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) 
