Spurs v Crystal Palace - Tactical Dilemmas

Article by Richard O'Connor

This coming Saturday, Tottenham Hotspur play host to Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane, in a game that most Spurs fans agree is a must win if Tottenham are to keep their top four dreams alive. If one takes a glance at the Premier League table, it is evident that there is a stark contrast in both clubs fortunes this season. However, while Tottenham seem to hold the upper hand on paper, recent results and injuries suggest a much closer game will be played out - a game that is sure to serve as a true test of Tim Sherwood’s mettle after a disappointing display against Arsenal in the 3rd round of the FA cup, coupled with an ever growing injury list.

Follow e-Spurs on Twitter here!

Since late October, injury concerns have been mounting for Spurs. Their current injury list stands at 11 players and includes: Soldado (Calf), Naughton (Hamstring), Lamela (Hip), Sigurdsson (Calf/Shin), Holtby (Knock), Paulinho (Ankle/Foot), Defoe (Hamstring), Townsend (Hamstring), Sandro (Calf/Shin), Kaboul(Hip/Thigh) and Vertonghen (Ankle). The only respite from this unfortunate injury crisis is that Defoe, Sandro and Townsend are scheduled to make timely returns for Saturday. If Tim Sherwood is set on maintaining his customised 4-4-2 formation, Defoe’s return is especially crucial. Sandro’s hopeful return to the fold is also of great significance, considering Tottenham’s central midfield looked so very light on Saturday against their bitter Gooner rivals.

Another point to consider is that if the rumours are true surrounding Defoe and a move to Toronto FC, Sherwood may shift to a 4-5-1 come 4-4-1-1 formation. Glimpses of such a tactic have already been seen under the Spurs manager this season, such as Chadli and Kane coming on as substitutes against Manchester United. In this game, Spurs were seen shifting from a more open 4-4-2 formation, to a more defensive 4-5-1 line-up. Within this formation, Kane was tasked with holding up the ball in the opponent’s half while Chadli played off this newly created central pivot. While obviously not the ideal pairing up front, it should be noted that despite limited playing time, Chadli has racked up 2 goals and 5 assists in all competitions this season.

Meanwhile Crystal Palace, relatively unburdened by injuries, will undoubtedly be looking to field a strong starting XI that will no doubt be primarily focused on maintaining a highly organised and disciplined defensive resistance - A common trait found in manager Tony Pulis’ sides. Evidence of the former Stoke man’s defensive approach to the game has been seen to be taking shape in his side’s most recent performances. Indeed Palace’s last three away games this season have resulted in a fiercely contested 2-1 loss to Chelsea, a hard fought 0-1 victory against Aston Villa and a narrow 1-0 loss to title favourites Manchester City.

If we take a look at the formation used to good effect in frustrating Manchester City for large periods at the Etihad, we see a Crystal Palace side with a very deep lying defensive set up, happy to absorb intensive periods of pressure in order to try to spring a counter attack through wingers Bolaise and Puncheon when possible. Indeed as the game progressed, Captain and Marshal of the defensive resistance Mile Jedinak, played in an even deeper role thus further shielding the back 4 as Palace shifted from a 4-5-1 to a 4-1-4-1 formation.

A formation such as this should be expected going into this must win game on Saturday and indeed Spurs’ much more open and swashbuckling play under Tim Sherwood, could see them play right into the hands of an increasingly effective counter attacking outfit, unless Tottenham are very careful with their passing and movements. No doubt this will be a very interesting encounter.

© e-Spurs 2013 All rights reserved no part of this document or this website may be reproduced without consent of e-Spurs

Share on Google Plus