At this moment in time, I don't think Coutinho really warrants a place in a first choice 11 away to Spurs. He has not been particularly good so far this season (albeit only 2 games in) but I think that, similarly to Sterling at the beginning of last season, he could do with a few games out of the spotlight tbh. He seemed to lack penetration and quite often made the wrong passes imo.
Given Coutinho's form, which is understandable for a young player, and Lallana's injury, I would like to see Markovic get a game against Spurs. He looked progressive and penetrating in his runs and passing against City and by all accounts he can also play behind the strikers. I was also quite surprised that he looked stronger than the waif I was expecting. If Moreno is ok, then it'd be good to see them together as they seemed to link up well - which gives us another option if Markovic starts on the left and we have Sterling in behind the strikers/at the tip of the diamond.
This is not an anti-Coutinho post at all, it's just that away against a side showing very good form, we can't afford players not playing at the top of their game. And I have always thought that if Coutinho is not at the top of his game, he can be a bit of a luxury player, especially away from home.
Given Coutinho's form, which is understandable for a young player, and Lallana's injury, I would like to see Markovic get a game against Spurs. He looked progressive and penetrating in his runs and passing against City and by all accounts he can also play behind the strikers. I was also quite surprised that he looked stronger than the waif I was expecting. If Moreno is ok, then it'd be good to see them together as they seemed to link up well - which gives us another option if Markovic starts on the left and we have Sterling in behind the strikers/at the tip of the diamond.
This is not an anti-Coutinho post at all, it's just that away against a side showing very good form, we can't afford players not playing at the top of their game. And I have always thought that if Coutinho is not at the top of his game, he can be a bit of a luxury player, especially away from home.
Likely team. Will be worried about Lamela vs. Manquillo though.
if you just work on the east coast, non daylight savings time zone Foresterbloke & I will be happy. Can't think of how else of the top of my head but there's some more. 
Comment