Tottenham play Benfica this evening having lost the first leg 3-1. Spurs may have a list of unavailable players, a hefty deficit to overturn and a manager who seems more interested in picking spats with others, but I still think we [Spurs] can progress. It will be difficult, but here is how I would line the players up to challenge the Portuguese side.
In a 4-4-1-1 formation I would start Brad Friedel between the sticks. I would have Kyle Naughton on the right of defence and Danny Rose on the left, with the central pairing consisting of Sandro and Ezekiel Fryers, who are primarily a central midfielder and a left-back.
Dawson, Kaboul and Vertonghen are all out and normal deputy Etienne Capoue is also unavailable.
In midfield I would have, from right to left, Andros Townsend to provide the pace, Christian Erisken and Bentaleb in the central slots and Sigurdsson on the left wing.
In the role behind the frontman I would opt for Harry Kane, while the target-man has to be Emmanuel Adebayor.
We as a club have to believe that we can win tonight by a big enough margin to progress, otherwise we may as well not turn up.
Come on you Spurs!
Just seen the line-up for tonight. Eriksen on the bench!!! Can't believe it, am furious. Mr Van Gaal please.