The title is self-explanatory really. It's been discussed on other articles, but I thought I'd share for all.
Assuming we beat Hull at home in the League Cup, between this weekend and the FA Cup 3rd round on 4/5 Jan, we play 23 fixtures.
That is one every single weekend and midweek between now and then (excluding two international breaks when nobody plays).
Plenty of games for all. Assuming we had no injuries, we could theoretically play two different sides alternated and each would still get a game a week. No need to panic Jermain.
Below is the full list:
SEPTEMBER
WEEKEND - Spurs v Chelsea Sat 28 - PL
OCTOBER
MIDWEEK - Anzhi v Spurs, Thu 03 - EL
WEEKEND - Spurs v West Ham, Sun 06 - PL
MIDWEEK - INTERNATIONAL BREAK
WEEKEND - INTERNATIONAL BREAK
MIDWEEK - INTERNATIONAL BREAK
WEEKEND - Villa v Spurs, Sun 20 - PL
MIDWEEK - Sheriff v Spurs, Thu 24 - EL
WEEKEND - Spurs v Hull City, Sun 27 - PL
MIDWEEK - Spurs v Hull City, Wed 30 - LC
NOVEMBER
WEEKEND - Everton v Spurs, Sun 03 - PL
MIDWEEK - Spurs v Sheriff, Thu 07 - EL
WEEKEND - Spurs v Newcastle, Sun 10 - PL
MIDWEEK - INTERNATIONAL BREAK
WEEKEND - INTERNATIONAL BREAK
MIDWEEK - INTERNATIONAL BREAK
WEEKEND - Man City v Spurs, Sun 24 - PL
MIDWEEK - Tromsø v Spurs, Thu 28 - EL
DECEMBER
WEEKEND - Spurs v Man Utd, Sun 01 - PL
MIDWEEK - Fulham v Spurs, Wed 04 - PL
WEEKEND - Sunderland v Spurs, Sat 07 - PL
MIDWEEK - Spurs v Anzhi, Thu 12 - EL
WEEKEND - Spurs v Liverpool, Sun 15 - PL
MIDWEEK - Spurs v ???, Wed 17 - LC
WEEKEND - So'ton v Spurs, Sat 21 - PL
MIDWEEK - Spurs v WBA, Thu 26 - PL
WEEKEND - Spurs v Stoke, Sat 28 - PL
JANUARY
MIDWEEK - Man Utd v Spurs, Wed 01 - PL
WEEKEND - Spurs v ???, Sat 04 - FAC
Weekend/Midweek - until FA Cup in Jan
posted on 27/9/13
A very possible 9 games in 28 days in December
posted on 27/9/13
The thing is, it's all well and good to say 'oh don't worry boys, everyone will get plenty of games', but I still think some of the 'second string' will get fidgety when the only games they're getting are the Tromsos, Tbilisis and Sheriffs.
Of course there'll be injuries, so the first and second XIs will mingle anyway, but for a lot of them, they won't get many games beyond the European whipping boys, the lower league sides and the occasional draw against a fellow PL side in a cup (and even some of them will play their kids and reserves).
I think AVB has more of a juggling act than a lot on here seem to think, but I'm sure he'll find a way to get it right.
posted on 27/9/13
If the players he is picking for the league games are doing the business, the ones that are getting cup games can't have any complaints really. The shirt is theirs to lose.
As long as they know that they will get their chance if they are playing well, and someone in the league side is underperforming. Or when there is an injury/suspension they play well enough to keep their place. At some point the roles will be reversed.
Of course it's a juggling act, but that's the measure of a good manager. That's when the psychological part has to be used - letting everyone know they have an important role to play.
posted on 27/9/13
I just hope the players understand that. Do you think Defoe thinks he's being outperformed by Soldado when JD's banging them in most games and Soldado's on a dry streak? I would tend to doubt it, even if we as fans know that Soldado offers more through his movement and runs than Defoe probably ever will.
I'm quite happy to sit back and watch it all unfold, secure in the knowledge that we have a genuinely great, deep squad to see us through the potential rough patches
posted on 27/9/13
I think JD realises that Soldado is our record signing (at present until the Lamela add-onns kick in) and will be given a bit of a run.
He probably also realises that another 2nd half of the season disappearance has meant we actually had to spend big on a striker to begin with.
Soldado has also scored a brace v 'lesser' oppo in his only cup start - albeit not three times like Defoe.
Saying that - unless Soldado scores (or at least has an influential game) tomorrow JD deserves a start v West Ham