Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2012 13:21:25 GMT 1
Any visit to London is usually filled with trepidation for Mags no matter who they play as our record there doesn't exactly inspire confidence. Yet despite that there are one or two bright spots, none more so than against the Cockerels of Spurs. Away trips to the Narf of the Capital can be rewarding and this weekends game reminds me of other occasions when on paper the side should have no chance, yet they earned some points.
Don't get me wrong as this current Spurs side under Appy Arry is filled with potential match winners. However team selection may still be a headache for the medias choice as next England manager. There are also a couple of Toon old boys who may figure in that selection namely Scotty Parker and transfer day recruit Saha.
Both sides will have some key players missing with Gallas and Huddlestone definitely out for Spurs. For The Toon Cabaye completes his three match suspension while long term absentees now include Best along with Saylor and Marveaux. Ryan Taylor is also expected to miss this fixture following his injury last Sunday against Villa.
One positive piece of news for supporters of the Mags is that The Toons strike force remains injury free. Whereas Spurs need to check the availability of Van der Vaart, Lennon and Defoe. That still leaves Adebayor, Bale and Modric to cause havoc, but I for one will be extremely grateful should any of the others be missing.
In defence it's probably touch and go when trying to determine the availablity of Ledley King. His knee troubles are well documented however he has featured in both of Tottenham's last two league games. Younes Kaboul is the one likely to take his place should King be out.
I don't anticipate any changes in The Toon back four along with Perch in the midfield holding role.
For me it's probably in midfield where this game will really be won or lost and there's no doubt Spurs have some good players in that area. That said after last weekends gutsy display I think The Toon will give it a go and with Ba and Cisse up front could just cause an upset.
Either way I expect an enthralling game, plenty of incidents to talk about afterwards along with goals.
What do you think will happen?
CWL
Don't get me wrong as this current Spurs side under Appy Arry is filled with potential match winners. However team selection may still be a headache for the medias choice as next England manager. There are also a couple of Toon old boys who may figure in that selection namely Scotty Parker and transfer day recruit Saha.
Both sides will have some key players missing with Gallas and Huddlestone definitely out for Spurs. For The Toon Cabaye completes his three match suspension while long term absentees now include Best along with Saylor and Marveaux. Ryan Taylor is also expected to miss this fixture following his injury last Sunday against Villa.
One positive piece of news for supporters of the Mags is that The Toons strike force remains injury free. Whereas Spurs need to check the availability of Van der Vaart, Lennon and Defoe. That still leaves Adebayor, Bale and Modric to cause havoc, but I for one will be extremely grateful should any of the others be missing.
In defence it's probably touch and go when trying to determine the availablity of Ledley King. His knee troubles are well documented however he has featured in both of Tottenham's last two league games. Younes Kaboul is the one likely to take his place should King be out.
I don't anticipate any changes in The Toon back four along with Perch in the midfield holding role.
For me it's probably in midfield where this game will really be won or lost and there's no doubt Spurs have some good players in that area. That said after last weekends gutsy display I think The Toon will give it a go and with Ba and Cisse up front could just cause an upset.
Either way I expect an enthralling game, plenty of incidents to talk about afterwards along with goals.
What do you think will happen?
CWL