Mr White (22 - 23 Sep 2012), (01 - 02 Dec 2012) ianrush (29 - 30 Sep 2012) Both teams are coming off a win in midweek. Sunderland took 3 points off the reigning champions Manchester City and have been doing well this festive season. Having said that, Danny Rose is ineligible to play against his parent club so Martin O’Neil could use Phil Bardsley as a replacement. John O’Shea looks to be returning as well.
AVB has the team playing with real belief at the moment in a run that has seen us take 16 points from a possible 21. Although quite frankly, I am not sure whether he has a starting formation in mind. The 4-0 win at Villa Park was the perfect tonic for us as we continue this string of festive fixtures. I am concerned about players tiring and hopefully, the return of BAE and Scott Parker to starting roles would help. Adebayor needs to pick up his game a notch as he has been woeful in the recent matches.
We have the quality to win it as another good result would continue to build the players confidence in AVB’s system of play.
![IMG_1027_thumb2_thumb_thumb_thumb_th[2]](http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KfZQEgMJQpE/UN2tZoKGmqI/AAAAAAAAALY/54eTzw0yEfQ/s1600-h/IMG_1027_thumb2_thumb_thumb_thumb_th%25255B2%25255D%25255B3%25255D.png "IMG_1027_thumb2_thumb_thumb_thumb_th[2]")
Mr White (22 - 23 Sep 2012), (01 - 02 Dec 2012) ianrush (29 - 30 Sep 2012) This is a home tie but Stoke are the form team at the moment.
The Potters are unbeaten in 7 matches and boast one of the stingiest defenses in the Premier League. They beat Everton last weekend and Tony Pulis should have the same squad to face us at the Lane. AVB should have Gareth Bale and Scott Parker available for selection and we do need some mettle in the middle against a combative Stoke side. Everyone would be curious as to what formation Spurs will try on Saturday. From my point of view after the Swansea game, having 2 strikers upfront is useless if there are no wingers to provide width. So if Bale starts, then let’s hope we try an attacking 4-4-2 but that depends on the availability of Adebayor (hamstring).
Regardless, Spurs have done well during the Christmas/New Year period under ‘arry and we look forward to a string of good results to keep pace with the top teams.
![IMG_1027_thumb2_thumb_thumb_thumb_th[1]](http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2Xi4l9C47DE/UNRoXA5SBjI/AAAAAAAAALA/5hz79Er8Vaw/s1600-h/IMG_1027_thumb2_thumb_thumb_thumb_th%25255B1%25255D%25255B2%25255D.png "IMG_1027_thumb2_thumb_thumb_thumb_th[1]")
Mr White (22 - 23 Sep 2012), (01 - 02 Dec 2012) ianrush (29 - 30 Sep 2012) 
Mr White (22 - 23 Sep 2012), (01 - 02 Dec 2012) ianrush (29 - 30 Sep 2012) No beating around the bush. Win or draw and we will progress to the knock-out stages of the competition.
Panathinaikos have a full strength side and should make a go of it as a win should take them through if Lazio beats Maribor. Meanwhile, Spurs will have to do without the services of Gareth Bale, Michael Dawson, Scott Parker, Younes Kaboul and Benoit Assou-Ekotto. Both Bale and Dawson were substituted during the match against Fulham for pulling their hamstrings. Expect Friedel and Adebayor to start as Lloris and Defoe get much needed rest.
AVB has got a string of wins in the Premier League under his belt and I am looking forward for a good result tonight to continue building our momentum. We definitely have the quality in our side so it is up to the players to show it on the field. I do not expect a high-scoring affair though.
Mr White (22 - 23 Sep 2012), (01 - 02 Dec 2012) ianrush (29 - 30 Sep 2012) We played beautifully against West Ham! And I would love to see more of that in our next match against Liverpool. Of the 78 games played, Spurs have recorded 38 wins, and Liverpool have come away with 23 victories. The most recent encounter between these two sides at White Hart Lane was just last season, in September 2011, as they swept to an impressive 4-0 win in a Premier League match.
Liverpool are undefeated in their last eight League games but there have been a lot of draws among them. Brendan Rodgers and AVB are still imposing their system and playing styles in their respective teams so this could be an exciting tie or a frustratingly boring affair. Bale, Dembele, Defoe and Lennon will look to terrorize the defense while our backline will need to keep a close watch on Suarez throughout the match.
I am anxious for AVB to succeed and another win will keep us moving in the right direction.
Mr White (22 - 23 Sep 2012) ianrush (29 - 30 Sep 2012) This could turn out to be a contentious derby!
West Ham having been holding their own this season in the Premier League and any side coached by Big Sam is always a challenge (aka Bolton in the past). Spurs may be a little tired after travelling for last Thursday night’s Europa League match in Italy and with an enforced suspension for Adebayor, Defoe will start again. William Gallas is likely to start and Captain the side, with Vertonghen moving across to left back in place of Naughton. Dembele should be available finally after returning from injury and I am sure AVB will drum into the team that a home win is vital for morale.
Mr White (22 - 23 Sep 2012) ianrush (29 - 30 Sep 2012) 
Mr White (22 - 23 Sep 2012) ianrush (29 - 30 Sep 2012) Can we do the away double of the Manchester sides this season? Big question to ask really.
Having only 3 days of rest after the Europa League match on Thursday, Spurs have to travel to the Etihad for a very tough league match against the reigning champions who have had 5 days of rest. The last 2 visits here have resulted in defeat for Spurs. But having taken the points at Old Trafford recently, we know that we can beat anyone if our game is on.
I hope the dominance shown by Spurs on Thursday will convince AVB to be flexible and employ the 4-4-2 formation when the occasion allows it. With the players we have now, 4-4-2 suits us perfectly. Bale will relish taking on Maicon again after his move from Milan and could terrorise the left flank.
I say we should throw caution to the wind and attack with 2 up front.
Mr White (22 - 23 Sep 2012) ianrush (29 - 30 Sep 2012) 
Mr White (22 - 23 Sep 2012) ianrush (29 - 30 Sep 2012) 
