Midweek Review - Day One

Day One in the books, and I'm as happy as Sylvie in the photo above. 46 points from Begovic, Van Der Vaart and Gyan. Day Two looks to me much more interesting, with the Manchester derby very much at the forefront - including the Nani's possible early return from injury.

But first a brief look back at yesterday.

van der Vaart Injury Status

Football365 | All The News | Football News | REDKNAPP DENIES SPURS WERE NAIVE

Spurs' decision to field a 4-5-1 formation paid dividends early on but the formation relied heavily on Rafael van der Vaart, who began to struggle with an injury and was withdrawn shortly after half-time.

Redknapp revealed the Holland midfielder had injured his calf and will be monitored ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League game at Wolves.

Who has two thumbs and strained his calf in Champions League action yesterday?

For those of you monitoring van der Vaart's status because you either picked him up on the Barn Door or because you are thinking about him as an inexpensive option in midfield with a good match-up this weekend, it looks like hope is not yet lost. We'll continue to monitor the situation for you up until Friday when team news comes out.

Waiting on the Big News...

Did Spurs get the deal for van der Vaart done in time?  Reports from Spain say "yes" but there hasn't been any confirmation.  If he did, there will be all sorts of "fantasy football" implications...(if you didn't get that one, see the picture of his better half). 

If Spurs do get their man, it will make for some interesting selection dilemmas once everyone is healthy at the Lane.  VDV will presumably start and you have to play Bale and Lennon/Bentley and then a holding midfielder (presumably Palacios on most days).  That would leave Modric, Kranjcar, Jenas, THud, and the other of Lennon/Bentley stewing on the bench and playing cup matches that you know they think are beneath them.  Not to mention Jamie O'Hara and Danny Rose who may not even make the bench for said cup matches at this point.