Spurs

Tottenham V Newcastle United

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 11 February 2012 – 17:30 GMT

Venue: White Hart Lane

Preview

Could Tottenham be managerless by the time they welcome Newcastle to White Hart Lane on Saturday afternoon? It is Unlikely, but plausible nonetheless, after a turbulent week in which Spurs chief Harry Redknapp was found not guilty in the courts of tax evasion on Wednesday, just hours before Fabio Capello handed in his resignation as England national team manager. So could Redknapp, who has been the bookies favourites to succeed the Italian from the outset, be about to leave title-chasing Spurs in the lurch?

News of Fabio Capello’s sudden departure could not be more untimely from a Tottenham perspective, with the club and its supporters still harbouring hopes of a first top-flight for 51-years. Manchester City lead the Barclay’s Premier League by two points from Manchester United in second, with Spurs seven points off the summit but still very much in the reckoning.

There is of course no guarantee that Redknapp will up and leave. However, speculation will be rife until the FA make a formal announcement regarding the vacancy, and speculation in itself will serve as a huge distraction for a club renowned for going AWOL in the latter stages of seasons. In the meantime, Tottenham have a huge clash with Newcastle to contend with. It’s almost a must-win game as well, what with Man City not in action until Sunday.

It won’t be easy though, not by any stretch of the imagination, as like themselves Newcastle also have everything to play for. The Magpies have emerged as surprise contenders for a top-four finish after a sublime campaign thus far, with the Tyneside club a point behind fourth-place Chelsea, but above both Arsenal and Liverpool following back-to-back successes away at Blackburn and at home to Aston Villa. Moreover, they gave Tottenham one helluva match at St James’ Park in October, producing the sort of resilient performance we’ve grown accustom to seeing under Alan Pardew when coming from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw.

Even more detrimental to the home side’s chances at the weekend is the number of key first-team personnel missing due to injury. William Gallas, Aaron Lennon, Rafael Van der Vaart and Jermain Defoe all sat out Monday’s dour goalless draw away to Liverpool, with Spurs creating very little without the guile some of the aforementioned bring to the fore. Their form isn’t that great either; it is now one win in four in the league, which was a routine home win over rock-bottom Wigan. However their form at White Hart Lane this season has been sparkling, with nine wins and no defeats in their last eleven.

Newcastle aren’t the worst travellers, either. Alan Pardew’s charges have the sixth best away record in the division, with five wins from twelve outings (W5 D3 L4). They are also in very good form, with two successive league wins under their belts, although they won’t need reminding as to how their last venture to the English capital went, as team deprived of strikers Demba Ba and new signing Papiss Cisse were thumped 5-2 by Fulham. The Senegalese pair are back however, with aplomb too, with both registering in last week’s 2-1 victory over Aston Villa. A prolific strike-duo in the making quite possibly.

Match Pointers

Head-to-Head

Last Meeting: Newcastle 2-2 Tottenham (Premier League); 16 October, 2011. A thoroughly entertaining contest at St James’ Park, Tyneside, finished in dramatic fashion – Shola Ameobi scoring an emphatic equaliser with four minutes remaining as Newcastle came from behind for the second time in the game to earn a well-deserved 2-2 draw. Rafael Van der Vaart and Jermain Defoe had Spurs in front on two separate occasions. Meanwhile Magpies top scorer, Demba Ba, also found his way onto the scoresheet.

- Newcastle have suffered defeat on each of their previous two Premier League visits to Tottenham, failing to score on both occasions. Their last away win in this fixture was in March 2008 when they ran out comfortable 4-1 winners.

Tottenham Hotspur

- Trailing leaders Man City by seven points, every remaining league fixture is a must-win for Tottenham if they’re to remain in contention for a first top-flight title since 1961.

- Monday’s goalless draw at Liverpool means it is now one win in four Premier League games for Tottenham (W1 D2 L1), who have however only lost one of their last ten (W5 D4 L1).

- At home, at White Hart Lane, Spurs have been beaten just once in the league this season (W9 D2 L1) – and not since a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Man City on 28 August, 2011.

- No visiting team has scored more than one goal at White Hart Lane in the league this season since that aforementioned loss to Man City, with veteran custodian Brad Friedel keeping a clean sheet in five of Spurs’ last seven Premier League home games.

Newcastle United

- Champions League football is becoming a very real possibility for Newcastle. The Magpies find themselves perched above both Arsenal and Liverpool in the Premier League table, however crucially they are only a solitary point behind fourth-placed Chelsea meaning victory at White Hart Lane could see them end the weekend occupying one of those coveted Champions League spots.

- Last week’s 2-1 defeat of Aston Villa at home was Newcaste’s fourth in five league games, and their second on the bounce following a 2-0 win at Blackburn the week before.

- For their last seven away matches, Newcastle have alternated between losing and getting a result (win or draw). So, after beating Blackburn in their last away match, the Magpies are due a defeat at Tottenham. That’s if you believe that sort of stuff.

- Away from home, Newcastle have a mixed record (W5 D3 L4), conceding with more regularity on their travels than back at home (conceded 19 on the road, compared with 12 at home).

- The Magpies have benefited from an own goal in each of their previous two away league games.

Betting

Verdict: Draw @ 10/3 (Bet365)

So much could depend on who starts for Tottenham, with numerous key figures struggling to be fit in time for the arrival of a buoyant Newcastle side who are in hot pursuit of Champions League football. But even if England bound Harry Redknapp does have the likes of Van der Vaart and Jermain Defoe back available, Spurs have a task on their hands here attaining the three-points they need to reduce some of their seven-point arrears on Man City.

Spurs were tame on Monday at Liverpool, rarely troubling goalkeeper Pepe Reina. Of course you would expect huge amounts of improvement back at White Hart Lane, where they’ve won nine of their last eleven league games, but Newcastle won’t make it easy for them. In fact they’ll be a right handful; they’re extremely well organised and yet offer a huge threat going forward.

At odds of 1/2, opposing Tottenham was easy. They’re not even expected to win, not in my eyes. It’s a game they have every chance of winning, of course, and if they seriously consider themselves title contenders then it is one they simply have to win. I’m not so sure they will though, nor do I view them as genuine contenders for the title. Newcastle are huge at 13/2, however the draw has obvious appeal at 10/3.

Value Bet: Tottenham/Draw (HT/FT Betting) @ 20/1 (SkyBet)

The one characteristic those Magpies have an abundance of is resilience, as they displayed in the reverse fixture last October when coming from behind on two separate occasions to earn a draw. So then, it could pay to stick a few shillings on Tottenham getting their noses in front early on and Newcastle pegging them back late on, as they did in the aforementioned game.

Match Odds

Tottenham Hotspur – 1/2 (Ladbrokes)

Draw – 10/3 (Bet365)

Newcastle United – 13/2 (BetVictor)

Manchester City V Tottenham Hotspur

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 22 January 2012 – 13:30 GMT

Venue: Etihad Stadium

Preview

A mammoth afternoon of Premier League action this Sunday begins with third-placed Tottenham going to table-topping Manchester City, with Spurs set to have their title credentials examined by a team whom many believe are strong favourites to clinch their first league title for almost half-a-century.

In truth, this is a clash between the genuine contender – Man City, who are perched three points clear at the summit – and quite possibly the pretenders. Only on Sunday, upon the completion of this match, will we know whether Tottenham’s title claims are genuine.

A point would keep Harry Redknapp’s side in the hunt, still five points behind the Citizens but close enough to remain in the reckoning. A win or a loss, however, and it will either be game on or game over.

Spurs have been victorious on nine of their fourteen visits to Man City in the Premier League. Make that ten and they’ll move within striking distance of the long-time leaders, two points to be precise, and possibly above Manchester United into second should Sir Alex Ferguson’s charges come unstuck against Tottenham’s arch rivals Arsenal later that afternoon.

However, victory for the hosts, who have a perfect record at home this season with ten wins from ten, would not only strengthen their own claims for a first Premier League crown, they would effectively eliminate Tottenham from the running in the process. In this scenario, Spurs would end the weekend lagging eight points off the pace – and they’ve already used up their game in hand.

If anybody can stop an imperious Man City at home, Spurs can…

In many ways, Harry Redknapp could not of wished for a better time to face Roberto Mancini’s superstars. As while the Citizens boast an incredible record in their own backyard in the league this season, winning all ten fixtures there whilst averaging three goals per game, they will host this crucial encounter on the back of consecutive home defeats – in the FA Cup to Man Utd and in the Carling Cup to Liverpool.

Furthermore, Tottenham arrive in Manchester in pristine shape. They’re unbeaten in their last seven league games, winning four and drawing three, during which 40-year-old custodian Brad Friedal has shipped a miserly three goals, keeping four clean sheets. It all bodes well ahead of their visit to the most prolific outfit in the top flight.

Nobody has been able to withstand the offensive prowess of Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this season, not even Liverpool, who at the time of their 3-0 loss there at the beginning of year, boasted the strongest defence in the Premier League. David Silva is also back fit, which is a massive boost for City chief Mancini, who may also decide to call upon Edin Dzeko, the Bosnia who netted his first goal for three months in last week’s 1-0 win at Wigan.

Team News

However, Toure brothers Kolo and Yaya are both away on international duty with the Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations. The pair of them have been sorely missed, surprisingly even Kolo – more so in fact – as with captain Vincent Kompany currently serving a domestic suspension, Roberto Mancini has been left with little alternative but to pair Joleon Lescott with the exposed Stefan Savic in the centre of defence.

There is at least some good news for the Italian, who has Micah Richards and Mario Balotelli available for Sunday’s game with both having missing last Monday’s nervy win over Wigan.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has no option but to tinker with his team, as striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who is on loan from Manchester City, is ineligible due to the terms in his loan deal. Jermain Defoe is a worthy deputy though, and the England striker will play just in front of Dutch ace Rafael Van der Vaart. Ledley King is a huge doubt, along with the combative Sandro, while William Gallas is out injured.

Match Pointers

- Last August saw Manchester City thump Tottenham 5-1 in the north of London, with Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko accounting for four of their goals.

- Manchester City have won the previous two league meetings with Spurs, this after the latterly mentioned had won four of the previous five (from 2008 – 2010).

- Tottenham have been victorious on nine of their previous fourteen visits to Man City in the Premier League (W9 D2 L3).

- Roberto Mancini’s Citizens have won fifteen on the spin at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League (from March 2011 to present) – ten without even conceding a goal – and are unbeaten in the league at home in thirteen months (W19 D1).

- City have racked up 31 goals in ten home Premier League games so far this season (3 a game on average), but yet have conceded a miserly 4 at the other end.

- Man City have conceded one goal in their last six Premier League games, keeping clean sheets against Arsenal, Liverpool, Stoke, West Brom and Wigan.

- Tottenham are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games (W4 D3), but have won only one of their previous three away fixtures.

- Spurs haven’t conceded more than a solitary goal in a single Premier League game since they were beaten 2-1 by Stoke at the Brittania on 11 December – they’ve conceded just three times in seven since, keeping four clean sheets against Everton, Norwich, Sunderland and West Brom.

Betting

Prediction: Manchester City to WIN @ 10/11 PaddyPower

Tottenham head to Manchester in cracking shape, without defeat in seven and in the knowledge that their record away to City in the Premier League is exceptional. You could argue they’ve gone slightly stale over the festive period, scoring just nine times in their last seven league games, but they have kept four clean sheets and conceded just three times in that spell, which bodes well as they’ll need a resolute rearguard if they’re to achieve anything at what has fast become the most formidable venue in the land.

Roberto Mancini’s charges have been awesome on their own patch this season, often brushing teams aside – take their comprehensive 3-0 win over Liverpool a fortnight ago for example. They dominate teams; they encounter few problems creating chances, have scored goals for fun at times, whilst concessions of their own have been kept to a premium thanks, in the main, to the goalkeeping excellence of Joe Hart.

There aren’t too many teams who are even capable of going to Man City and winning. But while no-one has managed the feat in the league so far, outside of the Premier League both Liverpool and Manchester United recently demonstrated just how to exploit the costly voids of captain Vincent Kompany and midfield supremo Yaya Toure. They’re still a formidable outfit, but they aren’t quite as untouchable without the aforementioned duo on the team-sheet.

We’d all love nothing better than a Tottenham win here. It would blow the title race wide open. I just don’t see it happening, though. City blew Spurs out of the water at White Hart Lane back in August, winning 5-1 at White Hart Lane, and although Spurs have matured no end since that fateful afternoon, I expect Manchester City’s class to shine through once again – though it will be far closer than their previous encounter, make no mistake about that!

Value Bet: Over 3.5 Goals @ 2/1 Bet365

Contests between the two are usually close, especially in Manchester, but Tottenham are reportedly heading to Eastlands in the mindset of winning this fixture. That means they cannot afford to rest on their defensive laurels, which have served them so well of late. With the electric pace of Bale on the flank, the vision of Modric and the eye for a goal Rafael Van der Vaart possesess, Spurs definitely have a goal or two in them, even at fortress Etihad, while City haven’t failed to net at home in the league for fourteen months.

Match Odds

Manchester City – 10/11 PaddyPower

Draw – 11/4 Bet365

Tottenham – 17/5 BetVictor

Swansea V Tottenham

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 31 December 2011 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Liberty Stadium

Preview

As 2011 draws to a close, supporters of Swansea and Tottenham can reflect on what has been a memorable year of football for their clubs – though ending it in style is the only thought on the minds of both teams as they prepare to lock horns at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Just being back in the top flight of English Football is a remarkable achievement for Swansea, whose victory in the Championship play-off final last May ensured the club would be the first from Wales to ply their trade in the Premier League. Not content with ‘just being here’, the Swans have raised quite a few eyebrows with their exploits thus far: Brendan Rodgers’ men sit 14th at the midway point, five points above the relegation zone, having lost just once over in Wales at their Liberty Stadium.

Avoiding a second home reverse is Swansea’s final assignment of the year, one which is anything but straightforward, up against a Tottenham side who have seemingly emerged from nowhere as surprise contenders for the Premier League title.

For Tottenham, the year began on a high; they were still alive in the UEFA Champions League, going on to dump seven-time European champions AC Milan out over two-legs in the Round of 16 before finally succumbing to the most successful club in the competition’s history, Spanish giants Real Madrid. It will end on a similarly positive note, with them being crowned top London club having made their strongest ever start to a Premier League campaign, accruing 38 points from their first 17 fixtures.

Due to their phenomenal first half to the season, Tottenham – who sit third in the table, four points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea who, like most, have played a game more – are odds-on to finish in the Champions League places (top four). However, manager Harry Redknapp has reiterated both his and his team’s desire to challenge for the title itself.

A seventh away win of the term, which in itself would be a milestone success (Tottenham’s best ever tally of away wins in the Premier League era stands at seven), would certainly do the North Londoners’ claims for a maiden Premier League crown no harm. They currently lie seven points adrift of the two Manchester clubs, whom account for two of Tottenham’s three league defeats, although Spurs do have a game in hand over both.

If Tottenham are to secure their seventh away win of the season, the likelihood is Gareth Bale will have a large say in their success. The Welshman has been in sublime form this season, chipping in with 8 goals and 5 assists, and continued his fine vein of form by scoring both goals in his side’s 2-0 win at Norwich on Tuesday.

Elsewhere that same day, Swansea were held to a 1-1 draw by QPR. Jamie Mackie’s goal for the visitors was only the third Brendan Rodgers’ team have conceded all season at home, giving them to the strongest defence in the Premier League on home soil. Meanwhile only current champions Manchester United have gone to the Liberty Stadium and left with all three points, with that being a tentative 1-0 success for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men.

Match Pointers

First competitive meeting for 20 years, but Tottenham haven’t beaten Swansea away since September 1946.

Swansea have only lost once at home (W4 D4 L1) and boast the best defensive record at the Liberty Stadium (3 conceded in 9 home games).

The Swans have taken four points from visiting London sides, beating Fulham 2-0 and drawing 1-1 with QPR.

All four of Scott Sinclair’s goals for Swansea were netted on home soil, three of which were successfully converted penalties.

This is Tottenham’s best ever start to a Premier League season (W12 D2 L3), losing just one of fifteen (W13 D2 L1) since their 5-1 drubbing at the hands of Man City on 28 August.

Only Manchester United (23) have registered more points on their travels than Harry Redknapp’s team (19), who have won six of none away from home (W6 D1 L2).

Tottenham have notched two or more goals in seven of their last eight away matches – on the two occasions they haven’t scored twice on the road, at Man Utd (3-0) and Stoke (2-1), they’ve suffered defeat.

Betting

Two teams who like to get the ball down and play football. Should make for cracking entertainment, then. Tottenham are the favourites – and deservedly so – and they really did look classy away to Norwich in midweek. Harry Redknapp has assembled a well-balanced team capable of withstanding plenty of froward thrust but one equally capable of prizing open any defence. The latter is just as well.

Swansea have been close to impenetrable at home. Even Manchester United’s solitary strike, in what remains the Swans only reverse on home soil, came courtesy of a rare defensive error. To conceded three times in nine matches on your own turf is an incredible achievement, remarkable even, so you have to feel that if anyone is capable of holding their own against this star-studded Tottenham offence boasting enormous amounts of pace and energy, an abundance of craft and guile, it is Brendan Rodgers’ well-drilled charges.

Because Swansea should enjoy plenty of possession, Spurs may struggle to create as many openings as we’re used to seeing. As a result, I believe the draw is the right way to go. Should be a good watch, though.

Recommended Bet: Draw – 14/5 VictorChandler

Value Bet: Draw/Draw (HT/FT) – 11/2 VictorChandler

Match Odds

Swansea – 9/2 Ladbrokes

Draw – 14/5 VictorChandler

Tottenham – 8/11 StanJames

Tottenham Hotspur V Chelsea

Date & Kick-Off: Thursday, 22 December 2011 – 20:00 GMT

Venue: White Hart Lane

Preview

A match which could separate the pretender from the contender, as title protagonists Tottenham and Chelsea renew their London rivalry at White Hart Lane on Thursday in what has all the makings of a pre-Christmas cracker.

A battle between the powers from the North and West of London. Third against fourth in the Barclay’s Premier League. The experienced Harry Redknapp pitting his managerial wits against the newest kid on the block, 34-year-old Andre Villas-Boas. Whichever way you look at it, we could have a real classic on our hands here – especially as there’s so much riding on the result.

Imperious Spurs shorn of key men

Having played one game fewer than all their rivals, Tottenham could potentially do some serious damage with victory. In all probability they would eliminate Chelsea from the title race in the process, but more importantly they’d enhance their own title credentials with a win seeing as they’ve already beaten the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool this season – at home, more poignantly.

Achieving their seventh win of the campaign on home soil, and extending their four-game winning run in the league at White Hart Lane, will not be easy, though; Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is resigned to being without speedster Aaron Lennon on the right-hand side of Midfield and could even be missing his left-midfield dynamo as well, with Gareth Bale rated ‘very doubtful’ with the ankle injury that kept him out of Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Sunderland.

There is at least some good news for Harry. His side are in imperious form – Sunday’s home success against Sunderland ensured Tottenham bounced back from their first league defeat in twelve the match before, when losing 2-1 at Stoke, while it also maintained their winning streak at home, too, which now stands at four; the previous three were earned without conceding a goal.

Inconsistent Blues seeking major scalp

Chelsea were brought back down to earth with a thud at Wigan last time out. There were scenes of ecstasy at Stamford Bridge after the Blues inflicted a first league defeat of the season on long-time league leaders Man City, however the euphoria from that success was quickly dispersed following their bitterly disappointing draw at Wigan at the weekend that left them nine points adrift of the summit.

So it’s back to the drawing board for manager Andre Villas-Boas, although it isn’t all bad for the Portuguese tactician. Chelsea have now gone four games unbeaten in the league, a run consisting of three wins, while they have only conceded once in their last three away matches.

However, the Blues have been largely inconsistent on their travels, winning only half of their fixtures thus far (W4 D2 L2), while their record away to Tottenham in recent years truly is abysmal: they’ve not won on any of their previous five visits in the league, losing four, with their last success there dating back to August 2005.

News that John Terry has a date with the Magistrates is also a huge distraction, with the Chelsea and England skipper due in court on 1 February. Despite that shocking news, Terry will captain his team out against Tottenham on Thursday. He will not be partnered by Brazilian David Luis however, who is sidelined with a knee injury, although Ramires is fit and available after missing the weekend trip to Wigan.

Match Pointers

- In all competitions, Tottenham are unbeaten in five versus Chelsea at home (W3 D2).

- Last season’s White Hart Lane Premier League encounter between the two sides ended 1-1; Roman Pavlyuchenko opened the scoring for Spurs but his effort was cancelled out by Didier Drogba midway through the second half.

- Tottenham have won 6 of 7 at home in the league, recording wins over Arsenal (2-1) and Liverpool (4-0), and are currently on a four-match winning streak at White Hart Lane.

- Brad Fridel has clocked up 278 minutes since his last goal conceded in goal for Tottenham at White Hart Lane, with the veteran shot-stopper having kept clean sheets in each of the previous three on home soil against Aston Villa, Bolton and Sunderland.

- Chelsea have won precisely 50% of their away matches so far (W4 D2 L2), though they do boast the joint second-strongest away defence (7 conceded).

- The Blues are unbeaten in four in the Premier League, winning three, but were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Wigan in their last away venture.

Our Prediction: Chelsea to WIN – 7/4 PaddyPower

For me, so much depends on the availability of Gareth Bale. The loss of Aaron Lennon is devastating enough, but Spurs without Bale seriously lacks betting appeal – especially seeing as the Welsh maestro would have thrived up against the often suspect Jose Bosingwa. Spurs do still have players who could hurt Chelsea. The problem is, all their attacks would have to come through the middle, with Rafael Van der Vaart naturally becoming the focal point, and that’s a lot easier to defend against.

Considering they’ve been found wanting against genuine pace all season long, Chelsea will be praying Gareth Bale isn’t fit enough to play any part. If he doesn’t make it, I’m all over Andre Villas-Boas & Co.

Tottenham, from an attacking point of view, will struggle to trouble a Chelsea defence which has conceded just one goal in its last three away matches without the raw energy that Lennon and Bale provide on the flanks, which gives them variety when coupled with the threat Van der Vaart and Adebayor pose through the centre. Without them, Spurs will be far too predictable to defend against.

In contrast, Chelsea do have variety. Juan Mata is so difficult to pick up, Daniel Sturridge’s pace will ask so many questions of full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto, who does at times go missing in the crunch games, while Didier Drogba’s indomitable presence is a big problem for a Spurs back-four likely to be shorn of Ledley King.

It’s crazy to think that Chelsea can only draw at Wigan but manage to beat Tottenham, but that’s what I’m banking on should Gareth Bale not come to the fore on Thursday.

Value Bet: Chelsea 3-1 (Correct Score) – 25/1 Ladbrokes

Match Odds

Tottenham – 13/8 VictorChandler

Draw – 5/2 Ladbrokes

Chelsea – 7/4 PaddyPower

Stoke V Tottenham

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 11 December 2011 – 16:00 GMT

Venue: Brittania Stadium

Preview

Tottenham put their eleven-match unbeaten league run well and truly on the line when they visit the toughest of places in the Premier League on Sunday – Stoke’s Brittania Stadium. Chelsea and Manchester United could only muster draws there, while Liverpool slumped to a 1-0 defeat. How will Harry Redknapp’s imperious charges fare?

Judging by their scintillating run of form, having won ten and lost none of their previous eleven league matches, and with their record away to Stoke very encouraging indeed, winning on each of their previous two visits, you’d like to think Spurs will fare better than most at ‘Fortress Brittania’.

Then again, Stoke are now flying themselves. Their 1-0 win over Everton last weekend was their second in quick succession, to go with their comprehensive 3-1 win over Blackburn seven days earlier. As a result, the Potters have climbed back into the top half of the table.

An extremely difficult contest to call, not that the bookies see it the same way. A home win is as big as 3/1 with Totesport, which looks massive, with in-form Spurs a best priced 23/20 with WilliamHill to set a new club record by winning their fourth away match in a row in the Premier League. There has yet to be a draw between the two in the Premier League era, so feel free to take odds of 5/2 on that first.

Stoke City

League Position: 8th

League Form: LLLWW

Six points from their last two league games and Stoke are reacquainting themselves with the top half of the table, after back-to-back wins at home to Blackburn (3-1) and away at Everton (2-1). Now they face the team of the moment, a Tottenham side who’ve not lost a league game since August. So could Sunday bring about the end of their mini revival, having previously lost four on the spin before returning to winning ways?

So Stoke have their swagger back. Just as well, as Spurs will take some beating. The Brittania is a definite advantage though, where the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have come a cropper this season, in one form of another. Though shock defeats to Newcastle (1-3) and QPR (2-3) perhaps suggest fortress Brittania isn’t all it’s cracked up to be any more.

A trip to Turkey to face Besiktas in their final Europa League group game awaits the Potters on Wednesday, but with progress assured Tony Pulis can afford to pick as he pleases on Sunday, and name a weakened side during the week. This means Andy Wilkinson, Rory Delap and Jermaine Pennant could all be risked despite the trio carrying knocks. Peter Crouch will spearhead the attack against his former club, alongside Jonathan Walters who has netted all four of his Premier League goals this season at home.

Goalkeeper Thomas Sorenson was stretched off at Goodison last week with concussion, but the Danish international is available and should retain his place in goal.

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 3rd

League Form: WWWWW

A trip to Stoke is a daunting prospect for most. Not for Tottenham, who on Sunday go seeking a third consecutive league win at the Brittania Stadium. Should they do so, Harry Redknapp will spend Sunday evening salivating over his side’s seventh straight Premiership win. It will also be a new club record for successive away wins (4). So then, is it really any wonder the mighty Spurs are now widely considered genuine title contenders?

Their start to the season has been breathtaking, as has their football at times, but on Sunday they’ll need to find a way to win ugly at Stoke if they’re to maintain their winning run. Last week’s comfortable home win against Bolton, with the final scoreline of 3-0 by no means a fair reflection on a game dominated from start to finish by the North Londoners, extended their winning streak to seven matches. A truly remarkable run for a club not renowned for their consistency.

It does bode well that they have won on each of their previous two visits to Stoke in the league, both 2-1 strangely enough, and at similarly challenging arenas this season as well. Wins at Blackburn, Fulham, West Brom, Wigan and Wolves may not look much but in years gone by, Spurs would not be winning those types of fixtures, certainly not one after the other. The fact Tottenham are no longer intimidated on their travels is actually a frightening thought, as back at White Hart Lane they are a real force to be reckoned with.

A hectic festive schedule will test some of the Spurs’ resolve, not that their fixtures are gruelling in any which way. Nevertheless, the number of games facing teams over Christmas and through to the New Year means managers may hold some of their key players back. Considering the physical nature of Stoke, Redknapp may decide to leave the fragile likes Ledley King, Rafael Van der Vaart and Jermaine Defoe out of Sunday’s starting line-up, with the trio rated doubtful because of various knocks and niggles. Gareth Bale is also carrying a knock, but you can’t leave the Welshman out of the side, not on current form.

Match Pointers

- Tottenham are on a three-match winning streak versus Stoke in the league, winning four of their six Premier League encounters overall (W4 D0 L2) including the last two staged at the Brittania Stadium.

- It has been a little over three months since Tottenham last recorded a loss in the Premier League, winning ten of their last eleven in an unbeaten sequence which has seen them climb to third in the table.

- Spurs are targeting their fourth away league win in a row on Sunday, at a ground where they’ve been victorious at in each of the previous two seasons.

- The North Londoners are also targeting a seventh straight Premier League victory.

- After losing four on the trot, Stoke are now searching for their third consecutive league win following wins over Blackburn (3-1) and at Everton (0-1).

- Jonathan Walters has scored all four of his Premier League goals this season at the Brittania.

Betting

On current form, it is almost impossible to oppose Tottenham. However, Stoke aren’t no ordinary side, particularly when they have the bit between their teeth, which they do after recording back-to-back league wins. With the Brittania rocking, the hosts will be well up for this, while the fact Spurs are now a genuine scalp for everyone, because of their eleven-game unbeaten run, is motivation on a plate for Tony Pulis’ rejuvenated charges.

Stoke are a handful for any side and with Ledley King a doubt, set-pieces could be a real problem for the visitors. On the other hand, containing Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon on either flank won’t be easy for the Potters. I suspect Scott Parker and Luka Modric will try to monopolise possession, something they’ve done to devastating effect so far this season, but Stoke are as combative and industrious as they come and I really do fancy them to earn a hard-fought point in this fixture. Neither manager would begrudge a share of the spoils.

Prediction: Draw – 5/2 Bet365

Value Bet: 0-0 Draw (Correct Score) – 11/1 StanJames

Match Odds

Stoke – 3/1 Totesport

Draw – 5/2 Bet365

Tottenham – 23/20 WilliamHill

Tottenham Hotspur V Aston Villa

Date & Kick-Off: Monday, 21 November 2011 – 20:00 GMT

Venue: White Hart Lane

Preview

Enjoying their best ever start to a Premiership season, Tottenham go seeking a fourth consecutive league win when they welcome Aston Villa to White Hart Lane on Monday who themselves are keen to build on a very impressive opening.

Europe is the objective for both clubs this season. Tottenham are setting their sights firmly on a top four finish and a brisk return to the Champions League, whereas Villa are at least hopeful of challenging for a top six finish that could reward them with a season in next term’s Europa League competition.

Neither have done their claims any harm in the early stages; both have suffered just two defeats so far, however Spurs (W7 D1 L2) have had a more ruthless side to their game – only four teams have plundered more goals than Harry Redknapp’s men this season (21) – and as a result go into the match sat prominently in fifth, despite having played a game less than virtually the entire league, seven points ahead of eighth in the table Villa (W3 D6 L2).

Does something have to give at White Hart Lane? Certainly not. What we have here are two teams who have done everything within their power not to lose games this season. This is also fixture which has swung either way in recent seasons – Spurs won last season’s encounter at White Hart Lane 2-1, and the reverse meeting at Villa Park by the same scoreline, but have been victorious just once at home to the Villains in the past four seasons.

Tottenham will doubtless fancy their chances at home, though, where they’ve lost only once in 21 Premier League matches, and on the back of an eight-game unbeaten run that includes seven wins, twenty goals scored and only seven conceded. However Villa have been very resilient on their travels, drawing four and losing one of their five road encounters, and will arrive in North London on a high following their enthralling 3-2 win at home to Norwich last time out.

Among the possible absentees on Monday include Spurs manager Harry Redknapp. The 64-year-old recently went under the knife for what he considered to be ‘minor heart surgery’ and, on the recommendation from doctors, is being advised to steer well clear of the dugout on Monday. Assistant Joe Jordan will take charge of first-team matters, and Jordan is hopeful top scorer Rafael Van der Vaart’s latest hamstring injury isn’t serious enough that he should sit this one out. Michael Dawson, Tom Huddlestone and Niko Kranjcar are all out injured.

Despite concerns earlier in the week regarding their conditions, Villa boss Alex McLeish is set to name both Stiliyan Petrov and Gabriel Agbonlahor in his starting line-up. The former limped off during his team’s 3-2 victory over Norwich a fortnight ago, complaining of a hamstring problem, while Agbonlahor, Villa’s joint-leading marksmen this season with five goals was forced to miss England’s recent internationals with Spain and Sweden due to a similar problem. Midfielder Jermaine Jenas is ineligible to face the club he is currently on loan from.

Match Pointers

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 5th

League Form: WDWWW

- Last season saw Tottenham win both league meetings with Aston Villa 2-1; all four of their goals were netted by Rafael Van der Vaart, the Dutchman who has six for the season, while both of Villa’s goals were scored by young Marc Albrighton.

- Spurs are unbeaten in eight Premier League games, home and away, winning seven, including each of the previous three.

- Tottenham have lost just one of their last 21 Premier League matches at White Hart Lane (W12 D8 L1), winning each of the last three, scoring nine and conceding two.

Aston Villa

League Position: 8th

League Form: WLLDW

- Aston Villa have won once at White Hart Lane in their last eleven lague visits; a 2-1 victory during the 2008/09 season – Darren Bent, then of Spurs, scored in that match.

- Villa are without an away win this season, drawing four of five so far (W0 D4 L1), though they have scored in four consecutive away games.

- Darren Bent scored twice in his last match against his former club, Tottenham, doing so in Sunderland’s 3-1 victory at the Stadium of Light two seasons ago.

Betting

On this spectacular run of theirs, having won seven of their last eight in an unbeaten sequence, many will view Tottenham winning this contest as merely a formality. I wouldn’t be so sure. Villa are a much more balanced side under Alex McLeish and although they aren’t playing the sort of expansive, exciting football fans demand, results have been positive.

Having conceded eleven in their last four matches, it would be fair to say Villa have lost their way a little at the back of late. You could also argue that going forward there has been a marked improvement; it’s now five in two league games following their 3-2 victory over Norwich at Villa Park a fortnight ago, while getting Darren Bent back amongst the goals couldn’t be more timely ahead of a fixture he looks forward to more than most – facing his former employers, whom, in his honest assessment, never gave him a fair crack of the whip during his time in North London.

So there is plenty going for the visitors, who do nevertheless face an uphill task nullifying Spurs’ wonderful array of attacking riches. Gareth Bale has been in terrific form on the left-wing, Scott Parker leads by example with his worth ethic and endeavour in the middle of the park while Luka Modric always has a chance or two in him. Rafael Van der Vaart has six in his previous seven appearances but does carry a knock, and is thus doubtful, which almost certainly means he won’t finish should he start. Emmanuel Adebayor is a constant threat up front, an ever-present outlet, but hasn’t netted since Spurs’ 4-0 hammering of Liverpool on 18 September.

The fantastic thing about Tottenham, what endears them to the average neutral, is they approach every match looking to score plenty of goals. They have done precisely that this season, especially at home where they’ve recorded three wins on the bounce in the league, notching nine in the process. However, Villa will try to counter the host’s offensive orientation by setting up a defensive barrier in front of Shay Given, the Irishman who provides a reliable last line of defence between the posts, and something tells me there could be a gargantuan performance in the Villains.

On the counter, making full use of Charles N’Zogbia and Gabriel Agbonlahor, who both boast pace in abundance and the ability to go past their marker, Villa will be a threat throughout. Darren Bent will also be doubly determined to make an impression at his former stomping ground, against the team he scored twice against for Sunderland in his most recent appearance versus Spurs. The visitors are definitely value, in my honest opinion, though a draw is perhaps a more realistic outcome for them – a high-scoring one, however.

Match Outcome: Draw – 10/3 VictorChandler

Value Bet: 2-2 Draw (Correct Score) – 20/1 Boylesports

Match Odds

Tottenham Hotspur – 4/7 PaddyPower

Draw – 10/3 VictorChandler

Aston Villa – 13/2 WilliamHill

Blackburn Rovers V Tottenham Hotspur

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 23 October 2011 – 15:00 (GMT)

Venue: Ewood Park

Preview

Sunday’s Premier League clash between rock-bottom Blackburn and Champions League chasing Tottenham will be overshadowed by the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, as will every fixture on Sunday, but the Blackburn fans will be doing their best to attract as much attention as possible when they stage their third protest in as many home games demanding manager Steve Kean be relived of his duties.

Blackburn have made a truly awful start to the league season and currently sit bottom of the table on just five-points, after winning one of their opening eight games. They also have the second porous defence in the Premier League, conceding seven in their last two home games alone – though they were up against two the league’s finest in Arsenal and Man City.

It doesn’t get any easier this weekend, either, as next up for hapless Rovers is their nemesis, Tottenham Hotspur. Victory would actually catapult Rovers off the foot of the table, even as high as twelfth; however, the omens would suggest there’s more chance of Blackburn receiving another hiding than salivating over a rare triumph: Spurs have won each of the pair’s last four meetings in the league, including the last two at Ewood Park without conceding a single goal, while Blackburn have recorded just two Premier League wins over the north Londoners (W2 D5 L8).

Can Steve Kean afford another heavy defeat? Can he even afford another defeat? The club’s situation is already dire, despite how one win could elevate them. Their performances haven’t been all that encouraging; Ruben Rochina, Mauro Formica and David Hoilett have shown glimpse of quality, but collectively Blackburn have been hugely disappointing; one just the occasion this season, in their 4-3 victory at home to Arsenal in September, have Blackburn scored more than once in a league game.

In contrast, Tottenham are flying. Harry Redknapp’s charges are going great guns in the Europa League, that in spite of making wholesale changes for all three of their group games so far, are only three-points off the Champions League places with a game in hand and haven’t lost in the league since suffering consecutive defeats to the two Manchester giants at the back end of August.

Last week, however, Spurs were stopped in their tracks by fourth-placed Newcastle. A run of four straight wins came to an abrupt end thanks to Shola Ameobi’s last-gasp equaliser, which floored Redknapp’s charges. It was a match they really ought to have won, having enjoyed more of the ball and carved out more chances, not to mention boasting the lead on two separate occasions through strikes from Rafael Van der Vaart and Jermain Defoe.

The Londoners have at least been presented with a glorious opportunity to bounce back, away at Blackburn, whom are in dire straights and a team they’ve always enjoyed playing in the Premier League. However injuries could hinder their chances in Lancashire, with Harry Redknapp’s defence in particular decimated. William Gallas, Michael Dawson, Ledley King and Vedran Corluka are all out injured meaning Sebastian Bassong will start his first league game of the campaign alongside Younes Kaboul. Kyle Walker will continue at right-back, the 21-year-old whose already been called up twice to the England fold by Fabio Capello.

Brad Friedel, Scott Parker, Luka Modric, Rafael Van der Vaart, Gareth Bale and Emmanuel Adebayor are all in line to start after sitting out Thursday’s 1-0 win over Russian side Rubin Kazan in the Europa League.

Blackburn, meanwhile, are also shorn of key defensive personnel – though the absence of one in particular could actually be a blessing in disguise. Veteran Michel Salgado has a CV only a select can rival but, at the age of 35, no longer has the pace to keep up with the nippers of today, especially Gareth Bale, whom he would have been up against had he been fit. What a frighteningly one-sided duel that would have been. Salgado has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, joining Ryan Nelsen, Vince Grella and David Dunn on the sidelines.

On the plus side, Morten Gamst Pedersen is back in contention, as is striker David Goodwillie. Scott Dann will continue to partner Christopher Samba at centre-half, the Blackburn skipper who netted his side’s equaliser away at QPR last time out in a 1-1 draw.

Match Pointers

- Each of the last four league meetings have ended in Tottenham wins, while even more damning is the fact Blackburn have beaten the north Londoners on just two occasions in the Premier League.

- Blackburn (W1 D2 L5) are rock-bottom of the Premier League with just five-points to their name, winning one of their first eight games of the season.

- Tottenham (W4 D1 L2) sit fifth in the table, three points off the Champions League places but with a game in hand over most.

- Rovers haven’t kept a single clean sheet this season, while only Bolton have conceded more goals (18).

Spurs have scored precisely two goals in four of their last five league matches, including each of their previous three away from home.

Betting

The injuries to Michael Salgado and David Dunn could be a blessing in disguise for Rovers boss Steve Kean, who will now hand opportunities to some of his younger, hungrier individuals in his squad. And because of this, I don’t see Blackburn as forlorn hopes. Of course they have it all to do if they’re to nullify one of the most offensive outfits in the league, a team who have overwhelmed opponents this season with their attacking armoury, but Blackburn have a few individuals of their own capable of inflicting some telling damage in the final third, even if the statistics would suggest otherwise.

Pace is always a huge weapon when utilised in the right way, and so Steve Kean must make full use of David Hoilett and Martin Olsson, two players who could probably rival Gareth Bale for speed. But perhaps even more crucial will be the performances of Morten Gamst Pedersen, Ruben Rochina and Mauro Formica, players with some guile in their locker who are capable of unlocking a makeshift Spurs defence.

Because of Blackburn’s current predicament, it almost sounds bizarre to hear of anyone backing them this weekend. Well I’m not quite there just yet, however I do feel Steve Kean could be handed a minor reprieve in the form of a score-draw. That probably won’t be enough to keep the fans off his back though.

Match Outcome: Draw – 11/4 VictorChandler

Value Bet: 2-2 Draw – 14/1 Ladbrokes

Match Odds

Blackburn Rovers – 10/3 WilliamHill

Draw – 11/4 VictorChandler

Tottenham Hotspur – 10/11 PaddyPower

Newcastle United V Tottenham Hotspur

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 16 October 2011 – 16:00 (GMT)

Venue: St James Park

TV Coverage: LIVE on Sky Sports 1

Preview

It has been an astonishing start to the season from Newcastle United, who currently occupy a Champions League berth in fourth after opening with four wins and three draws in a quite stunning unbeaten sequence. However, their sparkling run will face its toughest examination yet when high-flying Tottenham pay Alan Pardew’s men a visit in the north east.

Tottenham do have a rather dismal record in the north east however, especially at St James Park. The Londoners have won only one of their previous nine Premier League contests in this particular region of the country – versus Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Sunderland – and are without a win in their last five visits to St James’, losing four.

Spurs are, however, on the verge of equalling their best ever run in the Premier League, having won all four of their previous league games, so you get the feeling that Newcastle’s so far resilient backline – the strongest in the top-flight after seven games, shipping just four goals – will need to be at its very best to contain the division’s fourth highest scorers – and Tottenham have played a game fewer than most.

A match full of pre-match intrigue then. Should be well worth the watch!

Newcastle United

League Position: 4th

League Form: WDDWW

You would have got tall orders on Newcastle remaining unbeaten until the month of October. In fact, you would have got handsome odds on them ending the first month of August unscathed, after being matched-up with Arsenal at home before a TyneWear derby at the Stadium of Light. So it really has been a truly remarkable start from the Magpies, who deserve their lofty position of fourth in the table, looking down on several of the league’s big hitters.

It could yet get even better. With Chelsea hosting Everton in a fixture they have drawn in each of the past five seasons, a win for Newcastle would see them rise to third in the table. It’s incredible when you think about it. Manager Alan Pardew should be lauded for the work he has done in transforming the fortunes of club with very little structure and a team with limited ability. He’s even getting the best out of Demba Ba, who has sensationally netted 11 goals in his last 14 starts in the Premier League – four of those coming in his last two.

Hopefully, the recent break for international has halted their momentum. It would be a crying shame for them to unravel from here on out, which is what the majority expect to happen soon or later. In the meantime, the club as a whole are riding the crest of a wave and I don’t think there would be too many managers genuinely ecstatic about the prospect of facing them at this moment in time; the Magpies are unbeaten in their last ten league games, seven at St James’, and are currently on the cusp of equalling their longest winning streak in the league since last October.

Back-to-back victories over Wolves (1-2) and Blackburn (3-1) means Newcastle are chasing a hat-trick of triumphs this weekend, and it would take a brave soul to oppose them on current form. Confidence is high, the self-belief is there for all to see, while there is a feel good factor around the club at the minute – and that hasn’t been the case for years. Europe did appear well beyond their capabilities at the start of the campaign but I tell you what, victory over Tottenham this weekend would change a few opinions.

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 6th

League Form: LWWWW

They say you can never keep a good team down. Well that’s certainly been the case with Tottenham, who after an horrific start are flying and rapidly closing in on the top-four, which is their primary objective for the season. The North Londoners, kind of fresh on the back of their derby defeat of Arsenal at White Hart Lane, are enjoying a scintillating run of form which has seen them chalk up four straight league wins, plunder ten goals and concede just twice – though their momentum has every chance of being dented at the weekend.

Only a high quality performance similar to that which blew Liverpool away at White Hart Lane last month will be good enough to see to a spirited, determined and driven Newcastle side who will be striving to protect their sensational seven-game unbeaten start. So news that a man who played such an instrumental in dismantling the Reds, and is Tottenham’s leading goalscorer this season, might be missing will come as a huge blow for Harry Redknapp, who is pondering whether to risk in-form Emmanuel Adebayor in the north east.

On loan from Man City, Adebayor has been a revelation for Spurs this season. Not only is he their leading goalscorer with three goals, having also netted in recent away wins at Wolves (0-2) and Wigan (1-2), he’s been the focal point of their attacks, forming a eye-catching partnership with Jermaine Defoe. The striker is rated 50-50 by Redknapp, who is also sweating over the fitness of a number of other key players that includes winger Aaron Lennon, who scored home and away versus the Magpies last season but is struggling with a groin problem.

So preparation has hardly been ideal for Tottenham, with Harry Redknapp unsure as to what his starting line-up will be due to the uncertainty of certain individuals, some of which are key to their chances at St James’ – where Spurs last triumphed in the league back in 2004. Ending a run of five games without a win away from home against Newcastle won’t be easy then, despite Spurs going into Sunday’s clash in glittering form with four straight league wins and a couple of Europa League successes under their belts.

Match Pointers

- Tottenham have won only three of the last nine Premier League meetings with Newcastle, who are without defeat in their last five home games versus Spurs (W4 D1 L0).

- Newcastle are unbeaten in the league this season (W4 D3) and haven’t lost a Premier League match since May (10 games).

- The Magpies are also without defeat in seven at St James Park (W4 D3), and on Sunday go in search of their third successive home win.

- Spurs have won their last four Premier League games, scoring ten goals and conceded just two.

- Shola Ameobi is the only major doubt for Newcastle manager Alan Pardew; Tottenham’s Harry Redknapp is sweating over the fitness of Vedran Corluka, Sandro, Niko Kranjcar, Aaron Lennon and Emmanuel Adebayor – Michael Dawson, William Gallas and Tom Huddlestone are all absentees because of injuries.

Betting

I’m genuinely looking for to this match, as it pits two of the league’s in-form sides against each other. The fact St James Park is the venue only adds to the intrigue surrounding the fixture, as Tottenham are the bookies favourites despite the fact Newcastle haven’t lost a single one of their last seven at home in the league, winning four, or that Spurs have failed to win there on their previous five visits.

If I’m honest, I’m not so sure the inclusion or absence of Emmnauel Adebayor will be so influential in determining the final result. He’s been exceptional for Spurs so far, but he hasn’t been the inspiration behind their success. The midfield partnership of Luka Modric and Scott Parker has, in my opinion anyway, as these two have been able to dominate all their midfield duels in recent games, which has meant the likes of Gareth Bale and Rafael Van der Vaart have enjoyed more touches of the ball. But the pair will be right up against it on Sunday, as Yohan Cabaye and Cheick Tiote have been as, if not more impressive for Newcastle this season. They’re as combative and industrious a central-midfield partnership as you’ll ever likely to see.

It promises to be a riveting watch then, this. So many key head-to-head battles all over the pitch. The guile and craft lies with Tottenham but the industry and resilience at which Newcastle have played with this season has been so impressive. I doubt we’ll see a winner, and I doubt either manager would begrudge a point as this is a formidable fixture both teams will be delighted to escape unscathed.

Match Outcome: Draw @ 12/5 SkyBet

Value Bet: 0-0 Draw (Correct Score) @ 12/1 SkyBet

Match Odds

Newcastle United – 2/1 PaddyPower

Draw – 12/5 SkyBet

Tottenham Hotspur – 6/4 WilliamHill

Tottenham Hotspur V Arsenal

Date/Kick-Off: Sunday, 2nd October 2011 – 16:00 (GMT)

Venue: White Hart Lane

TV Coverage: LIVE on SKY SPORTS 1

Preview

There has been a dramatic shift of power in the north of London, and it shows in the pre-match betting for this weekend’s eagerly-anticipated Premier League clash between arch rivals Tottenham and Arsenal at White Hart Lane.

It wasn’t so long ago that Arsenal merely had to make an appearance in this fixture in order to register maximum points, but that is no longer the case. If anything, Tottenham are the now on top, and the only one of the two actually on the up.

Spurs go into Sunday’s colossal encounter having taken more points from their first five league games than Arsenal have from their opening SIX, having also scored as many goals, conceded far fewer and having lost just one of the previous six north London derbies. Crucially, though, it was Tottenham who managed to retain their prized assets over the summer. In fact they’ve complimented them with some shrewd acquisitions to which the club as a whole are beginning to reap the benefits, which is more than can be said for their backward-minded neighbours.

So, unsurprisingly then, it is Tottenham who go into the 37th North London derby in the Premier League era as favourites, a peculiar sight in itself. The result is no formality, though. Arsenal haven’t quite drifted off the radar, at least not yet.

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 6th

League Form: LLWWW

There was no messing from Harry Redknapp as he made wholesale changes for Thursday’s Europa League match with Ireland’s Shamrock Rovers. Just about anyone who might feature on Sunday didn’t partake in the action, with the Spurs boss understandably having one eye on this week’s mouthwatering contest with Arsenal in the league, and perhaps the other on protecting his healthy, if not unspectacular record in this particular fixture.

Since taking over the helm back in January 2008, Harry has lost just one of his six duels with opposite number Arsene Wenger, triumphing on two occasions. He is also the only manager in nineteen-years to have masterminded a Tottenham victory at either the Emirates Stadium or Arsenal’s former ground, Highbury, in the Premier League, doing so last season courtesy of his side stunning 3-2 comeback win at the Emirates. No wonder the White Hart Lane faithful adore the ground he walks on.

It is a rather strange perception having Tottenham as the favourites for a North London derby, but it’s a thoroughly deserved tag. Spurs go into the match having prepared far better – they’ve recovered admirably from a couple of quick-fire defeats to Manchester United and Manchester City to string a run of three straight league wins together, none more impressive than their 4-0 demolition of Liverpool at White Hart Lane. Their football is also a lot more cohesive than their rivals, while there are certainly more smiling faces around their place, which is what you’d expect from a team that has won its last three league matches by an aggregate of 8-1.

Personally, I can’t get enough of Tottenham this weekend. Luka Modric has made me eat humble pie with his performances since the club all but forced him to remain a Spurs players, with London rivals Chelsea courting the midfield schemer who in his last appearance at White Hart Lane opened the scoring against Liverpool with a pearler. Scott Parker has also bedded in nicely, alongside a rejuvenated Modric, while Gareth Bale is showing glimpses of the form that earned him the PFA Player of the Year for his exploits on that left-wing last season.

Oh, and we shouldn’t forget Emmanuel Adebayor, the former Gunner who already has three for the season and will be as determined as anyone on that pitch on Sunday to find the back of his former employer’s net. The one drawback is their defence isn’t all that convincing, especially with Michael Dawson and William Gallas still out injured.

Arsenal

League Position: 13th

League Form: LLWLW

They are the biggest price to triumph in a North London derby that I can remember, which in itself speaks volumes about their claims on Sunday. But Arsenal should be used to all this by now, all this undermining of their ability, and they certainly won’t be short of motivation or incentives as they make their way to the Lion’s pit that is White Hart Lane for their first meeting of the season with arch rivals Tottenham.

It has been a turbulent couple of months for the Gunners. The sale of Gael Clichy, Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas left them with several huge voids that were subsequently filled by make-shift signings in the form of Andre Santos, Mikel Arteta and Gervinho. Two of those lack that essential ingredient that when absent often stems to a team’s demise, and that’s experience in the Premier League. So it’s of very little surprise to myself and everyone else that Arsenal have made an unconvincing start to the new season.

Two wins and three defeats from their first six league games leaves Arsenal floundering in the lower reaches of the league, a lot closer to the relegation places than the summit, or the Champions League places for that matter, which is their main objective this season. The one big positive however is that they have recently found their way back to the winning trail, conveniently so, and although neither were convincing the Gunners have now won three consecutive matches. Wins inspire confidence, as well as self-belief, and both have been lacking in that Arsenal dressing room this season.

Their current winning streak does merit respect, even if it doesn’t contain any noteworthy results. A 3-1 victory over Shrewsbury in the Carling Cup was to be expected, as was their 2-1 defeat of Olympiacos on Wednesday in the Champions League. Robin Van Persie’s brace inspired the team to a 3-0 win over Bolton last week in the league, in what was probably their most accomplished team performance of the season – though how much we can read in to that result/display remains to be seen considering their opponents spent much of the game with ten men.

However, as is usually the case at Arsenal these days, it isn’t long before hopes are extinguished by some bad news. In this case, it’s injuries, a stack of them as well. Jack Wilshere won’t return until the new year, but then that’s well documented, however, Johan Djourou, Laurent Koscielny, Yossi Benayoung, Gervinho and Theo Walcott are all doubtful, the latter a major one, while Thomas Vermealen is set to make his return after the international break.

Match Pointers

- Harry Redknapp has lost just one of the six North London derbies he has been involved with as Tottenham manager, winning two (W2 D3 L1).

- Tottenham have lost only one of their previous 19 Premier League matches at White Hart Lane (W10 D8 L1), while they were 4-0 winners against Liverpool in their last clash there.

- Arsenal have won just two of their last ten league games away from home (W2 D5 L3), and none of their last seven.

- Robin Van Persie has four goals in his last four starts for Arsenal versus Tottenham, while Rafael Van der Vaart scored twice in this fixture last season and has three in two versus the Gunners.

Betting Verdict

Arsenal certainly look alluring at the odds but Tottenham have everything going for me; confidence, a winning run in the league against quality opposition – as opposed to Arsenal’s three-game winning streak against lower league opposition and European weaklings; a stable midfield that could dominate proceedings, even against arguably the best retainer of possession in the Premier League in the Gunners, while going forward they boast more potency. I just feel there’s a lot more proven performers in the Spurs ranks than the Gunners.

Tottenham’s obvious fault is their defence, so Arsenal could, possibly even should, prosper there, but everything else sees Tottenham triumph on paper. Per Mertesacker could also be the one sizeable chink in Arsenal’s armour this weekend, with the German centre-half having already been found wanting in the Premier League, against pretty average teams by Tottenham’s standards. It’s a frightening prospect seeing him up against the sheer pace of Bale or the craftsmanship of a Modric or Van der Vaart.

Basically, if Modric, Parker and Bale have a good game then Spurs should win this. Emmanuel Adebayor’s determination to score against his former club is just a massive bonus.

Match Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur to WIN – 6/5 StanJames

Value Bet: Emmanuel Adebayor to Score – 6/4 Ladbrokes

Match Odds

Tottenham Hotspur – 6/5 StanJames

Draw – 13/5 VictorChandler

Arsenal – 5/2 Bet365

Tottenham Hotspur V Liverpool

Date & kick-off: Sunday, 18 September 2011 – 13:30 (GMT)

Venue: White Hart Lane

TV coverage: LIVE on SKY SPORTS 1

Preview

UEFA Champions League hopefuls Liverpool and Tottenham will clash at White Hart Lane for an intriguing contest that neither side can afford to lose – yet no one is really sure who will prosper in the first of the Super Sunday games, with both teams’ odds of victory currently priced at 9/5 with the draw no doubt having bags of appeal at 12/5.

Tottenham have won the previous three encounters at White Hart Lane in the Premier League, all by a 2-1 scoreline, and are finally up and running in the league for the season after winning 2-0 away from home at Wolves the previous weekend. Liverpool, meanwhile, tasted defeat for the first time in 2011/12 after going down 1-0 away at Stoke last Saturday, but Kenny Dalglish’s team do have a knack of scoring on their travels – notching at least one goal in 12 of their previous 14 away Premier League matches – and boast an impressive North London scalp, that of Arsenal courtesy of their 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium last month, a stone’s throw away from White Hart Lane.

Moreover, both teams will be without their talismans – Spurs are shorn of their leading marksmen last season as Rafael Van der Vaart continues his recovery from a hamstring problem, while Reds skipper Steven Gerrard will not make his long-awaited return to the first-team fold from a groin injury. So who, in the absence of two influential figures, will step up and be the hero on Sunday for their team?

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 15th

League Form: WLL

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp signalled his intent in this fixture by making wholesale changes for his team’s midweek Europa League match with PAOK in Greece, resting his entire first-team as several youngsters made their European débuts. Some were even making their first competitive appearance for the club. So while some folk are ruling out any chance of Spurs securing a top-four finish this season, and a return to the Champions League stage – and I do genuinely believe that they will come up far too short come May – Harry is having none of it.

Courtesy of their disastrous start, after losing their first two games of the season against the two Manchester clubs, conceding eight goals in the process, Tottenham currently trail their match day rivals by four points. They do, though, have a game in hand, so victory on Sunday – what would be their fourth consecutive home win over Liverpool – would effectively give them the upper hand in what is likely to be a pulsating race for fourth, even at this early stage.

And all you Tottenham fans can rest assured that three-points is all Harry & Co are interested in from the outset, which does make this such a mouthwatering contest as their opponents will be thinking exactly the same. He will, though, have to do without Rafael Van der Vaart and his commander in chief in defence, England international Michael Dawson who has been sidelined for two months with an achilles injury. Fortunately, Ledley King is in contention and his vast levels of experience could prove decisive as Tottenham aim to nullify this livewire of a Liverpool attack.

This will be the first home game for Tottenham since their 5-1 humbling by Manchester City at the end of August, but if you flip the coin over that was just their first home reverse for over a year having gone 17 unbeaten at White Hart Lane in the league previously. Aaron Lennon is a doubt but on the other flank, Gareth Bale appears to be finding some form again which will delight on-loan Emmanuel Adebayor, the former Arsenal striker who scored on his Tottenham debut in last week’s 2-0 win at Wolves. The Togolese international has netted a few times against the Reds, though he has also seen red against them too.

Liverpool

League Position: 6th

League Form: LWWD

Eager to bounce back from their first reverse of the campaign, Liverpool head to north London knowing they’ve not taken a single point from any of their previous three visits to White Hart Lane but well aware that a fourth consecutive defeat at the famous home of Tottenham Hotspur would be a massive psychological blow in their bid to finish the season in the top-four.

A stern reality check was the order of the day last week as the Reds fell to their first defeat of the season away at Stoke. A dubious penalty that was emphatically convert by Jonathan Walters ultimately did the damage, despite Liverpool creating the better of the goalscoring chances, as well as bossing the game for prolonged periods.

Last Saturday’s outcome will have bitterly disappointed Kenny Dalglish, who has now lost six of his twenty-two league games in charge since returning to the club back in January, but the Kop legend will have been encouraged by what he saw – his team taking the game to a difficult opponent at an intimidating ground, so the signs are definitely promising as the team make their way to another formidable venue, chomping at the bit to make amends.

Away from home was were Liverpool struggled immensely last season, particularly in the first half of the season. Dalglish, though, has transformed their away fortunes, as he has with everything at the club to be honest, with his record on the road as Reds manager since January as follows: W5 D1 L5, which is a mediocre record by his very high standards but it does include a couple of eye-catching London victories over Arsenal (0-2) at the Emirates and Chelsea (0-1) at Stamford Bridge, both, as you can see, without conceding. So expect King Kenny to have a game-plan in mind, as he invariably does against the teams that merit an incredible amount of respect.

Unfortunately travelling fans won’t catch a glimpse of Steve Gerrard, the club’s talisman who is nearing his return following a long lay-off through injury. The Liverpool skipper could make his long-awaited return in midweek though, in the Third Round of the Carling Cup away at Brighton. Glen Johnson is also ruled out while Martin Kelly is a doubt, leaving Kenny light on options at right-back. He could switch Carragher to right-back and draft in Martin Skrtel to partner Daniel Agger at centre-half, but that would surely be suicidal against the pace of Gareth Bale? Decisions, decisions!

Match Pointers

Tottenham and Liverpool are meeting for the 39th time in the Premier League era – Tottenham are lagging behind with 11 wins to Liverpool’s 17.

Harry Redknapp has won five of his seven clashes as Spurs manager versus Liverpool (4 in league and 1 Carling Cup match), including three of the last four in the Premier League.

Spurs haven’t lost at home to Liverpool in the league since 2008, winning the previous three all by a 2-1 scoreline.

The North Londoners have also lost just one of their previous eighteen Premier League contests at White Hart Lane, a 5-1 thrashing last time out at the hands of Man City.

Liverpool have kept the one clean sheet in their last seven Premiership matches, but that did come in North London versus Tottenham’s arch rivals, Arsenal (0-2).

The Reds have scored in 12 of their last 14 away matches in the Premier League, and on each of their last five visits to Tottenham.

Betting Verdict

There are some occasions when two high quality teams meet that the draw looks the most logical approach, but I don’t see that here. Both Liverpool and Tottenham will be doing whatever they can to win this match, a top-four six-pointer in every sense. A draw wouldn’t be a bad result for either side, mind. I reckon both managers would probably settle for it before the game, but they certainly won’t be targeting it.

For me, and it’s perhaps stating the obvious, the three-points will go towards the team who show more enterprise and courage in the final third. Yet that only lures me to one team – Liverpool! With Charlie Adam, Lucas and Jordan Henderson in the centre of the park, Liverpool could dominate in midfield. Dirk Kuyt will no doubt put in a fair old shift on the right, but he can also get forward to good affect, as can Stewart Downing on the opposite flank, while we all expect nothing less than for Luis Suarez to wreak more havoc up front, even if he has to operate on his lonesome.

Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon are Tottenham’s biggest threats going forward, and the pair could do some serious damage up against Jamie Carragher/Martin Skrtel and Jose Enrique. Luka Modric can also get forward to good affect, but he hasn’t been focused ever since he return to pre-season training. Adebayor is, of course, deadly around the opponent’s 18-yard area, but he needs service!

It has the makings of a real treat on paper, but I’m not entirely sure this fixture will deliver on its promise. A narrow away win for me.

Match Prediction: Liverpool to WIN – 9/5 BetFred

Value Bet: Liverpool to WIN 2-1 (Correct Score) – 10/1 Ladbrokes

Match Odds

Tottenham Hotspur – 9/5 WilliamHill

Draw – 12/5 VictorChandler

Liverpool – 9/5 BetFred