I like Andros Townsend, but I am not keen on him at LB, but if BAE doesn't make it tomorrow, I guess we'll see Townsend step in there. With Gallas and Rose still unavailable, I can't think of any options available or LB.

If Benny is injured I reckon we should play Bale at LB, with Modric on the left. Sandro and Parker in the middle, VDV on the right, with Ade and Defoe up top.

Walker and Bale can still provide the crosses from the wing playing from FB, and Modders and VDV can drift in.

Bassong?

He was LB at the Toon after all.

Good thinking Philspurs That sounds reasonable.

Cheers Spurcat, let Harry know will ya?

How did Pav do his hamstring ?? By all accounts he never bloody moved the other night

Agree with Philspurs. Bale to left back. Modric to left mid

Hope BAE is fit soon though. Could do with him v the goons

it could be what Bale needs, he not been 'on it' for a wee while now. Maybe a couple games at the back and he could get used to bombing up the line again.

Benny

+1 for Philspurs' team

we will really miss BAE if he cant play



Agree with the solution though Philspurs.

Sandro and Parker would be like having Chuck Norris in the middle

Although Harry may go a bit more cautious with only Adebayor up top and VDV in behind plus helping out midfield.

Who would play right wing I have no idea. Walker with Charlie at right back?

If Benny is injured I reckon we should play Bale at LB, with Modric on the left. Sandro and Parker in the middle, VDV on the right, with Ade and Defoe up top.

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Last season we went to Wigan(I was at the game), we played with no wide players in advanced positions. We had VDV and Modric on the wings they both played in the middle of the pitch, it made it very easy for Wigan to close down the space as we did not stretch the game. Maybe, Bale and Walker at full backs will give us that width but away from home Redknapp is not as keen to push his full backs on. In the Premier League you need at least one winger with pace who can carry the ball(Man U, Arsenal, Chelsea all successful with this). Therefore, I believe Townsend or Corluka would be a better option at left back behind Bale.

Diamond, it's a good point. My thinking was that with Parker and Sandro in the middle there's good defensive cover, which maybe will allow our FB's to attack a bit more freely?

But I'm not sure Harry will think along the same lines...

Corluka @ LB?

I think Harry will play a right full back at left back, he's done it many times before.

The last time we played Bale at left back was in a 1-0 loss to West Ham. It was like cutting off our right arm, when it come to attacking.

I really dont think Townsend is the answer.

Corluka @ LB?

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He's a good defensive full back, yes, he won't offer much going forward but he won't give anything away. In addition, Wigan usually play with a left footed player right wing who cuts in, Corluka being right footed may be better at dealing with him than Townsend.


In therory Parker and Sandro holding wiht Bale and Walker flying up the wings sounds fantastic but away from home in the PL is difficult. Also, I believe you need pace in advanced positions - look at Utd, always had it, always been successful. Fergie always has pace and width.

Chelsea had no pace and won the double!

Our fullbacks are attacking so Bale and Walker would give us the width while Sandro and Parker in the middle would offer defensive cover for when they attack.

So effectively we'll be playing 2-5-2 or 2-5-1-1 when attacking

I like the idea Diamond, but I'd rather see Walker at LB and Corluka at RB - at least Walker could make up for his left foot with pace

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I saw Walker play at LB on Boxing Day last year when I went to the QPR v Swansea game. The Rangers LB wa red carded after 20 mins and Walker switched across. In this particular game, Swansea did all their attacking down their right hand side against Walker and he was quite frankly, all over the place.

He's a better player now than when he was then, but he is no LB, believe me.

i agree spurcat.

IMO Walker hasn't mastered RB yet.

I don't remember this line in the song

I think we should put bale at lb and have sandro and parker in the midfield for extra defensive cover with luka moving to LM

One thing is clear and that is if BAE isn't there tomorow, we will miss him whoever deputises. Because others got the headlines last Sunday after the Pool game, it was barely mentioned anywhere that BAE was outstanding again.

So our options at left back are

Charlie
Walker
Bassong
Bale
Townsend


Have I missed any one?

I used to play there. Can I put my name forward?