURKISH]

Come on Keane you Irish bastard.

[MarlowSpurs]

This ref IS A FVCKING DISGRACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep..................

[MarlowSpurs]

According to the BBC,

Tottenham have set a new Champions League record tonight of scoring two or more goals in every match of the group stages.

[TURKISH]

Fvcking pathetic from Twente, cheating bastards. Ref caused most of the problems tonight and he shouldn't be refing at this level.


We were shocking tonight, we won't last long if we continue to defend like that.

[Indianspur]

To be fair their 3rd goal freekick was a farce but otherwise we are the ultimate walking wounded so anything to finish top..

thought both our fullbacks were poor with their distribution and that could have cost us! Benny could have conceded a second penalty too :(.

Need to sort out our passing as too much long ball to defoe and pav will never work as shown today.
shame kranjcar got injured seemed to keep the ball well for our team and better from willy p today.

[peterc]

We seemed to have got stuck in third gear tonight, the referee was a joke. We won the group. COYS.

[Ginola's Son]

Twente made a game of it, loved that headed goal.

But obviously the news filtered through that Inter were having a stinker and we didnt play at our best.

We're top, we've done a supreme job to be where we are. People have taken notice of us!!

[Gino Ginelli]

Job done. 1 of the the 2 targets for the season accomplished. Tek a boo lads.

Seriously though, how w@nk was that referee tonight? Beyond a joke. Twente are a bunch of utter girls as well.

[mattp5b]

Job done. Top of our group. Don't think they broke into a sweat tonight though. Ref was awful.
Question. Why do we have Alan Smith commentating? His snidy little anti-Spurs take on the game really wound me up.

[Rojoknapp]

Job done. Top of our group. Don't think they broke into a sweat tonight though. Ref was awful.
Question. Why do we have Alan Smith commentating? His snidy little anti-Spurs take on the game really wound me up.

It wasn't Alan Smith it was Don Goodman.

[Ginola's Son]

And I thought Don was very fair too.

[Antilokhos]

I didn't watch the game, but did we defend as badly as it seems?

Also, how was Bassong?

It was a good result, but from the match feed I was watching, it seemed like nobody took this game seriously.

[TURKISH]

I didn't watch the game, but did we defend as badly as it seems?

Also, how was Bassong?

It was a good result, but from the match feed I was watching, it seemed like nobody took this game seriously.

We defended badly as a team once again pal, Gallas was the only one who won his battles. Gomes was hit and miss, great saves followed by poor decisons sadly. Bassong wasn't solid at all, we miss Dawson badly! With Dawson we have a player who will contest every ball, commits himself, wins first and second balls. Also reads the game very well which Bassong doesn't at times.

Corluka and BAE were shocking in possession but they didn't have much options going forward. Hutton still first choice RB for me.

We basically played the game with WP/Niko at CM, never got out of first gear or defended well.

I'm worried about the Chelsea game now.

[热刺]

Is the draw teams that finish 1st against teams that finish 2nd like the world cup?
If so, as it stands I hope we get FC Copenhagen

[mjbmedia]

no surprise that when Inter went 2-0 down we stopped trying much, and I agree with it, freezing cold, dont get injured, dont get booked, who cares on the result .
Ref , god we HAVE to complain about him, Im surprised JJ didnt hit the greasy slimeball Deigo shite. Ref stopped the game cos JJ was down .. .why, just play on, then book him for wasting time, hold on spikbrain, it was you that wasted the time. I agree it was a pen, Id have wanted it at the other end , then he stops the game when Lennon is attacking the box cos one of theirs is down, and yet he doesnt get booked when he stands up and walks off unassisted (I know it was a bit more with JJ but still) , fact is JD was on for a hattrick and was free in the box for Lennon to find him but no the ref stopped it.
Anyway top , hope Arsenal **** up tonight , think Rafa may get sacked on last nights debacle as if they had put out a strong side and won, well I think to be fair we would have stepped up and won too but.........

[Gino Ginelli]

Ref was a joke. I'm not letting this performance worry me about Chelsea, it was a mostly second string team. You won't see Corluka, Niko, Pav or Wilson start at the weekend I reckon. Plus there's every chance Daws will be back in the fold.

[mjbmedia]

hey Gino, Niko nearly lasted the whole game, I thought I was gonna have to come on here, cap in hand, and apologise to you, but then he pulled a muscles and I thought, thank you god as he went off , I have been vindicated. haha
to be honest he was alright, tracked back well and worked hard

[Shelfside]

To have qualified from the group stages is impressive enough but to top the group itself is a magnificent achievment and one that has exceeded all expectations.
We qualified despite missing several key players through injury and the fact that the last 16 dosen't take place until Feb/March,makes it a running certainty that we will have a near as dammit full strength squad available.
Whatever happens,we have certainly made our prescence known in this years CL and all credit to Harry and the players for that.

[irishspur]

Ref was a joke. I'm not letting this performance worry me about Chelsea, it was a mostly second string team. You won't see Corluka, Niko, Pav or Wilson start at the weekend I reckon. Plus there's every chance Daws will be back in the fold.

Im certain we'll see wilson with modric unless sandro gets a rare start, and pav at some point. However we do have daws to come in along with crouchy, hutton and luka. Delighted to see lennon returning to form he was quiet enough yesterday but his assist for JD was sublime.

[Gino Ginelli]

hey Gino, Niko nearly lasted the whole game, I thought I was gonna have to come on here, cap in hand, and apologise to you, but then he pulled a muscles and I thought, thank you god as he went off , I have been vindicated. haha
to be honest he was alright, tracked back well and worked hard

Aye he managed alright, I have a sneaky suspiscion that he had kind of had enough by the last 10 minutes and just thought "ah, fvck it, I can't be arsed..." and went off. He didn't really get to play where I would have had him though, he was basically asked to do Luka's role, and he got bypassed a fair bit.

[Gino Ginelli]

Im certain we'll see wilson with modric unless sandro gets a rare start, and pav at some point. However we do have daws to come in along with crouchy, hutton and luka. Delighted to see lennon returning to form he was quiet enough yesterday but his assist for JD was sublime.

How long is JJ out for now?

[mjbmedia]

Delighted to see lennon returning to form he was quiet enough yesterday but his assist for JD was sublime.
Yes YEs YEs YEs YEs , if that was Messi or Xavi playing that pass they would have still been showing it and cumming in their pants over it, granted Goodman did eulogise over it, but yes it was a fantastic piece of play.
Welcome back Aaron , please dont go away again .

[GodGomes]

Once Lennon gets back on form our attacking flanks will be unstoppable. Gomes still best in the EPL.

Then again, I'm biased.

[Gino Ginelli]

Once Lennon gets back on form our attacking flanks will be unstoppable. Gomes still best in the EPL.

Then again, I'm biased.

Wait a minute, Heurelho that is you!! :ciao:

[deadleyledley]

i thought that niko and wilson played well together. they held it together and seemed to be disciplined, when one went forward the other stayed behind.