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Match Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs Stoke City

March 19th, 2012 Posted in Articles, Match Previews, Premier League
Mar, 19 2012
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Tottenham Hotspur vs Stoke City, 21st March 2012, White Hart Lane, 7.45pm kick off

Stoke travel to North London on Wednesday night with football still in the shadow of the horrific and distressing scenes that occurred at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

It’s encouraging news that Fabrice Muamba is stable, his heart is working without the aid of medicine, there has been movement in his arms and legs and he has been coherent and talking to friends and family.  Of course, the situation is still very critical and all of football pray that he makes a full recovery. Full credit and admiration go to the medical staff of both Tottenham and Bolton for the quick response and life saving work they did and that was continued by the London Chest Hospital.

This does truly put into focus the need for footballer heart scanning with our very own Spurs supporting heart rhythm specialist Steve Robinson (@robbo4479 on Twitter ) highlighting and working hard to raise awareness along with C-R-Y, of exactly this happening. More information can be found on the C-R-Y website www.c-r-y.org.uk. The Spurs players might actually have taken the first steps in actioning this as the entire squad have now requested heart checks.

The Tottenham players now have to try and get their minds back on footballing matters rather then the upsetting scenes they witnessed on the pitch on Saturday. Jermain Defoe and Rafael Van Der Vaart visibly seemed the most affected. This, I’m sure, will be hard to achieve completely in what is actually a very important week for Tottenham in terms of their season. We will get our chance again at some point to get our place at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final, which will be against Chelsea, if we beat Bolton in the rearranged game.  Now it is essential to get our league form back on track after 3 straight defeats and Arsenal breathing down our necks for 3rd place.

Stoke won’t be an easy game. They have already beaten us twice this season, both at the Brittania. In the Carling Cup in September when we lost on penalties, although we didn’t have a full strength team out and the priority was clearly not on the fixture and in the league game in December, they beat us 2-1 to end our 11 game unbeaten run since the 2 Manchester defeats at the start of the season. Stoke are rugged, in your face and never stop running. The type of team Spurs would normally struggle against in seasons past and might do again on Wednesday since we are a tad disjointed at present.

Tottenham will have the same squad they used on Saturday available as long as all the players can turn their attention fully to the game.  Harry Redknapp has already stated that they can have all the time they need to ensure they are mentally prepared.  Sir Ledley could be available but I doubt he will be risked anyway with Chelsea to play on Saturday and Kaboul will most definitely be back alongside Gallas.  Brad Freidel will be back in goal. The rest of the team I expect to be the same with Van Der Vaart being played out of position on the right with Lennon still out injured, meaning Kyle Walker will have a busy game keeping Matthew Etherington under wraps along with the full back. Saha and Defoe will probably be up front as Emmanuel Adebayor is again doubtful.  Michael Dawson and Tom Huddlestone are, of course, out for the rest of the season.

Predicted line up:

Stoke will line up in their tried and tested 4-4-2 formation with emphasis on the wingers and full backs delivery crosses into the box. They will be very dangerous from set pieces and our defence will have to be their best to keep them out.  We will be looking for Walker and Assou-Ekottu shutting down Spurs old boy Etherington and former Gunner Pennant or Shotton.  Peter Crouch and William Palacious will also be back at the Lane and I’m sure they will get a warm reception.  Stoke are sitting in 14th place in the Premiership with 36 points and they battle for every single point they earn.

Prediction:

This a vital and must win game for Spurs and we must gain the 3 points to start some forward momentum towards the end of the season run. With this in mind I expect us to put the harrowing few days behind us for the time being and gain the victory we need by a 2-1 scoreline.

Rob

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Match Preview: FA Cup Quarter Final: Tottenham Hotspur vs Bolton Wanderers

March 16th, 2012 Posted in Articles, FA Cup, Match Previews
Mar, 16 2012
1 Comment »

Tottenham Hotspur vs Bolton Wanderers, Saturday 17th March 2012, White Hart Lane, 5.30pm kick off, ESPN & ESPN HD

THFC1882 is pleased to welcome back Adam Nathan for his preview of the FA Cup Quarter-Final game, a game that could prove to be a pivotal point for the rest of Tottenham’s season.

Bolton Wanderers arrive at the Lane on Saturday evening to take on a Tottenham side who have had one of their worst months in recent memory. Banishing thoughts of a disastrous period in the Premier League in order to focus on the cup is an absolute must, but as the thousands of Spurs fans arrive in N17 at the weekend, they would be forgiven for having more than one eye on the absolutely crucial league fixture against Stoke on Wednesday night. That is not to diminish the importance of the cup by one iota. The FA Cup is a bastion of footballing tradition across the globe, and we would celebrate a victory at Wembley on the 5th of May with unbridled joy, but even Chas and Dave would forgive the Spurs faithful if their celebrations of a (hopeful) win on Saturday were slightly clipped, with the memory of three awful weekends still fresh in the mind.

Everyone has had their say on the past three games, so further analysis would be futile. Whether the focus of your anger is aimed at the manager, players, coaching staff or the new evil Chirpy, what is clear is that something has gone very wrong, and the sooner we can get ourselves back on track the better. My personal opinion is that everyone at the club has seemed to take their eye off the ball by a few crucial percent (well, perhaps not the mascot), and as a result, the whole club has struggled. The England job issues have done us no favours whatsoever, but as a nation we should be used to utter ineptitude from the FA and be looking to ignore it at all costs.  Naturally that is a very utopian view of the situation, but if we continue to let the issue cast a dark cloud over the club, we will continue on our downward spiral.

Therefore, whilst the league may be firmly on all of our minds, the game this weekend could hopefully provide a bit of respite and allow the players to get back to doing what they do best; playing top quality football. With Bolton embroiled in a tussle at the bottom, they should provide a perfect opposition for us to get back on track. That is not to say that it will be an easy game, far from it, but I would certainly expect the Trotters to sit back, allow us plenty of possession and invite us to break them down, just the kind of opposition that we enjoyed so much success against in the early stages of the season. Saturday’s game represents a real opportunity to get our best players back on the ball for long periods of the game, return to a slick passing game and get some confidence pumping through our battered veins once again.

With regard to selection, I would hope to see a very strong team striding out of the tunnel at 5:25. Some may argue that resting players for Wednesday would be wise, but I think that would be a bad move; we have never been particularly eye-catching in FA cup ties under Harry for whatever reason, and labouring to a hard-fought victory with half a side would only raise more doubts about the Stoke and Chelsea games to follow. We need a return to the style that so dismantled Newcastle in early February to breathe life and optimism into the club again, and to do that we need a full team out.

Whether or not that happens of course is a completely different matter, and as usual, the Van Der Vaart or Defoe debate will no doubt rear it’s ugly head again. The Dutchman has his doubters of course, but I would hope that many of them were forced to reconsider their opinions after his substitute appearance against Everton last week. That was the performance of a true winner and a true professional. The way in which he demanded the ball and almost moved the whole game twenty yards closer to the opposition goal was a joy to watch, and whilst Bale and Modric are probably better players than Rafa, they don’t even come close to his mentality and level of professionalism when the chips are down. Defoe on the other hand has actually been very good when called upon this year. He looks stronger and more of a threat against better opposition, especially at home, and his two goals against Stevenage would give him a strong case to continue his good FA Cup form. Starting the two of them will be a difficult one to manage unless Van Der Vaart begins the game from wide right (well, at least it won’t be Bale), but I’d be inclined to return to a team as close to the one that was so devastating between September and December. The right side of midfield presents a problem, but I’d like to see us set up with Bale, Modric and Van Der Vaart behind Adebayor and Parker and Sandro sitting in midfield. That formation doesn’t have to be defensive, as we showed away to Norwich and Wigan, and I think it is the best way to solve the issue of Lennon being injured. In terms of what the team will be however, I would not be surprised to see Adebayor and Defoe start up front with a midfield four of Van Der Vaart, Modric, Livermore and Bale. At the back I’d expect to see Walker, Nelsen, Kaboul and Ekotto protecting the goal of Carlo Cudicini.

Probable line up:

As for Bolton, you will have to forgive me for not offering a predicted line-up as I have seen very little of them in the cup this year, but  I’d expect the dangerous Klasnic to return to the side in place of David N’gog after his goalscoring appearance last weekend. Mark Davies will certainly give the defence problems if allowed time and space, and we will have to watch out for the blistering pace of Arsenal loanee Ryo Miyachi who has had an excellent start to his Premier League career in the North West.

Prediction:

Overall, I desperately hope that we use Saturday’s game as a launch pad for the rest of the season. The last three weeks have made for painful viewing, and a home game in the cup with the prospect of a Wembley appearance should be more than enough to get White Hart Lane rocking again and our beloved team back on track. If we start the game as we did against Newcastle then I’d expect us to run out comfortable winners, especially with Bolton having to focus primarily on staying the division, so I’m going to plump for a 4-1 Spurs win. A result and performance like that would give the whole club a huge boost and do wonders in our quest for Champions League football again next year.

Come on you Spurs

Adam   ( @adamdnathan on Twitter )

The opposing fan’s view this week comes from Dominic Walsh and I’ll let him introduce himself.

My name is Dominic Walsh and I’ve been following Bolton for around 24 years. I have seen many ups and downs in that time. The ups have largely outweighed the downs though. When I was younger I used to love going to the game to watch John McGinlay and Andy Walker score goals for fun. It was also great being the team that upset the bigger teams in the cup for a few years. Between 1993 and 1994 we beat Liverpool, Arsenal, Everton, Aston Villa andNorwichas a team lower in the league. This era was a major turning point for Bolton. We got our first promotion to the Premier League in 1995 and reached the Coca Cola Cup Final.

In recent years, Sam Allardyce brought arguably some of the greatest players in world football to the Reebok. Seeing Jay Jay Okocha run around in a Bolton shirt alongside Youri Djorkaeff was truly amazing for a lad like me. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would happen after some of the gloomy afternoons as part of small crowds at Burnden Park watching us play in division 3.

Under Sam Allardyce we enjoyed some of our greatest moments. Following his departure we have struggled an awful lot but under Owen Coyle last season things seemed to be looking up.

This time last year Bolton were riding the crest of a wave in the league and looking forward to a quarter final trip to Birmingham. That day ended being many Bolton fan’s favourite game of last season. Lee Chung Yong dispensing a 90th minute winner at the away end in front of a 5000 strong away following was truly incredible. Unfortunately, our season and fortunes took a severe downward turn not to long after.

At the same stage this season we are fighting a relegation battle and showing extreme inconsistency in performance in addition to missing some of the great players that helped us defeat Birmingham last year at this stage.

Team News:

In recent weeks Bolton have been lining up with a 4-5-1 formation with David N’Gog leading the line as Kevin Davies has fallen a little out of favour due to a poor first half of the season. Down the flanks, Arsenal loanee Ryo Miyaichi has shown some great touches of brilliance and some stunning pace. I think he could provide us with plenty of chances in this game as well as in the rest of the games in the end of season run in. On the flipside, Chris Eagles has been Mr Inconsistency; one great game to three or four not so great. Martin Petrov has a great ability to deliver a killer ball into the box but again hasn’t shown it on a regular basis.

In the centre, Owen Coyle has been prone to chopping and changing quite a bit. Mark Davies has grown in confidence this year and is finally showing some of the promise that made, the now unemployed again, Gary Megson sign him from Wolves. He has been one of our main attacking threats. Fabrice Muamba and Darren Pratley seem to be rotating a fair bit alongside the ‘stand in’ captain and largely ever present, Nigel Reo-Coker.

At the back, we have had Tim Ream in our ranks for a few weeks since Gary Cahill joined Chelsea. He joined us from New York Red Bulls in January. He has been paired with Zat Knight or David Wheater and they have been assisted in the full back positions by Gretar Steinsson and Sam Ricketts.

I think we will keep the 4-5-1 formation for the game with the two wide players making a forward 3 in attack. Who Owen Coyle will start with will be tricky. He may choose to rest a few ‘key’ players with a view to ensuring Premier League survival. Tuncay may come into the fold in the attacking line along with Marcos Alonso making a return from injury in defence at left back. I would expect to see Kevin Davies and Ivan Klasnic at some point during the game to. It would be nice to progress with a win and build some momentum going into the last few games of the season.

Prediction:

As much as I would love to see us get something from the game, I can’t see us getting the win. In all honesty, I want to ensure we stay in the countries top division this year. I think we will and I think we will build well next season. If I was to predict a score I’d go for the home win. Maybe 3-1. This being the cup though, I guess anything can happen!

Dominic ( @bwfcdom83 on Twitter )

Many thanks to both Adam and Dominic for previewing the game for us.

So Spurs go into the game as favourites but both teams you could say have other things on their mind at present. This is the FA Cup though and Wembley is calling!

COYS

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Match Preview: Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur

March 9th, 2012 Posted in Articles, Match Previews, Premier League
Mar, 09 2012
2 Comments »

Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton, Saturday 10th March 2012, 5.30pm kick off, Goodison Park, ESPN & ESPN HD

THFC1882 is pleased once again to introduce the almost regular now Kenny Palmer with his preview on the upcoming important game this Saturday against Everton.

Tottenham Hotspur go to Goodison Park Saturday evening looking to end their run of two successive defeats in the league on the back of a morale boosting win against Stevenage in the FA Cup.

The win came at a cost as Michael Dawson, who had been in excellent form since returning from a four month layoff with injury and the team having  kept 6 clean sheets in the 7 games he played, ruptured ligaments in his right ankle ruling him out for the rest of the  season. Aaron Lennon, impressive in the game against Manchester United, also picked up a hamstring injury which will see him out for several weeks.

With William Gallas just coming back from injury, it is hoped Younes Kaboul and Ledley King stay fit for the duration of the season as you would not want to hang your hat on Ryan Nelsen as cover. The 34 year former Blackburn Rovers reserve is not of Tottenham quality and was bought solely just to do a deal in the January transfer window for the sake of it.

The FA Cup victory was courtesy of two outstanding finishes from Jermain Defoe adding to his tidy finish against Manchester United. The forward is remarkably now Spurs leading scorer in all competitions with 15 goals from 29 games, despite only staring 17 of them. Defoe has been in exceptional goal scoring form this season. He currently has the best minutes per goal ratio of English strikers this season: Defoe 104, Rooney 106, Holt 161, Sturridge 178, Graham 199, Bent 206, and Welbeck 238.  With no outstanding English striker beyond Wayne Rooney if the diminutive striker continues his goal scoring run he can make a late run to board the plane to Poland and Ukraine for Euro 1012!

Rafael Van Der Vaart returned to the starting lineup on Wednesday and was impressive in the second half which bods well for the game on Saturday.

Everton come into the game on an excellent run of form undefeated in their last 6 games in the premier league. Giving David Moyes the perfect opportunity to audition for the Spurs hot seat as he is seen as a candidate for the expected Tottenham managerial vacancy in the summer when Redknapp takes up the role of manager of England.

Notable scalps in the unbeaten run were league leaders Manchester City who they beat 1-0 and Chelsea. There last defeat coming against Spurs in January.

Everton have no injury doubts ahead of Saturday s game and should welcome back Phil Jagielka and Nikica Jelavic who sat out their last game against QPR. Steven Pienaar who has been in excellent form since rejoining Everton on loan is ineligible to play.  Where has this Pienaar been at Spurs where he has made no impact since joining the North London club?  The South African will probably move on to another club in the summer.

Any David Moyes side, particularly at Goodison Park, will always be competitive and hard to break down. Tim Howard who has recently signed an extension on his contract has been in excellent form this season. David Moyes men will play their tried and trusted 4-4-1-1 with Tim Cahill playing behind Jelavic. Spurs will need to be much more alert at set pieces than on Saturday against United because Cahill is deadly in the air.

Their main spark and creativity will come from the mercurial Royston Drenthe who has been in outstanding form for the Toffee men with his direct running and dribbling. Kyle Walker will have to be at his defensive best to keep him at bay. An interesting duel will be when Marouane Fellaini comes up against Scott Parker in central midfield. The Belgium international is fiercely competitive and a real danger in the air from set pieces an area Spurs are very poor at defending.

With Arsenal in good form and playing with momentum it is essential Spurs get something out of this game.

Harry Redknapps main selection dilemma is who to play up front, with Emmanuel Adebayor, Louis Saha and Jermain Defoe all in excellent goal scoring form and also Rafa Van Der Vaart now returned from injury.

It is a facile and redundant debate arguing who is the better player as all of the forwards have different attributes and will contribute with goals now until the end of the season, if sufficiently rotated by Redknapp.

Adebayor for his hold up and link play will start on Saturday most likely be partnered by Defoe who has been in outstanding form of late. I suspect because of the absent of Lennon through injury the manager will deploy Van Der Vaart in a nominal right midfield position. A position the Dutchman has stated he does not like playing. Redknapp is not averse to playing players out of position even if it has a detrimental effect on the team as his frequent use of Lula Modric in a left midfield position illustrates. Would Pep Guardiola play Xavi left midfield?

If the formation doesn’t work Redknapp will change to a 4-3-2-1 which he used against Norwich with a midfield three of Sandro, Parker and Modric with Bale and Van Der Vaart in free roles behind Adebayor. That performance in December worryingly was Spurs last away win in the league!

Probable line up:

 

Prediction

Everton have been extremely good at home of late winning 4 of their last 5 games, while Spurs don’t have a great record at Goodison Park failing to win in their last 4 visits.

In cannot be overstated enough that Spurs have to get something out of this game with Arsenal chasing down that third spot which should focus the players and manager mind.

Everton’s Achilles heel has always been scoring while Spurs strikers are in a rich vein of scoring although being a tight game I see Spurs nicking this 2-1!

COYS

Kenny ( @kennypalmer on Twitter )

The opposing fans view this week comes from David Mason. A Merseyside economic migrant now living in London. His brother told him he was a Toffee fan in 1986! Favourite all time hero is Big Dunc and of the current squad the big haired one, Fellaini.

The league table never lies. That means that Spurs are a considerably better team than Everton right now. And who could argue? Ten places, 19 points and 20 goals better off speaks for itself. So why do I feel like we (Everton) are going to win on Saturday? Yes, you guessed it, unadulterated optimism. However it isn’’t completely blind; our last two league fixtures at Goodison have seen us take six points from the visiting Man City and Chelsea, so what’s to say we won’’t complete a very respectable home treble? Question; does the form league table ever lie? I will conclude that yes it can if you only face Bolton, Wigan, Wolves etc… however let’s not scoff at Everton’s “lofty” positioning of 6th in contrast to Spurs in 10th place. But it is here that really highlights the two clubs current difference; Spurs are seen to be going through something of a tough time and have gained only three points less than an “in-form” or at least much improved Everton over the last six games.

First time I went to this fixture was probably the 1994/5 season and we drew 0-0. No I didn’t remember the scoreline nor the fixture, but I had my first season ticket that year, so was treated to the delights of Burrows, Ebbrell, Barlow against Austin, Howells and Rosenthal. What other memories does this fixture conjure? A silly number of goalless draws, Dave Watson’s only victory as caretaker manager back in 1997, a 16 year old Wayne Rooney making his debut on a sunny August 2002 afternoon, Gary Naysmith’s free kick  in 2004, a Robbie Keane pen deciding the matter in 2006 as I sat in the away end (don’t ask), a tremendous Berbatov strike and a 89th min Jenas heartbreaker, Saha nearly bagging a quite brilliant overhead kick when Spurs threw away a two goal lead and Defoe threw away a chance to win it with a missed pen and of course a late Coleman headed winner only last season. Slightly blue tinted version of events there, but what did you expect? But as an early thirties Evertonian, I can’t think of Everton v Tottenham without being transported to Elland Road in 1995. However that was the FA Cup and this is league football… maybe we shall meet again in another semi-final this year?

David Moyes takes Everton into Saturday’s late kick off just four days shy of his decade with the club. Very few would question the job he has done for us Toffees, but the Glaswegian hasn’’t hidden his envying looks towards White Hart Lane in recent months. And this leaves a trace of fear in all Evertonian hearts, especially in the context of Spurs most likely to be looking for a new manager come summer. But enough about Harry being the next England boss… let’s look at Moyes’ performance against Spurs over his tenure. It reads Played 19, Won 5, Drawn 5, Lost 9 and defeats jumps to double figures if we include the League Cup defeat back in 2009. So it’s safe to say this probably isn’t one of Davey’s favourite fixtures only managing two victories at home in nine attempts. Although this is in slight contrast to his end of season league finish head to head with Spurs; Moyes has led Everton to top the Lilywhites in 4 of his 9 seasons. So Spurs still have the advantage with this last stat. But only just.

What’s changed at Everton since we last played I hear you ask?  Well it was only 8 weeks ago, but I will indulge. Our home form, as previously mentioned has suddenly turned into something of a more recognisable existence and with FA Cup run in full flow the crowd are suddenly up for it. The Gwladys Street end turns into something of a bear-pit when the floodlights are on and the ref dares to call a foul against Fellaini. Our league win percentage at Goodison was a pathetic 22% before our 2-0 encounter which has since risen to 67% and add to that two steady home wins against Fulham and Blackpool in the cup. Personnel alterations have really pumped some life into faltering, maybe complacent team members. We’’ve lost Donovan and Bilyaletdinov, whilst we’’ve gained Jelavic and Gibson not forgetting the Saha for Pienaar transfer deadline busting midnight swap-deal. It really seems to be the latter that has brought excitement to the Blues with a two MOM performances and a goal five minutes into his second home debut helping to keep the boo-boys off his back. He wasn’t our standing POY when he left for nothing, although my Spurs friends have often queried this. Saha’’s departure (good luck to him btw… bags of ability and never really enjoyed the service he might now receive) has also allowed the now acclimatised Stracqualursi to get first team minutes under his belt and this has paid dividends.

Probable line up:

I predict we will line-up 4-5-1 but being without Pienaar and the injured Gibson on Saturday will hurt. Most likely line-up is Howard (nets), Hibbert Heitinga Distin Baines (def right-left), Osman Fellaini Cahill Neville Drenthe (mid right-left), Stracqualursi (att). Fit again Jagielka will have to bide his time on the bench as Heitinga’’s form has been excellent and our back unit solid. Jelavic will probably be introduced again in the second half to brighten things up and will be sat alongside Mucha (gk), Coleman, Gueye, Barkley and Anichebe. I would personally like to see Osman given the Cahill role and Coleman, Anichebe or even Barkley given the right midfield role. However Cahill will start.

Prediction

So if (i) Neville can do a job on the fit again and freely wondering Bale, (ii) Distin can snuff out Adebayor, (iii) Fellaini can contain Modric and (iv) Drenthe brings his shooting boots again then I can see a very tough encounter for the men from N17. Yep, that’s a lot of ifs and hopefully our lads won’t have one eye looking ahead at a busy schedule (derby on Tuesday, FA Cup Quarter Final on Saturday & Arsenal the following Wednesday). I forecast Moyes will have us fully focused and that Everton will take the spoils 2-1 in a frantic meeting. My final remark and hope is that this fixture in the 2012/13 season won’’t see Spurs bring back another former son of Everton, especially one with ginger hair.

David

David is a regular poster on www.bluekipper.net

 

So we head into the massively important game looking to keep our noses ahead in the race for third place, while Everton will be trying to keep their forward momentum going.  With both teams looking to gain maximum points from the match it should be a cracker of a game.

COYS

You can follow this blog on Twitter ( @THFC1882dotcom )

 

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FA Cup 5th Round Replay: Tottenham Hotspur vs Stevenage

March 7th, 2012 Posted in Articles, FA Cup, Match Previews
Mar, 07 2012
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Tottenham Hotspur vs Stevenage  Wednesday 7th March 2012 ,7.30pm kick off, White Hart Lane, ESPN &ESPN HD

Given what a fantastic season Spurs are having, it puzzles me that I am pleased we have a game tonight.  After the 2, hopefully not too damaging defeats we have just suffered, it will be good to get straight back into action and blow the cobwebs away as such.  Yes, there were some positive from the Manchester Utd game, seeing as we were more then a match for them and the better team during the first half and right up until their second goal in the second. Even without 3 of our best players.  There were negatives as well though, such as the defensive lapses and not being clinical enough in front of goal. The Arsenal game I’m not even going to revisit, those horrors are best left in the past.

Tonight I expect Harry Redknapp to field a strong line up to finish off the job that should never have got this far in truth.  He will probably mix some youngsters in as well and squad players to preserve the first teamers for the hard upcoming trip to Goodison Park on Saturday evening.

League One Stevenage, the lowest ranked team still in the competition, who fully deserve their day in the spotlight at the Lane tonight will no doubt be dogged and determined like they were in the first cup tie and Tottenham might have to be patient for a while to get the initial breakthrough.

The better quality pitch and players that Spurs have will win the day, hopefully in 90 minutes tonight, and the likes of Jermain Defoe, who will start tonight, which will give him the platform to show once again why he should be starting in the first 11 at present.  William Gallas might also be available, Scott Parker is back from suspension and Gareth Bale is back form the illness that kept him out of the Utd game. Rafael Van der Vaart is still doubtful and will probably be saved until the Everton game.

Tonight is all about the performance, getting the attitude right and re-instilling the confidence we will need to have for the fight to secure 3rd place in the League and for our journey in lifting the FA Cup.

Probable line up:

Prediction

Spurs to start strong with pace and directness and will get an early goal. Stevenage will try and break up the play, put in a lot of effort and will come away with their heads held high. Spurs to win 4-0.

Rob

You can follow this blog on Twitter ( @THFC1882dotcom )

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Match Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United

March 2nd, 2012 Posted in Articles, Match Previews, Premier League
Mar, 02 2012
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Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester Utd, Sunday  2012, 4.10 pm kick off, White Hart Lane, Sky Sports 1 & HD1 

The Champions are in town this Sunday for a massive match. They need to continue winning to put pressure on their bitter rivals as they try and win a 20th League Title and we need to get back into the winning habit to maintain our push for 3rd place.

THFC1882 is pleased to welcome back Kenny Palmer for his preview on the upcoming game:

Tottenham Hotspur host the Premier League champions on Sunday giving the team an opportunity against tough opposition to atone for the damaging defeat against North London rivals Arsenal.

Professional pride will mean the players will be eager to put in a good display in front of the White Hart Lane faithful after the humiliating drubbing the team suffered at the hands of their neighbours.

“After losing 5-2 to Arsenal we can’t ask for a bigger challenge than playing Manchester United, but we are looking forward to it,” Emmanuel Adebayor told Spurs online.

“We just have to show personality and character and bounce back as quickly as possible.”

The defeat on Sunday was a game only Brad Freidel, left woefully exposed by a fragile defence; Luka Modric, who had the courage to demand the ball and try to create and the newly appointed England captain Scott Parker, who manfully attempted to put out fires in the game singlehandedly, distinguished themselves.

The players & manager have taken a lot of plaudits this season so they have to take the criticism after a dismal performance in the most important game of the season for the fans!

Sir Alex Ferguson’s team just two points behind leaders City come into the game on an excellent run of form having won five of their last six games in the league and their Manchester neighbours still firmly in their sights.

Chris Smalling’s injury picked up against Holland on international duty means he is doubtful for the game against Spurs joining Wayne Rooney and Tom Cleverley on the injury front.

Rio Ferdinand is likely to be partnered in central defence by Johnny Evans, this should give Spurs much encouragement to believe they can breach the United back line. Ferdinand has been in decline for some time while Evans has a crucial mistake in him every game. Emmanuel Adebayor will be confident he can trouble the pair.

The ageless Paul Scholes will look to dictate midfield, assisted on the wings with two from Nani, Ashley Young or Antonio Valencia. Kyle Walker and Benoit Assou-Ekotto will have to be at their defensive best to contain them.

It is hoped that Rooney hasn’t recovered from illness in time for the game as he has an excellent scoring record against Spurs having scored 6 goals in his last 7 games. If he misses the game United will still be a threat from the poacher Hernandez or the maturing Danny Welbeck.

A vastly improved display is expected on Sunday from Spurs following on from two extremely poor performances at Stevenage and the Emirates. As we enter the business end of the season Spurs have to return to a formation and players that have served the team well and illuminated the league this season 4-4-1-1! Hairbrain formations like the 3 centre backs against Division One Stevenage which was used principally to justify the inclusion of a 34 year old former Blackburn reserve have to be dispensed with.

Aaron Lennon, puzzling omitted from the last three games although fully fit, has to return to the starting line-up. Not one of the coterie of Redknapp favourites and having a less than warm relationship with the manager he was badly missed against Arsenal. He provides natural width for the team and what he adds to the team defensively when he tracks back cannot be underestimated. He also always seems to unsettle and have a good game against Patrice Evra.

Gareth Bale has reportedly picked up a hamstring injury while away with Wales and is a major doubt for Sunday.  One of the most thrilling sights of the modern game is the Welshman powering down the left wing leaving defenders in his wake and delivering accurate crosses into the box. If he recovers Redknapp has to encourage him to get some chalk on his boots and stay wide with the option still to come inside.

Rafa Van Der Vaart should be fit to play off Adebayor. He is a big game player, offering guile and creativity and should return ahead of Saha who was disappointing against Arsenal. Sandro whose season has been disrupted by injury comes into the team for the suspended Scott Parker. Kyle Walker had a successful fitness test on Thursday and will train with the team on Friday tweeting that he felt good so should be fit for Sunday.

Probable line-up:

Prediction

Spurs have a dreadful record against United having failed to beat them in the last 25 matches in all competitions however having said that Spurs have been excellent at home this season winning 10 of the last 12 matches in the league, losing only once.

The gap over Chelsea and Arsenal is still a healthy 7 points and the team will look to consolidate that position.

I fully expect Spurs to respond well from the Arsenal defeat with a good performance. It will be a tight game between two evenly matched sides. I see a share of the points. 1-1!

COYS

Kenny ( @kennypalmer on Twitter )

The view from the opposing fan this week comes from Mark Waddington. He has been a United fan since 1991, his favourite all time player is twinkle toes himself Cristian Ronaldo and of the current squad the returning legend Paul Scholes.

Spurs v united preview: Through Red tinted Spectacles

Before cracking on to this week’s action I feel it’s only right to pay homage to the two modern day greats that made sure we came away from Carrow road with the much needed 3 points last week. Reflecting on Sunday it’s a horrible thought that one day these two won’t be around. I can only imagine the envy other fan’s must have that United have been blessed with these two hugely talented winners. A dying breed in our modern day game.

Our Opposition

Reflecting on the Arsenal game I’m still not sure whether this is a good time to be taking on Spurs or not as they will clearly want to put a performance in, especially  back at  the Lane, in front of their own supporters where there is some serious making up to do. At White Hart Lane Spurs boast an impressive 10 victories and a win percentage of 77% bettered only by Manchester City but less said about them the better!

A few things surprised me at the Emirates last week. Ledley king actually looked like a guy who hasn’t played much which is really not like him. My personal opinion bringing Dawson back in this coming Sunday would be far more sensible option, that said if King feels up to it I think harry will back his man and keep the faith. Picking Kranjcar who is naturally left sided over Lennon made no sense to me. This Sunday I’m certain Harry Redknapp won’t make the same mistake again where Lennon would be up against Patrice Evra. They have enjoyed some cracking duels over the years, with Lennon often giving Evra a torrid time. To say Evra’s form has been indifferent would be an understatement and Redknapp would be crazy not to take advantage. Lastly my surprise at Scott Parker having a bad game. That said he is entitled to an off day as this season his performances have been top drawer. Whoever steps in (I imagine it will be Sandro) he has big shoes to fill.

I’d imagine Spurs will be back to their normal 4-4-1-1 formation this Sunday with Van Dr Vaart supporting Adebayor.

Now to the Red side

Ajax game aside things have started to look a whole lot rosier for United. With a keeper who not so long ago looked short of confidence, he is now keeping us in games and the team having a more settled look. As a friend pointed out the injury to Lindegaard who most fans were demanding he played (me included) has been the making of DDG. Most positions in the back 4 picks itself, Rio is looking sharper and fitter with every game played, Evans is looking more confident and although Evra’s form is erratic to say the least he is still our best option at left back. This just leaves the problem right back position. Just last season I was raving about the fact Rafael kept the inform Bale quiet at OT, yet he’s unlikely to get the nod over Smalling or Jones this term. My personal choice would be Smalling good in the air, calm and less likely to get caught out than Jones. However after Smalling’s nasty clash with Huntelaar, whilst on International duty of Wednesday, I would be very surprised to see him involved. This leaves Phil Jones to take up our right back slot and have the lovely task of attempting to keep the wing wizard Bale (if fit) quiet. Jones is a huge talent but can’t help but think, I and many others got carried away with his early season form! If we are going come away from the White Hart Lane with 3 points he’s going to have to be on top of his game and at times his poor positioning has left us exposed as he tends to lunge in recklessly when he is caught out.

Now to the midfield.  This would be an ideal game for Valencia as I feel our best way of getting at Spurs is down their left hand side, as Bale seems to drift inside more leaving Assou-Ekotto exposed. . As it looks this game may come too soon for Valencia (hamstring) so this will be the job of Nani to torment the full-back. Nani can either be a joy to watch or infuriating and annoying, hopefully the right one turns up come Sunday to leave BAE having nightmares again.

Alongside Nani will be Tottenham old boy Michael Carrick, who is back to the form of his early united career and benefitting from a long run in the team. He is also winning over his doubters and is likely to be partnered in the middle by the inform Scholes. The duel of Modric and Scholes will be a joy to watch as the gift they posses for vision and passing is not shared by many others in this league. The final place in midfield for me should be given to Giggs, getting the nod over Park and the enigma that is Ashley Young. Giggs’s versatility gets him the nod from myself as when he comes into the centre his assists per minute on the pitch have been nothing short of remarkable. Having said that I have a sneaky feeling Fergie may give Young the start, after his last minute assist against Norwich and his goal against Holland, hopefully he is about to hit the form we know he is capable of. Young has had an up and down first season, from wonder goals against Arsenal (I’m sure you lot enjoyed that 8-2 nearly as much as we did!) to injuries and inconsistency. Saying that if Young can turn up it will be a good test for the excellent Walker who has made the Spurs right back position his own.

Up front Ferguson has made it clear Welbeck and Rooney are his favoured two. Welbeck has won me over to a certain extent but I’m still not convinced and that I would want the ball to fall to him in the dying minutes of a game. I know that sounds daft after his late Arsenal goal but he missed many other opportunities in that game as well as the Norwich game, amongst others. The other option is Hernandez who is a clinical scorer and has scored many crucial goals. I don’t want to read to much in to the England game where Wellbeck did well in spells, but at the end of the day it was new team thrown together and it’s what Danny does in a red shirt that really counts! All being said I think it’s nailed on Rooney and Welbeck will start.

Injuries

The only fresh injury doubt is Chris Smalling after a nasty clash of heads in Wednesday nights friendly. The game is likely to come to soon for the inform Valencia, who has been missing for two weeks since injuring his hamstring joining the recently returned Cleverly and long term absentees Vidic and Owen on the sidelines. Rooney looks set to return from his throat infection.

Probable line up:

De Gea; Jones, Evans, Rio, Evra;  Nani, Carrick, Scholes, Young; Welbeck, Rooney

Key players: Rio Ferdiand, Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney

So how’s it going to go?

A lot more exciting than last year’s 0-0 I hope, where credit to spurs United almost seemed content with not losing.  A few months ago I was fearing this fixture but now feel we have a more settled look about our side. Following wins against Arsenal and Liverpool, as well as the comeback to break Chelsea hearts at the Bridge, we now also have the belief to get the job done. Hopefully I’m not sounding over confident as those who know me know I’m always the opposite. I’m going for a 3-1 win to United!  They will have been told in no uncertain terms the complacency shown in the Norwich game wasn’t good enough. I also feel Parker’s absence is a huge miss for Tottenham coupled with the likely return of Rooney giving United a big boost after his goals in the Liverpool and Chelsea games.  As my gambling record shows most of my predictions are usually wrong and if Bale is on song who knows what may happen. Enjoy the game!

Mark ( @wadatime on Twitter )

Thanks given to both Kenny and Mark for spending the time to contribute with their thoughts on the match.

You can follow this blog on Twitter ( @THFC1882dotcom )

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Match Preview: Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur

February 24th, 2012 Posted in Articles, Match Previews, Premier League
Feb, 24 2012
2 Comments »

Before I start on the match preview, I just wanted to formalise what you’ve probably already heard.  I have taken over the running of THFC1882.com and would like to acknowledge all the hard work Stuart put into the site and what a great job he did!  It’s a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting some interesting topics out there.

Now onto the serious stuff!

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur, Sunday 26th February 2012, 1.30pm kick off, Emirates Stadium, Sky Sports 1, HD1 & Sky 3D

Tottenham enter the 153rd league North London Derby on Sunday at the Emirates going for their first double over the Gunners since the 1992/93 season.  We are 10 points ahead of our nearest North London rivals, having lost only once in the last 15 games and sitting in a comfortable 3rd place in the league.  Oh how times have changed!

Arsenal seem to be in disarray and deteriorating fast.  This will be their 7th season without a trophy as  they are all but out of the Champions League after getting hammered by AC Milan in the first leg at the San Siro and also went out of the FA Cup to Sunderland last weekend.  The only thing they have to play for this season now is 4th place in the league and the rewards that come with that.  They are hurt, a shadow of former sides of the past and seemingly going nowhere but they are still dangerous and will be well up for restoring some pride after losing to us in October at White Hart Lane.  In their last 10 league games they have won 5, drawn 2 and lost 3.  Arsene Wenger, no matter what he says, must be feeling serious pressure and worrying about his job for the first time in his reign as manager.

This is the first time in as long as I can remember that I am not nervous in the build up to a North London away derby.  I am excited and expectant, two words that are rarely combined in the same sentence uttered by a Spurs fan in general and especially in regards to this fixture, well until recent times anyway!  If we go at them from the start, like we did against Newcastle two weeks ago (yes, I am bypassing the Stevenage blip), then I truly believe Arsenal will not be able to cope or contain us.  I am not naive enough to think all we have to do is turn up and the job’s done and I am sure Harry will be telling the players how dangerous our opposition can be to us but if we play with the pace, determination and passion that we have been showing all season, this should be more then enough to see us through against the old enemy.

Team News

Arsenal have their usual defensive worries with Per Mertesacker, Sebastien Squillaci and Francis Coquelin set to miss the game and Laurent Koscielny facing a late fitness test.  Carl Jenkinson is expected to be back in the squad though.  With Santos out as well this leaves Wenger with 5 fit defenders to choose from of which only Thomas Vermaelen is of any quality.

Their midfield will be made up of the underperforming Mikel Arteta,  the out of sorts Welsh captain Aaron Ramsey or Tomas Rosicky, depending on if Ramsey has recovered from his knock from the Sunderland game and Alex Song.  Theo Walcott and Gervinho will support the only striker, captain and truly world class Robin Van Persie from the wings.  Keeping RVP at bay will probably be the biggest test on Sunday for us.  He is having a brilliant season scoring 28 goals in all competitions so far from just 31 games and seemingly keeping Arsenal afloat single handedly.

The brightest lights in the last few weeks for the red half of North London have been from a returning Legend, Thierry Henry and the undoubtedly talented Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.  Henry has finished his short loan spell from his MLS New York Red Bulls team and will only be there in spirit on Sunday, while Oxlade-Chamberlain will probably start on the bench but will be a real danger and have to be watched if he comes on in the later stages of the match.

Tottenham have injury concerns of their own.  Benoit Assou-Ekott0, Luka Modric, Rafael Van der Vaart and Emmanuel Adebayor have all returned to training this week from various illness and injuries but still face late fitness tests before the game.  Assou-Ekotto is the biggest doubt after having a small operation last week.  Harry Redknapp will be hoping that all 4 pull through as they are integral parts of the team.

The debate on whether Van der Vaart should start the game has been doing the rounds this week after the super showing Louis Saha put on against Newcastle in tandom with Adebayor but the simple fact remains, Van der Vaart, on his day is a game changer.  He probably won’t be fully match fit and won’t get past the hour mark if he starts but whilst on the pitch he is very likely to create or score as he has done in all his games against them so far.

The only other decision Redknapp has to make is who partners Ledley King in defence, providing super Led’s knee is well enough for him to lead the side.  Dawson has been playing well since returning from injury and Kaboul returned to the starting line-up against Stevenage last weekend and has been a rock all season.  Tough choice but I think Younes will shade it.  The rest of the side picks itself and I hope Redknapp tells Gareth Bale to stay out wide left for the majority of the game as this is where his pace and directness causes the most trouble for me, especially if Modric and Van der Vaart are in the side.

William Gallas and Sandro show no signs of returning any time soon and Tom Huddlestone, who recently had ankle surgery, joins David Bentley and Jermaine Jenas on the sidelines for the rest of the season.

Probable line-up

Let me now introduce John O’Sullivan, an Arsenal fan since the early 70′s, for his view on Sunday’s forthcoming event.  John’s all time favourite player is Denis Bergkamp and, of the current squad, a certain Jack Wilshire.  Be nice!

I do not subscribe to the theory that, where a derby is concerned, you can tear up the form book.  ’Shootout Sunday’, or whatever the media are calling it, undoubtedly means much more to Arsenal, desperately clinging on to 4th place, than it does to Tottenham who could probably afford to drop 3 points.  Mind you, they would relish the thought of their first double over Arsenal in 20 years.

Looking at Arsenal’s last 6 home games in the premiership (W3 D2 L1) and Tottenham’s last 6 aways (W2 D2 L2) suggests that this will be a very close affair, and the Bookies’ odds reflect this with Arsenal slight favourites at 6/4, Spurs 7/4 and the draw 23/10.  All the statistics point towards this being a draw, but one thing is for sure, it won’t be a ‘bore draw’!

As always these games will hinge on fascinating duels all over the pitch, but the crucial one will be down the flanks.  Personally I can see Oxlade-Chamberlain dropping to the bench and Arsene going for the more experienced Walcott and Gervinho.  It will be vital that these two track back to give cover to the full backs and while Bale is always dangerous it’s Lennon I fear more and I would be amazed if Redknapp doesn’t start him Sunday.

It will be interesting to see which formation Spurs decide to use.  I presume they will match Arsenal’s 4-3-3, which we will look forward to getting back to after our last two abject away performances.  One thing that has impressed me about Spurs this season is their ability to switch the play from wing to wing with just one pass, something that takes us 4 or 5 passes to do, and it’s this ability to get the ball quickly into danger areas which is sadly lacking in this Arsenal team.  All too often Arsenal will go backwards just to retain possession with the ball eventually going all the way back to the keeper who promptly kicks it straight back to the opposition.  I swear, it drives me bananas!

Koscielny has been our best defender this season and we sweat on the news of his fitness, although he did train today.  Gibbs will also face a late fitness test.  Ramsey is definitely out and I expect Rosicky to start in midfield.  However, Yossi Benayoun was outstanding for the reserves the other night against Norwich and it wouldn’t surprise me if he got the nod ahead of the Czech!  Arshavin also played in that game and scored twice, but I have never seen him so laconic and disinterested and that’s saying something!  Zenit are keen to take him on loan, but the boss insists he’s staying, although there are rumours circulating that Zenit have indeed agreed a deal ahead of the Russia transfer window closing tonight.

Probable line up;

Szczesny-Gibbs-Koscielny-Vermaelen-Sagna-Arteta-Song-Rosiscky-Gervinho-Van Persie-Walcott.

Tentative prediction 2-2!  Generally available @ 10/1.

You can follow John on twitter (@clockend5 ) and his blog here: http://clockend5.blogspot.com/

Prediction

While I am trying to hold back my heart from ruling and saying we will be giving our foes a good old fashioned whipping in their own back yard, my head is still telling me that, while I suspect it will be an exciting, entertaining and closely contested game, our speed and movement, form and confidence will win the day for us.  The players we have are a much stronger unit then Arsenal’s and we have the better bench to change the game if required.  I’m going for a 2-1 win and the first double over them in almost 20 years.  North London is ours now!

COYS

Rob

You can follow the blog on Twitter ( @thfc1882dotcom )

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Quick Preview: Stevenage v Tottenham Hotspur

February 18th, 2012 Posted in FA Cup, Match Previews
Feb, 18 2012
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THFC1882 brings you a quick FA Cup preview of Tottenham Hotspur’s visit to Stevenage.

During their non-league years Stevenage often hosted a pre-season friendly with Spurs. Now The Lilywhites visit a side who are chasing promotion to the Championship.

It’s the FA Cup and all bets are off with regards to divisional standings. The Cup may have lost some of its romance over the Premier League era but there always remains the chance of an upset to evoke memories from it’s golden era.

Stevenage are a physical side and will look to ruffle the feathers of their Premier League visitors. Spurs will need to be much sharper than they were last time out in the Cup at Watford. Spurs got away with a poor showing that day and cannot rely on luck and poor finishing every time.

It’s over a week since Newcastle were handed a proper beating at The Lane and a week until Spurs visit arch rivals Arsenal for the North London Derby. With that in mind Harry Redknapp doesn’t need to stress about players being overworked. That said however there are surely one or two who will be rested and not risked before the massive Premier League clash. Ledley King, Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and Emmanuel Adebayor are those most likely to be given the week off. Coming back from injury, Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe will be keen to get 90 minutes under their belt. This game also represents a good chance for Jake Livermore to start and continue to show his impressive development this season. Louis Saha may get an opportunity to build on his two goal full debut and see how he plays alongside Defoe after impressing in his partnership with Adebayor. Ryan Nelsen is likely to make his first start in the centre of defence after impressing in training.

Stevenage won’t roll over and let Spurs have it easy but I fully expect Spurs class to show and to run out 4-0 winners.

COYS

Stuart Watts

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Match Preview: Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur

February 4th, 2012 Posted in Articles, Match Previews, Premier League
Feb, 04 2012
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THFC1882 brings another new guest writer. Football blogger and Spurs fan (obviously) Anthony Lombardi previews Tottenham Hotspur’s visit to Liverpool:

Liverpool v Tottenham: The Fab Four and Beyond.

 

This Monday Totteham Hotspur faces Liverpool at Anfield in a clash that is set to have far reaching effects across the top of the Premier League.

Man City’s failure to collect any points on Tuesday and the London duo of Arsenal and Chelsea being held by lower opposition has reignited both clubs seasons. Whoever claims the three points will be well on their way, whilst the losers may well have to Let It Be for the rest of this season.

For the last decade both clubs have had to endure life in the shadow of their fierce rivals, but now a change is sweeping across these sleeping giants. Liverpool’s victory over two legs against Man City, followed by knocking United out of the FA Cup has given fresh hope to a season that threatened to go off the boil. Spurs meanwhile have cruised to a 12 point gap over North London rivals Arsenal and once again find themselves back in the title race.

When the pair met in September, Spurs strolled to a 4-0 victory that was unfairly overshadowed by Liverpool’s two red cards. The Lillywhites, in the first 20 minutes at White Hart Lane played the type of football that has ignited the belief within the club and perhaps even in Luka Modric who grabbed the first goal with a spanking right foot drive. That result propelled Tottenham into a run of form that only some dubious refereeing decisions have stopped on occasions.

The North London club’ season started in tumultuous fashion, with riots disrupting fixtures and supposed player discontent filling column inches. However, under manager Harry Redknapp’s positive guidance Tottenham, have built a team spirit that promises to deliver them their best Premier League finish since 1990.

The Tottenham boss has kept to relatively the same starting 11 in each Premier League game, choosing instead to use squad and youth players in the Europa League, Carling and FA Cup. Redknapp may have sacrificed participation in two of these cups but there is no doubting that come Monday evening the Spurs starting 11 will have played rather less football than their counterparts.

In Liverpool’s last home game, the Reds rode out 2-1 winners against arch rivals Man Utd, however, despite the magnitude of this victory, Spurs can take heart from certain points.

The Champions were given an incredible amount of space in central midfield as the Reds sought to deny Man Utd space in behind them. In nullifying the speed and directness of Danny Welbeck and Antonio Valencia, United’s central midfield were given time and space, but they were unable to use it.

With Liverpool likely to counter act the speed of Gareth Bale, Kyle Walker and Aaron Lennon in similar fashion, Spurs will need to be creative in central midfield. The London club will need Modric and if he is fit, Rafa Van der Vaart orchestrating and creating in front of Liverpool. The duo will seek to commit players before slipping in teammate.

However, should Liverpool seek to shut out Tottenham, they run the risk of disappointing the home crowd and having to chase the game should Spurs break through. This season Spurs have been at their most threatening when one nil up and attacking on the break.

Since being destroyed at White Hart Lane, Liverpool have regrouped defensively and are now only a consistent striker away from Champions League qualification. Had they been sharper in front of goal against supposedly weaker opposition, then this clash would have been a direct head on battle, for the right to challenge the Manchester duo.

Manager Kenny Dalglish, who signed a full time contract hours before these two met at the back end of last season, faces some positive, but difficult selection decisions on Monday.

With Uruguayan Luis Suarez finally available again after suspension, one of Dirk Kuyt and Andy Carroll looks set to miss out. Dutch forward Kuyt, recently returned to scoring ways with a goal against Man Utd and a strike against Wolves on Tuesday. Carroll though shouldn’t be quickly dismissed. Against United last week, he finally started to look like the powerful striker that earned the huge price tag and his goal against Wolves with have boosted his confidence.

The forward that Dalglish selects will immediately give us an insight into his game plan. If he employs Carroll he will be going for the victory. Should he select the hard working Kuyt, a player more disposed to tracking back, then he will be searching to keep it tight and look to strike later in the game.

There are however, two attacking options that should not be discounted. Spurs striker Jermaine Defoe and Liverpool’s Craig Bellamy, both possess speed and the instinctive ability to score a goal from out of nowhere. The duo may start on their respective benches, but there is no doubt that if the game remains goalless, both managers will use what they hope is their trump card. Defoe of course may be struggling for fitness, if so, it could be a quick return to Merseyside for Louis Saha and the chance to get one over on his former city rivals.

It is difficult to see where the three points will go, but with Chelsea hosting Man Utd the day before, winning this fixture will give the victor a huge boost.

The team that scores first in this fixture should go on to win it. Should Spurs draw first blood and force Liverpool to seek out an equalizer, Bale’s ability to expose the space left behind the Reds defence will become a major factor. Whilst Liverpool are past masters at defending a lead.

Either way, Anfield will be intriguing viewing this Monday.

COYS

Anthony Lombardi (visit Anthony’s blog here and follow him on Twitter @ARLombardi )

 

 

 

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Match Preview: Tottenham Hotspur v Wigan

January 30th, 2012 Posted in Match Previews, Premier League
Jan, 30 2012
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THFC1882 welcomes back guest writer Kenny Palmer with a preview of Tottenham Hotspur versus Wigan.

A week is a long time in football, as Spurs two contrasting performances highlighted. Heroic in defeat against Manchester City earning plaudits for the character they showed in coming back from 2-0 down to level the scores before losing to an injury time penalty. They were then abject in victory against championship strugglers Watford in the FA Cup producing the most shambolic, disjointed performance in Harry Redknapps reign as Tottenham manager. A game in which only the goalkeeper Cudicini, defenders Michael Dawson, Younnes Kaboul, Kyle Walker and midfielder Jake Livermore can claim they played well.

Emmanuel Adebayor was particularly poor a fact he acknowledged after the game. His performance produced such a level of knee jerking it probably registered on the Richter scale in North London! The Togo international has been a pivotal part of Tottenham’s success this season leading the line and linking play. His industry and hold up play was greatly missed at the defeat to City at the Etihad Stadium. It was one bad game nothing more. Just as the darlings of the Spurs Twitter sphere Benoit Assou-Ekotto, whose decision to smash the ball up field rather let the ball run out of play for a Tottenham throw in and run the clock directly led to Spurs conceding the penalty against Manchester City and Rafael van der Vaart are allowed a bad game without opprobrium Adebayor along with all Spurs players deserves that right as well.

Tuesday’s opponents Wigan, who prop up the bottom of the league, provide the perfect opportunity for the team to put three points on the board before a challenging run of away games in February against Liverpool and Arsenal sandwiched in between a home game against a vastly improved Newcastle. Wigan come into the game on a dreadful run of form, they have not won a premiership game in their last seven matches. Their last win an away victory against West Brom in December. They have the distinction of the second worse defensive record in the premiership shipping forty three goals and the least potent attack scoring a paltry nineteen goals this season.

Roberto Martinez’s team will probably start with the same formation that played against the defeat to QPR. Hugo Rodellega a lone striker ahead of a five man midfield. The goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi a potential summer target of Spurs, who has been excellent this season can expect a busy evening in store. Wigan despite being bottom will still try to play an open brand of football. Wigan’s main threat will be the mercurial Victor Moses who they will do well to keep in this transfer window with his direct dribbling and shooting.

A hugely improved performance is expected from Spurs after the dreadful display against Watford. That game hopefully ended any notion that Luka Modric can be deployed from the flanks and influence a game. As the team’s best player he has to always be played in his best position central midfield!

Gareth Bale who missed the Watford game is the main injury worry but should be fit to start. With seven goals and seven assists he has been crucial to the team but has created a conundrum. Deployed as an orthodox left winger he is arguably one of the best in world. But his game has developed this season in a free role in which he is encouraged to come inside. Against Norwich he was devastating; in the first half against City it was less productive. But once positioned back to the left wing position in the second half he scored a stunning goal and produced a cross which Defoe was unlucky not to convert.

Redknapp is likely start with the same team that played against City with Adebayor coming in for Jermain Defoe or Rafael Van der Vaart. The Dutchman has been off the boil of late producing another anonymous performance against Watford despite the goal, Dofoe would be unlucky not to retain his place in the team. He has an excellent scoring record against them most notably his five goal haul in the 2009/10 season.

Prediction

Spurs still have a five point lead over fourth placed Chelsea and are looking to consolidate third. I fully expect Spurs to put the defeat to City, which effectively ended their title challenge, behind them with a comprehensive win 4-0 to Spurs.

COYS

Kenny Palmer (Follow Kenny on Twitter @KennyPalmer )

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Match Preview: Man City v Tottenham Hotspur

January 21st, 2012 Posted in Match Previews, Premier League
Jan, 21 2012
3 Comments »

THFC1882 welcomes another new guest writer. I’ve been wanting this guy to write for the blog for ages and finally he’s found the time. Here’s Adam Nathan with his preview of Tottenham Hotspur’s crucial visit to Manchester City.

Spurs travel to the Etihad on Sunday to face perhaps their fiercest competitors for the Premier League Title in Manchester City. Much has and will be made of the importance of this game in the context of both sides’ seasons; a Spurs win or draw would be enough to cement their credentials as potential champions come May, whilst a victory for the hosts will only confirm that Roberto Mancini’s ‘noisy neighbours’ are perfectly set to claim the league crown from their bitter rivals on the other side of town.

In the world of Sky Sports that we are compelled to live in, it would be understandable to see the game as make or break for our hopes this season but in truth, it is important to remember that nothing, even elimination from the battle for top spot, can ever be confirmed in the middle of January. With a tough run of fixtures to come, Spurs’ fans will be praying for a positive result to kick-start the New Year that has yielded good results but perhaps not the same performance levels as the first half of the season. A defeat would of course be a major set-back, but only a terminal one if the team are unable to bounce back and show their qualities as the season draws to a close.

Games are never won on precedents, but Spurs will take heart from the fact that Eastlands has often proved to be a successful location for them, especially when the odds have been with the Citizens. In the past years, Fredi Kanoute, Darren Bent, Robbie Keane, Steed Malbranque, and of course Peter Crouch have chipped in with winning goals in games that Spurs would have been delighted with a point from. Whilst this Manchester City side represents a completely different challenge to any of the teams featuring Danny Mills or Elano, the travelling support will hope that another man in white can make himself a hero this weekend. With that said, the hosts undoubtedly hold the bragging rights in the duel at this stage, having clinched their Champions League place against us in this fixture last year, in addition to the ‘oh-why-can’t-i-forget-it-already’ hammering that they dealt us (well, a team that wore the same colour shirts as us anyway) in August.

As for team news, Spurs are expected to be without Gallas and Sandro once again as they continue to recover from their torn calf injuries, although Ledley King may make a surprise, and extremely welcome return. Up front, Adebayor misses out through ineligibility, with Roberto Mancini exercising the ridiculous rule that, although he isn’t good enough to play for him, he is far too good to play against him. Agreeing with Arsene Wenger isn’t something I can usually stomach, but on the loan player issue, he does have a point.

For Manchester City, influential captain Vincent Kompany misses out again through suspension, serving the third game of Chris Foy’s redemption present to us, whilst the Toure brothers are away with the Ivory Coast at the African Nations. Latest injury reports would suggest that Micah Richards and Mario Balotelli will be fit for the clash.

As for team selection, it has been a fascinating week to be a part of social media. Whilst everyone will expect Jermain Defoe to start, which in truth he probably deserves after a string of good performances this season, there have been a lot of calls on Twitter and the forums to start with Van Der Vaart up front instead. There is certainly a lot of mileage to this idea, and is probably what I would go with on Sunday afternoon if I was in Redknapp’s shoes. Defoe has proved me wrong a number of times this year and is probably as complete a player as he will ever be, but my worry is that, whilst he is good in almost every attribute, he is exceptional in none. As a result, he becomes exactly the type of player that Joleon Lescott thrives against. Rafa may not have the pace of the England man, but his positional sense and movement are fantastic. Far from me to ever compare us to the greats of Barcelona, it would be interesting to see how we played with Van Der Vaart dropping off ala Messi with Lennon and Bale playing on the shoulder of the last men, positions that Pedro, Villa and Alexis benefit from on a weekly basis. In addition, we would have space for another defensive midfielder, and whilst Livermore is no Sandro, he certainly impressed with disciplined performances against West Brom and in his real acid test against Cahill and Fellaini last Wednesday.

The return of King would of course be a huge boost, but if he plays, it must be next to Younes Kaboul, who for my money has become the best defender at the club this year. King is still a wonderful player, but having seen the Chelsea game where he was partnered with Gallas who is less able to sweep up in behind, we looked a bit of a mess at the back. King and Dawson has always been an excellent pairing, but in my opinion one of the centre back positions is Kaboul’s to lose at this stage of the season.

Gareth Bale will of course start, but his positioning must be sorted out. Redknapp definitely has a point that Bale can be explosive when playing through the middle, but that tactic is more likely to work when it comes as a surprise as opposed to being the norm. Against West Brom, Everton and Wolves we looked very congested as the Welshman spent far more time inside than out on the wing, and in truth created far fewer chances than usual. When thinking back to the wonderful performances we put in against Aston Villa, QPR and Bolton with two orthodox wide players, it would be folly to consider that system obsolete. For me, Bale should spend the majority of time out wide and occasionally drift inside, especially when we are on counter attacks. We will see a lot of possession on Sunday but also spend large portions of the game defending; when we do have the ball in attacking areas it is essential that we make the most of it; with Bale out wide I feel that is more likely.

It is difficult to predict how Manchester City will line up, but their defence is likely to be the area of greatest interest to us. With Micah Richards being fit, Mancini may line up with him partnering Joleon Lescott at centre back, thus sparing the at times hapless Savic, but he may fear that Zabaleta doesn’t have the pace to compete with Bale out wide. Personally, I find that Bale seems to find it easier to play against brawn than brain-see games against Glen Johnson and Phil Neville as examples of that-so I’d rather see Richards in his usual position of right it with Savic central, although he will of course offer plenty going forward. Going forward, it is always difficult to predict how City will line up, although Mancini’s moans about lack of depth clearly have foundation; after all, he may only have three twenty five million pound players warming the bench, as opposed to the usual five or six. I expect Barry and De Jong to sit in front of the back four, with Milner, Aguero, Silva and Balotelli operating in the forward positions. When you put it like that, it’s actually a bit scary.

In conclusion, it is impossible not to be extremely excited about the game. Many a pundit will label it as a true test of our ambitions and ability, but in truth, I think that is just over-hyping a bit game in mid-January to attract bigger TV ratings. For me, whilst it would of course be damaging to our title ambitions if we lose, I don’t really see this as a game where our players should feel any pressure whatsoever. At the start of the season, I would have been sectioned for predicting the league table to look like it does at this stage of the season, and that is a huge credit to the players and coaching staff that have worked so hard to turn this into a wonderful year so far. Getting a win tomorrow would be the stuff that fantasies are made of, and I would be delighted with even a point, but with ten home wins out of ten this season, City rightfully go into the game as favourites. It is of course a results business, but a negative one tomorrow would do nothing more than make us less likely to win the title. Even to write that makes me feel dizzy, and personally, I seem to look south rather than north when studying the table, with the distance between us and fifth of far greater importance to me than the one separating us from the summit. Without wanting to sound too pessimistic, I will be delighted with a good performance tomorrow and waking up on Monday morning with a gap between us and fifth place of at least nine points. With that said, we do have every chance of making a real statement to the rest of the league tomorrow. If we can combine intelligent, patient play with some of the electrifying pace we have displayed this year, Spurs fans may be dreaming on Sunday night of one hell of a party on Tottenham High Road in the middle of May.

COYS

Adam Nathan ( @adamnathan on Twitter )

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