Posts Categorized: Younes Kaboul

A European night under the lights at The Lane is something which makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand as the team’s walk out.

There’s something very special about these types of games which have been increasingly enjoyable the further we have progressed this campaign.

Swiss double winners FC Basel stand in our way of reaching the semi finals, it throws up an interesting tie.

Fresh from a convincing 4-0 victory away to Luzern on Monday, Basel come to N17 full of confidence having also seen off Zenit St Petersberg in the round of 16.

Two scorers from Monday’s victory ex Liverpool defender Philipp Degen and Chilean Marcelo Diaz are both suspended along with regular left back Park-Joo Hoo.

There’s no doubt losing the trio is a big blow for the visitors so it makes it even more imperative we take advantage and a lead into the second leg.

Having both first choice fullbacks out of any side is going to disrupt the rhythm of the side to a certain extent, manager Murat Yakin must be slightly worried with our threat down the wings.

Yakin in his first season of management has taken Basel to the top of the Swiss league and will be looking to add further European scalps to his C.V.

Basel themselves famously drew 3-3 at Old Trafford last year before edging past Utd 2-1 in Matchday 6 of group C in the Champions League to progress into the knock out stages and dump out Alex Ferguson’s side.

Legendary Swiss striker Alexander Frei is one of two threats up front, it’s gone a tad under the radar but Frei has bought forward his summer retirement plans early to become the new technical director of FC Lucerne in 10 days meaning both games are pretty much his swansong.

Frei notched up 5 goals in the Champions League group stages last year – he’s been prolific for club and country for well over a decade and no doubt will be looking to go out on a bang. That sort of landmark thing always happens to Spurs doesn’t it? Argh!

Marco Streller will have even more weight to carry shortly, not only with skippering the side but given Frei’s impending departure. The Basel born hitman has almost a 1 in 2 ratio for the club.

Goalkeeper Yann Sommer has just broken into the national side this term and looks a prospect given his age and through recent reports. Fellow youngsters Valentin Stocker and Austrian defender Aleksandar Dragović are both regular squad members for their respective countries and are more than likely to start tonight.

Basel at WHLThe side has a decent blend of youth and experience something manager Yakin is keen to mix moving forward it’s been said.

It was interesting watch a few videos of the side training at White Hart Lane last night with the pitch slowly turning up after repetitive drills in the same area. Some slight wear and tear as the back end of the season kicks in.

No Defoe which is a slight concern given Adebayor is now the only senior striker available. Not that he’s bang on form, just options are now even more limited.

Kyle Walker is suspended which opens the door for Kyle Naughton to come into his preferred position at right back.

Naughton is currently the only player to be on a yellow card, which if picked up would rule him out of the return fixture next week.

Gareth Bale is back from his 1 game ban and will be raring to go. A few of the Basel players joked in the pre game press conference they have planned a few methods in trying to stop Bale’s tracks.

Given the absence of Basel right back Degen, I’d like to see him have a go down the left as much as possible getting at the stand in.

Hugo Lloris’ will more than likely sit out following his knee injury meaning Brad Freidel will line up between the sticks for another European game.

It throws up an interesting selection dilemma the further we progress in the competition.

Another European regular of late William Gallas may also get the nod injury permitting. With a game on Sunday it would make sense to rotate slightly.

Lewis Holtby has expressed his disappointment at sitting out in recent weeks through his recent blog article, for me he’d be the perfect player to play away rather than tonight. His determination and work rate could go along way in the hostile environment next week so would be inclined to start with Gylfi for this evening games given we’re going to be on the front foot.

Younes Kaboul’s back in training, I think it’s come too soon but he may be looking at a place on the bench for next Thursday.

If you get the chance, get in a few minutes – early before the Inter game there was a pretty good video focused around ex Players played on the Jumbotron which I’m told is being repeated tonight.

Some slag off the Europa League but for me it’s as important as finishing 4th, sing up tonight. COYS!

Lineup: Friedel; Naughton, Gallas; Vertonghen, Ekotto; Lennon, Parker, Dembele, Siguardsson; Bale; Adebayor

Prediction: One step nearer to Amsterdam…. But with a job to do over there. 3-1 Spurs.