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Match Preview: Sunderland vs Tottenham Hotspur

April 6th, 2012 Posted in Articles, Match Previews, Premier League
Apr, 06 2012
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Sunderland vs Tottenham Hotspur, Saturday 7th April, Stadium of Light, 12.45pm kick off, SS2 &HD2

Tottenham travel up to Wearside for a Saturday lunch time game off the back of 2 very impressive performances against Bolton and Swansea.  We looked back to the form we were displaying earlier in the season before we had our mini blip. The passing and movement was superb against Bolton and the pressing against a good footballing Swansea side on Sunday was vital and the key to the victory.  Add to that Rafa Van Der Vaart finally seems fully fit, having his best game of the year against the Swans and the class we have in the side, it seems we are in prime position to finish the season in a vastly different manor then we did last year. Van Der Vaart isn’t the only key to making us tick but he certainly helps for me and when he is on song, like he was on Sunday, we look a better side.

Since Sunderland appointed Martin O’Neill in early December they have had an upturn in fortunes and have made their home a fortress with winning 6 games out of the 8 they have played there, including wins against Manchester City and Liverpool. Their only loss being to Arsenal.  They have also only conceded 5 goals during this period. Make no bones about it, this will be a very difficult game for Spurs and our hardest one left away from home this season. Sunderland will be looking to reverse the loss they had at White Hart Lane earlier in season when a Roman Pavlyuchenko goal beat them.   The Northern Irishman really is a miracle worker as he has done a remarkable job for the Black Cats with basically the same players Steve Bruce had at his disposal but the enthusiasm, man management and good feel factor he brings to a club is second to none.

One of the first things O’Neill did was install young Northern Irish winger James McClean in the team, someone who Bruce completely overlooked. He has been a sensation and brings a new dimension to Sunderland’s attacking play. I would not be surprised to see his name on the Young Player of the Year awards nominations when they are announced.  With Sebastian Larsson, the skillful and quality playmaker Stephane Sessegnon, a player I wouldn’t mind having at the Lane actually, and O’Neill even getting the best out of Arsenal loanee Nicklas Bendtner, Sunderland are a dangerous attacking force that Spurs will have to be at their best to keep out.

They also play at a fast tempo and are direct so there will be no hiding place for Spurs on Saturday.

Spurs will pick from the same squad they used against Swansea but Harry Redknapp has already stated that Aaron Lennon will only participate in one of the games over the Easter period to ease the workload on the winger and to make sure he doesn’t injure himself again so soon after coming back.  This is good to hear as Lennon really makes a difference to our side and gives us balance. The game definitely changed when he came on at the weekend and there was a real buzz. Having speed on both wings creates space for Modric and Van Der Vaart to work their magic and opportunities for the team.  I would personally use him on Saturday, maybe from the bench again though, as without being disrespectful to Norwich we will probably have enough without him to beat them, although I see a tough game against them too.

The same situation for Lennon applies to Sir Ledley as well, as his knee problem won’t stand up to both games. There is, in fact, a good case for him to be saved for the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea as Kaboul and Gallas have been immense in recent weeks, very solid and really have shown they have a good understanding. A lot of the Spurs faithful now believing this combination is our number one pairing.  I still expect King to play on Saturday and then rest for the following weekend with Gallas the unlucky one to make way.

The rest of the team will most likely be the same as against Swansea, in the 4-2-3-1 formation, with Sandro and Super Scotty Parker in front of the back 4 to make us more secure and snub out the creativity of the Sunderland team, well in theory anyway! Adebayor will once again be very important for the link up play and bringing others into the game and it is important that he doesn’t get isolated.

Probable line up:

 

Prediction:

This is a tough away game for sure and with Arsenal playing Manchester City it is very vital that we get something out of it.  We have some form again and are looking good and while Sunderland are very good at home and the atmosphere will be electric I expect us to achieve a fighting 2-1 win and keep the pressure up on all our rivals for the top 4 finish and throw the challenge down for 3rd.

COYS

Rob

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Match Report: Tottenham Hotspur 3 Swansea City 1

April 2nd, 2012 Posted in Articles, Match Reports, Premier League
Apr, 02 2012
2 Comments »

Kenny Palmer gives THFC1882 his match report on Tottenham Hotspur’s great display yesterday.

A headed brace by Emmanuel Adebayor and an excellent side footed opener by Rafael Van Der Vaart helped Spurs back to winning ways with a victory against Brendan Rodgers impressive Swansea.

The win takes the Lilywhites onto the same points as Arsenal and crucially maintained the 5 point lead over Chelsea and Newcastle in the race for the coveted top 4 places.

In a compliment to Swansea Harry Redknapp setup the team in a 4-3-2-1 formation which he has used successfully in away games this season but rarely at home. With Sandro, the excellent Scott Parker and Modric in the midfield and Bale and Van Der Vaart nominally on the left and right respectively behind Adebayor.

As auditions for jobs go Brendan Rodgers put himself on top of the list of candidates to replace Redknapp when he takes up the England job if Levy decides to go down the British route.

Swansea opened the game playing some attractive possession football. Their good approach play undone by not having a quality forward to cause a threat in the final third. Bar a good effort from Wayne Routledge Brad Friedel was rarely tested in the first half.

Scott Parker back to his best after some sluggish performances set the tempo how Spurs were to play thundering into tackles tigerishly and pressing at every opportunity. The other players followed his lead pressing high up the pitch at every opportunity disrupting Swansea’s attempts to get their passing game going.

Gareth Bale looked very sharp in the opening stages of the match breaking dangerously down the left often. Spurs took the lead against the run of play from this position on 19 minutes. Released down the left wing from an excellent pass by Modric the Welshman flashed a cross across the box which came to Van Der Vaart who nonchantly clipped it into the net with a superb side footed effort.

Repeatedly in the first half Bale made surging runs down the left putting in excellent crosses. The Welshman was unlucky with a shot from outside the box on 33 minutes followed by another good effort coming inside from the left on 38 minutes.

Luka Modric who has found himself in good shooting positions in recent games had the last effort in the first half shooting wide from outside the box where he could have fed Adebayor who was in a better position

Swansea started the 2nd half brightly and the Icelandic international Gylfi Sigurdsson was unlucky not to level the scores on 50 minutes when Friedel pulled off an outstanding save pushing his effort wide. The equaliser came when Sigurdsson finished well when the ball fell to him outside the box.

Tottenham were always a threat when going forward and deservedly went 2-1 ahead from an excellent Van Der Vaart corner, Adebayor rose above the Swansea defenders and headed past Vorm. Remarkably this was Spurs 2nd goal from a corner in successive games and the1st goal from the last 133 corners in the league!

Van Der Vaart was excellent against the Swans always available for a pass and a real danger in the final third. His confidence illustrated by an impudent piece of skill in the 2nd half: on the touchline on the right wing he held off 2 defenders then improbably flicked the ball with his left foot past his right foot to a Spurs team mate taking out 2 Swansea players out with the pass.

Aaron Lennon entered the fray to the delight of the White Hart Lane faithful and Spurs switched to the 4-4-1-1 formation which has served Spurs well this season with Bale on the left and Lennon on the right and Van Der Vaart playing off Adebayor. It didn’t take Lennon long to show us want he can do and what the team has been missing delivering a fantastic cross from the right wing for Adebayor to head home on 86 minutes and wrap up the points.

From back to front Spurs were excellent, when called upon Friedel made some crucial saves, Younnes Kaboul put in a prodigious central defensive display putting in block after block in the 2nd half, Scott Parker back to his best charging into challenges and Gareth Bale a constant threat on the left with his surging runs, accurate crosses and powerful shooting assisted by Van Der Vaart who had his best game of 2012 and Adebayor who took his premiership goals tally to 13 goals.

With Arsenal to face Manchester City on Sunday Spurs have the opportunity to leapfrog them into 3rd when they take on Martin O’Neill’s Sunderland Saturday lunchtime.

Out of the teams chasing the Champion League places Spurs have the more favourably run in not having to face a team in the top 8. With 7 games remaining Spurs look favourites to finish in a top 4 spot!

To use the catch phrase of the Spurs half time guest the actor Lesley Philips, “Ding Dong” Spurs are back!

COYS!

Kenny ( @KennyPalmer on Twitter )

You can follow this blog on Twitter (@THFC1882dotcom )

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Match Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs Swansea City

March 31st, 2012 Posted in Articles, Match Previews, Premier League
Mar, 31 2012
3 Comments »

Tottenham Hotspur vs Swansea City, Sunday 1st April 2012, White Hart Lane, 4pm kick off, SS1 &HD1

THFC1882 has Kenny Palmer give us his preview for the upcoming league visit of Swansea to the Lane

Boosted by Tuesdays win against Bolton in the FA Cup, booking a Semi Final date against Chelsea, Spurs go into Sundays game against newly promoted Swansea with renewed confidence.

Although not a stellar performance the team is slowly playing its way back into their early season form. The team created a catalogue of chances and the tie should have been done and dusted by half time but for some wayward finishing and an outstanding goalkeeping performance from Bolton’s Adam Bogdan.

The breakthrough came from an unlikely source the former Blackburn Rovers reserve Ryan Nelsen and just as surprisingly it was a headed goal from a corner! The win cannot disguise Spurs profligacy in front of goal which could prove costly as the season draws to a close, with the forwards missing countless chances, Rafael Van Der Vaart guilty of missing a sitter for the 2nd successive game. Which makes it all the more surprising the team’s most clinical striker Jermain Defoe was warming the bench.

Brendan Rodgers the Swansea manager comes into the game on the back of being installed as the new favourite to take over from Harry Redknapp in the Spurs hot seat when Redknapp departs to takes the England job.

If the reports are to be believed this would be an excellent appointment by the chairman Daniel Levy. Rodgers has guided Swansea to 10th place by playing some of the most attractive football in the Premier League.  In the game at the Liberty Stadium earlier in the season Swansea were outstanding and outplayed Spurs for large parts of the game with the Lilywhites fortuitous to get a draw. Rodgers Swansea’s style of football fits in well with Tottenham’s philosophy. Rodgers also carries himself with professionalism, decorum and class diametrically opposed to the current incumbent managing Spurs! Tottenham’s next managerial appointment needs to be long term to build something with the club.

Swansea are in a good run of form winning 3 of their last 4 games, a notable scalp being the then league leaders Manchester City. They have also won 4 of their last 6 away games in the league so this will prove to be a tough game for Spurs.

The impressive Steven Caulker will sit out the game against his parent club. The experience he has gained this season will bode well for Spurs next season where it is hoped he will be integrated into the 1st team squad.  Swansea will play a fluid 4-2-3-1. Their main danger men will be Leon Britton who will look to dictate the play from midfield, the tricky winger Nathan Dyer who returns from suspension and the goal scoring midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson who has been outstanding in his loan spell scoring 5 goals in 5 appearances. Michel Vorm is one to watch as well as he has been outstanding in goal for the Swans. With Friedel the wrong side of 40 and Cudicini in his late 30’s Vorm should be a summer target as a long term replacement in goal for Spurs.

Spurs have recovered from their dip and were unlucky not to get all 3 points at Stamford Bridge last Saturday. Sunday’s game gives the team an excellent opportunity to get the win which will help cement a top 4 position.

The big injury news is that Aaron Lennon is fit and is available for selection. The absence of the tricky winger has affected the team badly to the extent that Redknapp felt the need to play the teams 2 best and influential players Luka Modric and Gareth Bale out of position.  Although not match fit as we enter the business end of the season he has to start.

The other main selection dilemma for Redknapp is who to partner Emmanuel Adebayor with in attack. The Togolese international is pivotal to the team with his all-round forward play. Rafael Van Der Vaart’s poor return of 3 goals in 20 games is not good enough and shouldn’t warrant a place in the starting line-up. When the Dutchman plays he plays far too deep picking the ball off the Centre Backs toes leaving Adebayor isolated in attack. Spurs two best performances this season the 4-0 win against Liverpool and the 5-0 demolition over Newcastle the Dutchman didn’t start, not a coincidence in my opinion. He flatters to deceive in too many games of late.

I’d expect Defoe to be restored to the starting line-up to partner Adebayor with the team going back to a 4-4-2 system. Despite starting mainly on the bench he is the team’s top scorer and is the only forward who is always a genuine goal threat.

With only 8 league games left sufficiently rotated all the strikers will make goals contribution now till end of season.

Probable line-up:

 

Prediction:

Spurs have an excellent home record undefeated in 30 of their last 32 home matches in Premier League. With the FA Cup Final to look forward they can concentrate on consolidating a top 4th spot. With Lennon back the manager can select the 1st choice starting 11. I expect a confident performance in front of the White Hart Lane faithful and back to winning ways 3-1

COYS

Kenny ( @KennyPalmer on Twitter )

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Match Preview: Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur

March 23rd, 2012 Posted in Articles, Match Previews, Premier League
Mar, 23 2012
2 Comments »

Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea, Saturday 24th March 2012, Stamford Bridge, 12.45pm kick off, SS2 & HD2 and in 3D

THFC1882 is once again delighted to welcome back Kenny Palmer for his preview of the important game on Saturday.

Saturdays visit to Stamford Bridge against Roberto Di Matteo’s revitalized Chelsea takes on even greater importance after an injury time goal by Rafael Van der Vaart salvaged a draw for Spurs on Wednesday night and ended the teams run of 3 defeats on the bounce but extended the run without a win in the league to 5 games.

The draw was compounded by Arsenal’s victory against Everton which means Spurs slip to 4th in the chase for a Champions League place. Wasn’t this Arsenal team meant to be the worst  in the Wenger era and as Redknapp keeps telling the media the best Spurs team in many a year? Looks like the gap has been breached!

Tottenham held a 10-point lead over Arsenal before the north London derby at the Emirates on February 26 – but less than a month later they are now behind Arsenal.

Wednesday s unconvincing performance against Stoke was characterised by sloppy and misplaced passing, bluntness in front of goal and ineptness in dead situations. The OtaJoe stats highlight what all Spurs fans already know: Tottenham haven’t scored from a Premier League free kick since 1 January 2011 and you have to go back to 26 January 2010 since the Lilywhites last scored from a direct free kick shot. As countless corners fail to pass the first man it comes as no surprise that Spurs have taken 121 corners since they last scored from one!

Its common knowledge that Redknapp does not do any coaching but the fact that his lieutenants Kevin Bond and Joe Jordan haven’t addressed Spurs poor execution of dead ball situations on the training field reflects badly on them.

The teams’ early season form and attractive winning football has evaporated and the team now has no belief and conviction in their play. What is disconcerting is that Redknapp, the England elect manager, seems to have no solutions on how to halt this dip in form. He has nothing in the way of tactical adjustments or team selection. Even his somewhat overstated motivations skills seems to have deserted him as he admitted after Wednesdays game he tried a ruse of telling the players that both Arsenal and Chelsea were ahead when the players went in for the half time break to try to spark them into action.

Saturday s hosts   Chelsea have Spurs firmly in their sights chasing down that 4th position in the league. Since the departure of the sacked AVB and the reintroduction of the senior players they seem to be playing with a lot more belief and confidence.

They will be buoyed by the fact that they have never lost a Premier League game at home to Tottenham, winning 13 and drawing 6 of the matches. The players seem to be somewhat over confident that they will get a result against Spurs with Peter Cech and Gary Cahill coming out in the press that Tottenham are there for the taking. This cockiness should serve as motivation for Redknapp and the Spurs players.

John Terry who sat out the defeat against Manchester City will likely return to the team as will the Ivorian international Didier Drogba who was on the bench. Ivanovic picked up a knock in the game and is a major doubt. It is hoped he does not recover as his likely replacement Bosingwa hasn’t the defensive ability to contain Gareth Bale!

Juan Mata, Daniel Sturridge and Didier Drogba will be the main danger men for Chelsea. The Spurs backline will have to be at their best to contain them.

It is imperative for a stuttering Spurs that they keep some daylight between themselves and Chelsea in 5th with the points gap 5 points. Harry Redknapps men have only won 2 of the last 9 premier league games which is a dreadful run.

The 2 main injury doubts for the Spurs are Emmanuel Adebayor and Aaron Lennon. Lennon still recovering from a hamstring injury will probably start on the bench. It is hoped that Adebayor fully recovers for the game. He is crucial for the way Spurs play whether in a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 formation his all-round forward play, leading the line, hold up and link play has been excellent, his absence in the team has been greatly missed.

As a draw would be a good result in the context for a top 4 berth I expect Redknapp to dispense with playing 2 strikers which he has done in the previous away games to no success and go with a 4-3-2-1 formation 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, when out of possession the team will drop to a more solid 4-5-1. That performance in December was Spurs last away win.

Probable line-up:

 

Prediction

Spurs record at Stamford Bridge is abysmal Chelsea are undefeated in their last 14 home matches against the team from White Hart Lane in all competitions winning 4 out of the last 5 matches, while Tottenham have failed to win their last 5 away matches in the league.

Chelsea will have one eye on their away Champions League fixture to Benfica on Tuesday which Spurs should capitalize on. It will be an evenly contested London Derby but I expect Spurs will be good enough to earn a draw 1-1!

COYS

Kenny ( @KennyPalmer on Twitter )

The opposing fans view this week comes from youngster Josh Robinson. He has supported Chelsea for all of his 16 years as it’s in his blood and his favourite past players include Robben, Carvalho and Crespo. Present day hero’s include Lampard, Terry, Mata, Ramires and Ivanovic. He is is take on tomorrow’s game:

What a game this potentially could be. Previous games between the ‘top teams’ have had goals galore and the neutrals will be hoping for the same again. We go into the game with confidence installed from interim manager Di Matteo, whilst Tottenham have been on a less impressive run in recent weeks. Chelsea, under RDM, have got the results but we haven’t been totally convincing at all (bar the Napoli game). Stoke at home was very unprofessional after we scored the goal and against Leicester, after we went 3-0 up, there was also a high level of unprofessionalism by some of the players. The Stoke game in the last 20 minutes was quite unbelievable, it was like our game plan was ‘Stoke are dangerous with set pieces so let’s give them as many as we can by giving away needless and silly fouls’.

Drogba put in a great performance (2nd half and onwards) against Napoli last Wednesday and Torres scored two and assisted two against Leicester in the FA Cup quarter final on Sunday. Torres put in a solid and more confident display against Man City on Wednesday too. I would start Torres, especially against Spurs’ tall centre backs who would be required to keep an eye on Torres’ clever runs on the shoulder- we won’t pick out Torres with those runs due to our lack of creative spark, of course. It is unknown whether John Terry will be fit for the match but we have options of Cahill and Luiz if he is not but the sad potential absence is Branislav Ivanovic; this is because Bosingwa is a nailed on cert’ to start at right-back if Brana is not fit. Bale vs Bosingwa, what could possibly go wrong? Sturridge didn’t take part at all against City (in my opinion he should have came on instead of Essien) and so will be fresh, ready and hopefully hungry, for the game ahead.

This game is now massive for Chelsea; pretty vital for Spurs too. We lost against City in poor style and with Arsenal continuing their good run of form, this game is now a ‘must win’ for a top 4 finish. Big game, hopefully our big players turn up. I read a stat yesterday that we, joint with QPR, have lost the most points from winning positions this season- that speaks a thousand words.

I always predict 2-0 in any Chelsea game when anyone asks me. It’s not just sheer arrogance, it’s just a safe scoreline to go for. I’m quite the pessimist.

My starting XI:
Cech;
Bosingwa, Terry, Luiz, Cole;
Ramires, Romeu;
Sturridge, Mata, Kalou;
Torres (4-2-3-1)

My Prediction for likely starting XI:
Cech;
Bosingwa, Terry, Luiz, Cole;
Ramires, Lampard;
Sturridge, Mata, Kalou;
Drogba (4-2-3-1)

‘Big game’. ‘Must win’. ‘Got to turn our attention on the next game’. ‘We’re taking it game by game’. Cliches galore; let’s hope there is goals galore… but just for Chels. We can only hope.

Josh ( @Robboandsports on Twitter )

Many thanks to Kenny and Josh for giving their time to preview the game.

Massive game which we need to get something out of or our end of season form is beginning to look a lot like last season.

COYS

Rob

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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

You can follow the blog on Twitter ( @THFC1882dotcom )

 

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Match Report: Everton 1 Tottenham Hotspur 0

March 12th, 2012 Posted in Articles, Match Reports, Premier League
Mar, 12 2012
3 Comments »

Kenny Palmer reflects for THFC1882  Tottenham Hotspur’s 3rd league defeat in a row.  The first time under Harry Redknapp that this has happened.

Tottenham crashed to their 3rd league defeat on the spin after another unconvincing away performance against David Moyes committed and organised team.

The team were undermined from the start by Harry Redknapp, the England elect manager’s, team selection. He decided to play the teams 2 best and influential players out of position. He deployed Luka Modric the Croatian international in a left midfield position, where he has never influenced a game and Gareth Bale in a right midfield berth.

It is alarming for Spurs and soon England that Redknapp cannot grasp that you have to play your best players in their proper positions. It ain’t rocket science! On Saturday, as before, he was found to be tactically wanting!

Jerrmain Defoe deservedly retained his place in the starting line-up after scoring 3 goals in the last 2 games alongside Adebayor. Sandro partnered Scott Parker in the central midfield position.

The Toffee men started the game brightly and went deservedly ahead from a Jelavic goal on 22 minutes. Leon Osman skipped past Younes Kaboul just outside the box with embarrassing ease and zero resistance to feed Jelavic in the box who finished well. Since returning to the starting line-up for the Arsenal game from injury, the French international has not replicated his form of the first half of the season which makes Michael Dawson’s absence for the rest of the season a huge blow.

With Parker and Sandro in centre midfield Spurs lacked creativity in this area and starved the strikers Adebayor and Defoe of service. Despite this, of the 2 strikers Defoe looked the sharper and was the team’s only real goal threat in and around the Everton box. The diminutive striker had a few good half chances in the 1st half.

The men from White Hart Lane returned from the half time break without any changes to the line-up and started the 2nd half with a good tempo. Again Jermain Defoe had another shot breeze just past the post early on.

As this was a game which Spurs had to get something out of Redknapp correctly made an early change on 55 minutes bringing on Louis Saha for the disappointing Emmanuel Adebayor. The Togo internationals hold up play and overall game was poor. Any gentleman’s agreement between Moyes and Redknapp about whether Saha could play was dispensed with for expediency!

Everton proved to be a hard team to break down. Even from set pieces. A Kaboul free kick on 63 minutes reflected how poor Spurs are in dead ball situations blasting the ball high and wide of Tim Howard’s goal. Even when talented footballers like Van Der Vaart or Modric take them they are poor. This is an area the coaching staff has to work on with the players.

The Dutch international Van Der Vaart came on for Sandro on 68 minutes to provide more guile and creativity to try and break down the Everton back line. Bizarrely Redknapp deployed him on the left with Bale  still left in his right midfield position.  With the season drawing to a close this tactical ineptitude from Redknapp is proving costly for Spurs!

Brief hope was had for the team when Defoe had the ball in the back of the net on 75 minutes but it was correctly ruled out for offside and late on when, Saha hit the post almost salvaging a point. Despite a vastly improved and spirited 2nd half performance it was a 3rd consecutive defeat. The last time the team lost 3 games on the bounce was in October 2008 which culminated in Redknapp replacing Juande Ramos as manager!

From what beforehand everyone knew was going to be a testing run of games Arsenal away, Manchester United  at home and Everton away Spurs have lost on an aggregate score line of 9-3 which is a disgrace!

The season is eerily replicating last season when at this same time the teams performances and results dipped and Spurs went on a long streak of games without a win! Similarly the season before, until Redknapp begrudging let Roman Pavlyuchenko play a few games late in the season and score a hat full of goals which helped secure champions league qualification.

The manager has to take responsibility for this poor run, as it’s all very well taking the plaudits when things go well, but he also has to take the criticism when they are not. Redknapp doesn’t take criticism well judging from the comments from his post match press conference.

“Yeah I’m suicidal.” Was Redknapps glib response when highlighted he lost 3 on the bounce by a journalist. Comments like these will never enamour him to the White Hart Lane faithful who are hurting at the moment!

The poor run has coincided with Redknapp being linked with the England manager’s job; clearly it is affecting the team and manager. Daniel Levy the chairman has to find out now from Redknapp if he would accept the position if offered to him by the FA. If that is the case an agreement and announcement with the FA needs to be made now. Once done Redknapp can focus on his immediate objective, securing champion leagues qualification!

The next 2 weeks and 3 games will define Spurs season. Bolton in the FA Cup Quarter Finals; a tough home against Stoke and the pivotal encounter against Chelsea in the league. The positive view is we go into the Chelsea game having made the FA Cup semi-final and a morale boosting victory against Stoke. The pessimist view we’re out of the FA Cup and if we lose to Chelsea they’ll leapfrog us consigning us to 5th! Doesn’t bare thinking does it!

To end on a positive note Spurs are still third in the league. Even when Arsenal beat Newcastle on Monday the lead will still be a point and after the Chelsea game Spurs have a run of winnable games. The players are professional enough to see out the season and attain the object of champions’ league qualification!

COYS

Kenny ( @KennyPalmer on Twitter )

So Spurs need to get back on track and quickly or all their good work that they have done this season will end in disappointment.  Who do you attribute blame to or is this just a blip? Are the Tottenham players not mentally tough enough in the big games or are Redkanpp’s tactics letting the team down.  Let THFC1882 know your thoughts.

You can follow this blog on Twitter (@THFC1882dotcom )

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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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Match Report: Tottenham Hotspur 1 Manchester Utd 3

March 5th, 2012 Posted in Articles, Match Reports, Premier League
Mar, 05 2012
4 Comments »

THFC1882 is pleased to have Kenny Palmer reflect on yesterday’s action between Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester Utd that was played at White Hart Lane:

A flattering victory for Sir Alex Ferguson’s team assisted by some poor refereeing from Martin Atkinson and poor defending from the home side consigned Spurs to their 2nd home defeat of the season and put a dent in the team’s battle for a top four spot.

Shorn of Gareth Bale and Rafael Van Der Vaart, 2 of the teams most effective and dangerous forwards through illness and injury, the decision by the England elect manger Harry Redknapp to deploy the team’s best player and creative hub Luka Modric on the left wing was predictable but wrong.

The Croatian international is the team’s most creative player and is wasted on the left where he cannot affect the game. Spurs best player should always be played in his best position centre midfield!

With Scott Parker suspended after picking up a red card in last Sundays damaging defeat to Arsenal Sandro was partnered in central midfield by Jake Livermore with Aaron Lennon restored to the starting line-up on the right wing. Emmanuel Adebayor partnered the Frenchman Louis Saha in attack.

Despite the unfamiliar line-up in midfield Spurs dominated possession in the first half and controlled the game. Sandro was tigerish in the tackle, intercepting balls and initiating attacks.

An early mazy run by Aaron Lennon was a statement of intent of what was to come from the little winger. The lack of balance to Spurs’ team was evident, with the majority of the play coming down Lennon’s right with no natural width on the left with Modric inevitably coming inside to try and dictate play.

Lennon had an excellent game his direct running and dribbling unsettling the United back line unfortunately his good approach play and deliveries were not capitalized on by the Spurs forwards who were not sharp in front of goal, Emmanuel Adebayor being particularly wasteful. The way Lennon played makes it even more baffling Harry Redknapp omitted him from the previous 3 games. Adebayor had the ball in the net as the first half closed but it was correctly disallowed for handball.

Inevitably the league champions scored against the run of play as the half time whistle approached. Rooney continuing his excellent scoring record against Tottenham heading home from a corner after being left free by Kyle Walker to score his 7th goal in his last 8 games against the Lilywhites.

The end of the first half was greeted with jeers of “1-0 to the referee”, from the home crowd as Martin Atkinson had a poor performance in officiating the game.

Spurs first half dominance wasn’t rewarded with the goal they deserved as the team’s most clinical finisher Jermain Defoe was warming the bench having fallen down the pecking order with the signing of Louis Saha. When all the forwards are fit he is now 4th choice striker behind Adebayor, Van Der Vaart and Saha. This is harsh as he has contributed with important goals for the team this season.

Spurs started the second half as the first monopolizing possession. The pivotal moment in the game was a good save from De Gea from a Livermore shot. Not too soon after Spurs were 2-0 down again from more sloppy defensive play.

Luka Modric fell asleep from a United throw in allowing Nani to get to the by-line and pull the ball back for Ashley Young to finish which led to the Manchester supporters ironically chanting: “Harry for England.” The game was over when Young scored a third with a brilliant curler past a stranded Freidel.

The deflated home side took their lead from the manager and seemed to accept the defeat even though there was still 20 minutes to go after United scored their 3rd. There was no real desire or urgency to get back into the game this was reflected in Redknapp not making a change until the 80th minute which was way too late. Jermain Defoe’s tidy finish with a trademark goal from outside the box was nothing more than consolation. How the team could have done with his finishing earlier in the game.

Playing well but ultimately still losing is scant consolation, as Arsenal with the momentum have Spurs now firmly in their sights looking to leapfrog them into third.

It is quite remarkable that despite the excellent start Spurs have had to the season with a team many consider to be the best in many a year, they lead an Arsenal team many conversely consider the worst Arsenal team in Wengers reign by only 4 points!

Manchester United were far more ruthless and clinical in front of goal scoring with three of just six attempts, of which five were on target. In comparison, Tottenham struggled hitting the target.

A 7 point lead over Chelsea in 5th who are in disarray following the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas should make Tottenham favourites to secure a top four finish. It is no longer a given that Spurs will finish third.

Spurs need to get a win on the board in the league after two disappointing defeats. This will be challenging from the next three games which are two away fixtures, starting at a vastly improved Everton on Saturday who are undefeated in their last 6 premiership games, then at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea where Spurs have a dreadful record sandwiched in between a tough home fixture against Stoke at the Lane.

Spurs host Stevenage on Wednesday which should give the team an opportunity to get a morale boosting victory and regain confidence. With only 11 league games remaining Spurs need to ensure the season doesn’t unravel and they cement a top four position. After the Chelsea game the remaining fixtures are winnable and Spurs should be confident of getting enough wins to secure a champion league place.

COYS

Kenny ( @kennypalmer on Twitter )

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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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