Saturday, February 28, 2009

A Rat at Spurs? And other transfer speculations

It is clear that Harry is still on the lookout for a new left-back, a recent nemesis of the club has emerged as a possible replacement. Razvan Rat, the left back for Shakhtar Donetsk, who as we all know knocked Spurs out of Europe on Thursday night, is a possible summer target for both Spurs and Aston Villa.

Rat is twenty-seven and has been capped over fifty times for Romania, so he is an established international defender who looked pretty good in the two legs of the tie recently. He did exactly what I want to see in a left back, he got forward well, but also was good in closing down his mark. Giovanni did get free and took a great goal Thursday night, but Rat could be a great addition to the club. Other names that have been floated have been Nicky Shorey and Leighton Baines. I doubt Everton will let Baines go, but I think someone like Joleon Lescott could be a great option for the club. He did not play against West Brom today, and that's not saying he has fallen out of favor, but Baines has been first choice at left-back, and Lescott could play both center back and left back.

Both Giovanni and Roman Pavlyuchenko have been quoted as saying that they would like to play for other teams, which on the surface seems upsetting to the club ahead of the Carling Cup Final tomorrow, but both were asked questions in interviews and admitted that they would like to play at Manchester United and Barcelona again sometime. I think Roman has his future committed to Spurs, especially with the transfer fee that was splashed out for him this season, but Giovanni could be someone to move on this summer, as his deal with Portsmouth that fell through proves. Would Guardiola want Gio back at Barca? I don't know, but I do tend to think that Gio will be leaving the club this summer.

The left wing position is the other position that could use the most help at the club, with Niko Krancjar's name already having been mentioned, but indulge the Yank on this for a moment, Clint Dempsey could make an excellent addition to the club. His performances at Fulham have been very good throughout the year, and he versatile, I have watched him play as a striker, someone just behind the striker, like Modric, the creator in midfield, and on both wings. He can play with both feet, and knows how to get a cross in. Now Fulham might not want to sell him, but 6 million pounds or so might change their mind. What do you think? Am I off base? Let me know.

Berbatov left out of United's Squad to Face Spurs

Well Dimitar Berbatov will be spared the boos of the Spurs supporters on Sunday as he's been left out the squad to face Spurs in the Carling Cup Final. He started for United against Inter on Tuesday, and Ferguson must be wanting to save him for their League match next week versus Newcastle.

But I wonder if he also left him out after the reception he received at the Lane in December. The boos and catcalls rained down throughout the whole match, and I wonder if Ferguson is trying to preserve some of Berbatov's confidence ahead of the big run-in to the season.

What does that mean for us Spurs supporters? Well, if we want to boo someone who left Tottenham, there's always Michael Carrick, though I don't know if he will start tomorrow. I don't think Carrick should be booed at this point, he was a good servant for the club, and yes I know he wanted to move, but his move didn't strike me the same way Berbatov's move did.

No other word on team news ahead of tomorrow's Final, it seems like Ferguson is going to start plenty of youngsters, so hopefully that is good news for us. On the Friday Football Show Tim Sherwood confirmed that we are going to be putting out our best eleven in hopes of retaining the Cup.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Crouch to Spurs?

There have been rumors since Harry came to us from Portsmouth about Peter Crouch moving to London and joining the club. Various outlets have reported that Crouch has said that he is happy at Pompey and has no desire to move to another club during the summer.

I don't think that Spurs need Crouch in the summer. Currently on the books at the club are Pavlyuchenko, Defoe, Bent, and Keane. It seems that Crouch and Pavlyuchenko are very similar players, tall, lanky, and can hold the ball up. And also with the play of John Obika last night we could have another player in the same mold of Pavlyuchenko and Crouch already at the club.

Do you think the club needs another striker in the summer? And if so, who do you think Spurs should buy? I have said several strikers, like Roman Bednar of West Brom or Kevin Doyle of Reading would be good reserve strikers for the club.

How to fix Tottenham's defensive problems

While the midfield and strikers have not exactly pulled their weight at all times this season, the majority of the problems with the squad have been in the defense throughout the year. We all know the problems that Gomes has had, and I'm not going to beat a dead horse here, but what do about our defensive problems?

The right back position has been good for us throughout the year, Corluka has proven to be an excellent buy for the club, but for my money, I'd like to slot him inside to center half over time. He does get forward, but is not as comfortable as someone like Javier Zanetti at Inter in contributing to the attack. I think we have that type of fullback/wingback already at the club in Alan Hutton. He's been injured throughout most of the year, and hasn't been able to get out and show Harry what he can do, and I am thinking that even if he is close to fitness before the end of the year, Harry should rest him, have him train and get ready for next year. When he is healthy, I think Hutton will be a good right back for the club, getting forward when needed, but steady in the back and covers well.

Hutton was a big buy, at around 9 million pounds from Rangers in January of 2008, and at the same time we purchased Christ Gunter as well. Gunter is young, and needs to go out on loan to get some experience before he is ready to compete for a place in the first team. He has a lot of potential, and has played well in the Carling Cup for the club, but is still too raw, like last night where he didn't close down and the crushing goal was scored by Shakhtar.

Pascal Chimbonda came back to the club here at the end of January, and I say we cannot get rid of him fast enough. It is clear that Harry simply wanted cover for the rest of the season when he first wanted to get Chimbonda back on loan. When Hutton gets back to fitness, we will have four right backs on the books, and I think Chimbonda needs to be sold in the summer, though I don't know if we'll find any takers. He is a good player technically, but makes rash tackles, and gets caught upfield too often.

What I would do is have Hutton and Corluka splitting time at right back, with Corluka slotting in the center as needed, this would be best for the club in my opinion.

We have quite a few center backs on the books, and they are all talented, probably one of the best positions at the club. Sadly, I am wondering how much longer Ledley King can keep playing with his knee injury. As solid as he is, we don't see him on the field nearly enough, and problems arrive with that. When we keep changing out our center back pairing, it creates confusion, and the consistency doesn't come that is needed to hold the defense together. I think Jonathan Woodgate and Michael Dawson have been the players of the season for us, and are now making the best pairing for the club. They have the connection now that Dawson and Ledley had 3 seasons ago, knowing where the other was going to be instinctively. I hope Ledley can get back to full fitness again, but I don't think it is going to happen unfortunately, and so Dawson, Woodgate and Corluka should be our center backs.

The left back position is where I believe we've been let down most by this season. All we have heard since Gareth Bale came to the club is how talented he is, and we do see flashes of that from time to time, but if you are going to be a left back, your first priority has to be to defend. The penalty that Bale committed against Stoke, which led to his sending off, is the perfect example of how undisciplined he can be in defense. He has to close down on wingers, stay in front of them, and not make rash challenges. He does get forward well, but doesn't track back as quickly as needed. He did better last night as a left winger where he had fewer defensive responsibilities.

I have to admit, Benoit Assou-Ekotto has been my whipping boy this season. I threw things at the tv when he was sent off against West Brom, and I've felt he was as bad as Bale defensively at times. In the last couple of matches he has played much better, and had a great assist to Woody the other night, but I don't think he is the long term answer.

Many names have been mentioned to come into the club in the left back role, such as Nickey Shorey, or Leighton Baines, but I don't think Shorey would be the answer and I doubt Everton would let Baines go. He would be a good answer, but I wonder what his price would be. A short-term answer could be someone like Paul Robinson, the left-back at West Brom. He is thirty, but is solid and could be a short term answer while we wait for Bale to develop. Another answer could be Andrew Taylor at Middlesborough, who has been solid for Boro and could be available if Boro are relegated.

I hate to seem cold and callous, but two players who are defenders have no future with the club in Gilberto and Ricardo Rocha. They may be great guys, but they can't get the job done, and I expect to see them leave the club in the summer.

Our goalkeeping problems have been well known, with Gomes playing poorly all year and Carlo Cudicini not being a spring chicken. I think Cudicini will be a great keeper for the club over the next couple of years, but is clearly not a long-term option. He could be with the club for a couple of seasons, but we need to find someone young who can be our answer in the goal, someone like Joe Hart from Man City, or for my money, Scott Carson at West Brom. Both are young and have potential, and either would be an improvement over Gomes.

So our defense is not all that bad, it just has not played up to expectations this season. I think a lot of that might come from not having confidence in your keeper, as we have played better as of late. If we can get a new left back in and settle on a pairing in the center of defense, I think we can shore up our defensive problems, at least I hope so. I will look at the problems in the midfield and up top in a later post.

Tell me what you think has been the problem this season, and how you would fix it.

Carling Cup Preview

With the club out Europe, we turn our attention to Sunday's Final against United, and from there we concentrate on consolidating our place in the league, and ensuring survival. You can see that I thought of our performance, which I was pleased with, in the Player Ratings post.

Sunday is a massive contest, as we all know. Making it to Wembley is something special, and this is the second year running we have made it to a Final. I am hopeful we can pull out a victory, it would boost morale throughout the club and give us another trophy, and help us qualify for Europe yet again. Last year's victory didn't act as the springboard for form in the league like it should have, but I have confidence this weekend.

Cudicini, Palacios, Chimbonda, and Keane are all ineligible for the Final, since they have played in the competition with their former clubs as we know, so it will fall to the players who've been here all season to come through for us.

With Huddlestone playing last night, I don't think he is going to start, but could be used as a substitute. Jamie O'Hara and Dos Santos both had good performances last night, especially the well-struck goal from Giovanni so I expect O'Hara to play some role, and Gio may now make the bench.

I think that we are going to see a 4-5-1 formation deployed by Harry, in hopes of controlling the midfield, and because of a lack of strikers that we have available for the Final as well, since Frazier Campbell cannot play against his parent club. If Ledley passes his fitness test, I would expect to see him lead the side out, though I think Dawson deserves to play some role with all he is given to the club this season, but the club needs a win, so sentimentality can't play a role.

From what I've read, Sir Alex is not going to risk too many of his first team players, with how many competitions they are in and maintaining the pole position in the League as well. The right back Rafael is out with an ankle injury, so I would not be surprised to see Gary Neville play and captain the side as he has travelled to London with the club. Here is what I think the squads will be, let me know what you think might be the lineups for Sunday's Final.

Tottenham

Gomes

Corluka, Woodgate, King, BAE

Lennon, Zokora, Jenas, Modric, Bentley

Pavlyuchenko

Substitutes: Alnwick, Bale, Dawson, Huddlestone, O'Hara, Dos Santos, Bent

Manchester United

Kuszczak

Neville, O'Shea, Vidic, Fabio

Gibson, Carrick, Fletcher, Welbeck

Ronaldo

Tevez

Substitutes: Foster, Ferdinand, Evra, Giggs, Scholes, Park, Rooney

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Player Ratings for Shaktar Second Leg

Well it was a better performance than I expected out of the side tonight. We came so close on so many occasions, it was heart-breaking to see that goal go in within the last ten minutes. Even though it was not a priority for the club, I never like to see us lose, and everyone on the field was clearly trying to win.

I am not one to say this usually, but the refereeing was awful tonight. The no call on the penalty on Campbell in the second half was atrocious, he could have been seriously injured, and the referee was in good position to be able to make that call, but none was coming. I think Campbell didn't help the cause in the first half when he went down in the box rather easily, though a penalty could have been called on the play where Campbell and Giovanni seemed to fouled as well. But the referee was clearly watching out for Campbell by the second half, and so it was going to take a miracle with Campbell going down for a penalty to be called.

Player Ratings:

Gomes 6.5 You know this was a good game for Gomes, I was happy for him. He made some good stops, controlled his area pretty well, and couldn't be faulted on the goal. Yeah, he should have held on to a few more of the shots and not allowed rebounds, but for Gomes this was a great game, for any other keeper, so-so.

Gunter 5.5 I like Gunter, and think he is going to be a good player for us in the future, but he was not on form tonight. Should have closed down better on the goal, if he had, who knows? Made decent distribution out of the back, but his tackling was off, not his best outing.

Chimbonda 5 I didn't want Pascal coming back to the club, and I know I have railed about it in the past, but this is why. Ineffectual at center back. On a couple of occasions was holding on to the ball way too much deep in our penalty area. When there is a ball within the 6-yard box, don't hold possession while the other team closes down, make a pass out of danger!

Huddlestone 6 Tom was the captain this evening, and played a good game, much better than the first leg. Had an outstanding ball out of the back to Bale in the first half that should have been capitalized on. Made some good tackles and marshaled the back four decently. Not a natural center-half but filled in admirably.

Gilberto 6 I personally can't believe I'm writing this, but Gilberto didn't fall over his own two feet tonight. Got forward decently, and actually played some defense, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Yes he did make some bad areas in the opponents' half, losing possession and putting way too much pace on the cross in the second half shortly after Giovanni's goal. But like Gomes, he did great compared to what I was expecting from him

Giovanni Dos Santos 8 Man of the match for me, took a great goal, his first for the club. In the first ten minutes he was almost invisible, but then actually got involved, looking for the ball, tracking back, and basically looking like the player who came from Barcelona. I thought that this was a last shot for Giovanni to impress Harry, and he certainly did that tonight.

Palacios 6.5 Not the same performance we've seen from him in the last couple of games, but still a solid effort. Made some crunching tackles, but also lost possession a few times, is going to be great for us though.

O'Hara 7 Nice to see Jamie back in the side after being out with injury. Was eager to get back out, you could tell. Took several shots early on, not on target, but trying to get involved. He was the creator in the midfield tonight and did well. I expect to see him play a role in the Cup Final on Sunday.

Bale 6.5 I think at the moment he's better as a midfielder than a defender. His defense needs work, but getting forward is his strong suit, and he showed it tonight. Probably should have scored on that long ball from Huddlestone, but did play well overall.

Campbell 6 Got involved, you can definitely say that. He'll think there should have been at least three penalties called for him, and there was one that should definitely been called. He was active, and had a great assist on Giovanni's goal, but that first time he went down in the box shouldn't have happened, he needs to learn when to go down and when not to, we might have gotten a later call that way. Good effort though.

Obika 7 Runner-up for Man of the Match for me. On his debut he showed me and a lot of other supporters a lot I am sure. Have several great shots that came oh so close to going in. Held the ball up well, he has good size and will make a great complement to Defoe and Keane when he gets more first team action. Just now 18, if we were safe in the table I'd want to see him get a longer run out in the side.

Substitutes:

Parrett 6 Got involved, made a decent tackle here and there, and some good passes. Didn't have a chance to get too involved, the pace of the game seemed to be away from him a little bit. Will definitely be a player for us, but still is a little raw.

Bostock 6 Another youngster who I want to see more of, but tonight didn't get too involved. Had a couple of moments, but like Parrett, the pace of the game seemed to be ahead of him when he came on. I think he's going to be great as well, and want to see him for 90 minutes.


I'm disappointed we didn't go through, but overall happy with the effort of the lads. Giovanni finally showed something, and Obika looks to be quite a talent. Parrett and Bostock will also be great players in time, and it was nice to see them all get a run-out. Now let's turn our attention to Sunday and beating the Red Devils!

Official Lineup versus Shakhtar

Well, I was totally wrong with my team projection. No Dawson, no Zokora, no Bent feature in the side. Palacios does get a run out since he is cup tied for Sunday's match. The bad news, Gilberto is starting for us, I shudder at the thought.

Gomes,

Gunter, Gilberto, Huddlestone, Chimbonda

Dos Santos, Palacios, O'Hara, Bale

Campbell, Obika

Substitues: Jansson, Smith, Butcher, Bostock, Parrett, Mason and Townsend

John Obika does make his debut for the team tonight, and it looks like O'Hara is going to be deployed in the center of midfield with Palacios, so no lack of grit in the center of the field. Gareth Bale is back in the side for the first time in awhile, on the left wing, probably a better place for him currently since he's better going forward than defending at the moment. The defense looks shaky at best to me, I like Gunter, but Gilberto, Huddlestone and Chimbonda can all make my heart stop at times.

I expect to see Bostock and Parrett tonight, and maybe Adam Smith make his debut as well. Let's hope we do well, we can still advance. COYS!!!!

Thanks to thespursweb.com for the first listing of the team lineups.

Team news ahead of Shakhtar

Well David Bentley is relieved, he was left out of the team for tonight's match against Shakhtar. When I first saw that, I did a double-take, but it makes sense. With him not being in the team for tonight, he will most certainly play some role at Wembley on Sunday against United in the Cup final. With his performances as of late, this probably comes not as just a surprise to him, but to the followers as well. Maybe the faith that Harry is showing in him will help his morale and bring out the player that was at Blackburn last year.

Onto players that are actually included in the side for the match tonight. Jamie O'Hara is back in the side after a long time out with a hip injury, and I am glad to see him back. He's a battler and you can count on him for a solid performance each match. I think Harry will use him for a half or so to help get his fitness back for the Final on Sunday. I think we might see Dos Santos for one half and O'Hara for another, giving Gio one last chance to impress Harry.

I wish players like Taarabt and Rocha were eligible for the contest tonight. This would be a great time to get both of them a run-out, and a great chance for the followers to see Taarabt for 90 minutes. I'm excited to see more of him and was impressed with the hat trick he had in the reserves games this week.

When I get the actual lineups I will post it here, but for now, here's my updated thoughts about the starting 11.

Gomes

Gunter, Dawson (C), Zokora, Chimbonda

Bostock, Huddlestone, Parrett, O'Hara

Campbell, Obika

I would expect to see Dos Santos and perhaps Adam Smith get in the match in the second half sometime. Let's hope for a good result tonight!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Lineup for Shakhtar?

We all know that Harry is not considering the UEFA Cup a priority at this point, especially with all of the matches that are on the docket currently. I think we all expect to have a lineup that is made up of the youth squad tomorrow, so I thought I would take a crack at that as well. Here is what I think the lineup will be tomorrow, along with my prediction on the match.

Gomes,

Gunter, Dawson (C), Zokora, Chimbonda,

Bentley, Parrett, Bostock, Huddlestone, Dos Santos,

Bent/Campbell

I haven't made a decision on whether Harry will run out Bent tomorrow or Frazier Campbell again. I'm leaning toward Campbell because Bent might be in the squad for Sunday. I doubt Jenas will be given a run out because he will be rested ahead of Sunday. Gomes would play as a warm-up to Sunday since Cudicini is cup-tied.

Seeing Bostock and Parrett in the side would be good, we can really get an opinion of them with 90 minutes, though if Harry really wants it to be a youth side, he might give Obika or Adam Smith a start as well, but I don't think that will happen.

I think we'll play better tomorrow night, but nearly well enough to advance. I feel bad for all the people at the Lane who've paid full price for a ticket, since we're sending out a reserve side basically with little hope of advancing in the competition, but a relegation battle is a relegation battle.

Result: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Shakhtar

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Who Might Leave the Lane this Summer?

With the 3 points from Hull secure now, I feel a little better about us remaining in the Premier League for next year. Tomorrow I'll begin my preview of the 2nd leg very Shakhtar and the Carling Cup Final, but I am curious about who might leave the Lane this summer, and who we might see come in to replace them. First the departures.

I would be very surprised if Gomes is with the side next year. He has never settled and his confidence has been shot I believe, and the rumors were that he almost left during the January window should only fuel speculation that he will be plying his trade somewhere next season.

Gareth Bale arrived at the club with a wave of anticipation, after a bidding war with Manchester United for his services no less. But he has never shown it on the pitch for us. We know of his record of never having been on the pitch for a winning side in the Premier League, but he hasn't been on the winning side too often in other competitions as well. His defending is sub par for the Premier League, which is not very good for a left back. His ventures forward have been tentative most of the time, and we've never seen his free kick ability like he showed for Southampton. His confidence has been damaged with him being left on the bench since Harry came in, and not even making the bench last night versus Hull. He still has admirers, and a change of scenery might do him good, since Harry doesn't rate him.

Gilberto will leave if we can find a taker for him. No more needs to be said on the subject.

Giovanni Dos Santos had his foot out the door during the window, but failed his medical with Pompey. The lad is young, and came to the club to play with Ramos clearly, and would be happy with a change. The injury he picked up never allowed him to show his best form for the club, and he is too far out of the picture to feature for Harry now. A move back to Spain would be the most likely destination for the Mexican international.

Kevin Prince-Boateng is on loan, and a permanent deal seems to be 99% certain. He never had too much of a chance to impress for the club, I have to say he makes a good substitute on my FIFA 09 game on PS3 for the club, but he is happier back in Germany, let's hope we recoup our investment in him.

Frazier Campbell will go back to Manchester United and be loaned out again somewhere else, I don't think Harry will splash big cash on him from what we have seen so far.

Darren Bent put out a decent effort last night, it was his first start in awhile, but he is not going to be with the club next year. His yapping to the press last week about what a good striker he was certainly did not sit well with Harry, and perhaps led to him being on the bench last Thursday. Clubs like Everton, Newcastle and Bolton will surely be interested, and though I know we won't make our investment back on him, we could get a good 8-10 million quid for him and cut our losses.

This next couple of players in my view could possibly leave the club, the players I've mentioned before are more likely to leave than not, but the players to come are 50/50 to leave for me.

Jermaine Jenas has always been a favorite of mine, I know I will take some stick for that, but I think he is a very good player on his day. With the glut of players that we have in central midfield, and all of the rumors that were attached to him in the January window, I think he could be a player who leave in the summer. Inter were interested, and someone like Mourinho could get a lot out of the lad. I think he should remain a Spurs player and use this summer to rededicate himself to the game and come back stronger next year.

Tom Huddlestone is a confounding player for me. I love him one minute, and want to crucify him the next. He is a gifted footballer, but he has not been on form all season for the club. He can be a great passer, and has scored some great goals, but his defense this season has been sorely lacking, and he seems unhappy with his place in the squad, but hasn't worked to change it. Granted it is difficult to change things too much in the season, but he needs to work on his fitness and tackling in the summer if he wants to remain a Spurs player. It would not shock me to see him sold or for him to remain at the club, but his position bears watching during the summer transfer window.

Now for possible arrivals to the Lane next year.

We need a long-term answer at goalkeeper, I think we all know that. Joe Hart from Manchester City has been mentioned as a possibility, I'm not sure he's the answer though. The matches that I have watched with him this season have not impressed me, and yes he is young but I don't think he would be right for us. A player like Ben Foster at Manchester United would be a great replacement, but I don't see Sir Alex letting him go with Van der Sar almost done with his career. A name that I would keep in the back in mind would be Scott Carson, the West Brom keeper. A nomad to say the least, he is extremely talented, a full England international and only 23 years of age. If West Brom are relegated, and that looks more and more likely every week, a 6 million pound bid for him would probably be accepted by the club and he could continue his Premier League career. That would be my surprise pick to man the nets for Spurs.

We also are in dire need of a left back, Assou-Ekotto has shown much better form over the past couple of weeks, but I don't think he is the answer at left back, and I think Bale is leaving the club in the summer, so the question is who will fill that role next year for the club? Nicky Shorey was mentioned in the transfer window, but he has looked overmatched in the League this year. He did well with Reading, and if recovered that form would be fine, but who knows if that will happen? Leighton Baines from Everton has also been mentioned, but I doubt Everton will let him go. I think someone from overseas might be an option, Harry might also look to the Championship, though I am a little bit leery of that. Speaking as an American, I have always been fond of Jonathon Spector, who had some time at Manchester United and did well there, but has found his options limited at West Ham. A flyer on a player like him might be good for the club.

How long have we needed a left-winger? Jamie O'Hara is gritty, but not really the answer out wide for the club. Lennon has done well on the left when Bentley was on the right, though Bentley has not done anything on the left. Stephen Hunt from Reading was mentioned several times during the window, and we still might make a run at him. Ryan Babel at Liverpool would also be an option since he has found first-team opportunities limited at Anfield. A dream would be Niko Krancjar, and he believes he will be sold this summer, but mentioned this morning that he wants to play for a Champions League club, so I doubt we will get him, though he would be a perfect option out wide on the left. If Boro are relegated they may finally grant Stewart Downing his request for a transfer, but I'm wondering if the club has moved on from him by now. This is the position that some creativity would be good in, finding a player in Spain or Portugal might be good for us.

If we see a striker come in, it will be a squad player, not a player competing for a starting spot week in and week out. A player like Roman Bednar at West Brom, or Kevin Doyle from Reading would be good options. I don't care to see Fred come into the side, but we still might see him.

Those are just some of my thoughts on the squad's comings and goings this summer. Tell me what you think, who should we get rid of, and who should we buy to move closer to the Top 4?

Monday, February 23, 2009

Player Ratings for Hull City

Not as impressive a game as I might have hoped for, I'm just happy we got three points, and to be honest, beggars can't be choosers. We looked awful in the first half, but in the second half we looked like a real team again. I'm worried about Cudicini now, it seems he got a case of the Gomes hands during the match, but we'll see if this was a one-off. Overall a gritty performance, and I'm relieved with the three points, the next League game is Middlesborough next week, followed by Sunderland, and we need 6 points from those games to really start feeling better.

Player Ratings:

Cudicini- 5 Looked like Gomes on crosses and corners, which worries me to no end. Should have been more forceful coming out on the goal, but saved a couple of crosses in the dying minutes to help seal the game. We knew he wasn't the long-term answer, but this worries me, let's hope it was a one-off.

Corluka- 6 Made a careless play that led to the corner that Hull eventually scored on, but otherwise another solid game from the Croat. Almost opened his account for the club with a header from Luka's cross in the second half. Didn't win as many balls in the air as he usually does, but was solid down the flank.

Woodgate- 8 Harry wants people who play with heart and no one signified that more tonight than Woody. Scored a great goal, he got a great jump and scored his first goal against someone other than Chelsea. Was a rock in defense and was exactly what we needed tonight.

King- 6.5 Ledley's first game in several weeks, and honestly he looked a little rusty. Played well in defense, but was not as sharp as he is usually. He is still the club captain, but didn't lead the team out, which was weird for me.

BAE- 7 I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm starting to come around on him. Got stuck in tonight, made some good passes, and a great cross for Woody's header. Clearly better than Bale in defense now, and he may not be my whipping boy anymore.

Lennon- 7 Great goal off the set piece, it was a flyer. But as much as I love Aaron, he needs to work on his crossing, his service tonight was sub-par at best. The runs he makes, the goals he scores and the energy he brings to the team makes up for his deficiencies in crossing, but still I'd like a winger to cross better.

Palacios- 8 He gave Woody a good run for his money for Man of the Match. Should have opened his account for the club, a great volley that Gardner couldn't have gotten out of the way of. He's exactly what we needed in midfield, a battler and a good distributor of the ball. If he keeps this up, he'll be a 12 million pound bargain.

Jenas- 6.5 Honestly played pretty well, got stuck in and cleared some balls on corners that I wish he would have done against Wigan. Seems to have a new lease on his football life. Still missed a couple of opportunities on volleys in the second half, but passed the ball well and was a credit to the shirt tonight.

Modric- 6.5 I don't like him out on the wing, he's too stifled with his creativity, but it's tough to play 4 in the back, 5 in midfield and 2 up top, isn't it? I think he, Jenas and Palacios would be a great central midfield, but we'd need to go to 3 in the back, or 1 up top, which wasn't working too well for us before. Looked good on corners, was creative, and took free kicks well. A little more consistent and he'll be our best player.

Keane- 6 Worked hard, and really showed his commitment to the cause by defending late on. Had a couple of moments of brilliance, the cross in the second half with his left foot was vintage Robbo, and he had several other moments of looking liking the real Robbo, but yet to open his account for us again, hopefully that will change against Boro next week.

Bent- 6 Played hard, and repaid Harry's faith with the start. Didn't get on the scoresheet, but worked harder than he has in awhile and maybe actually wants to wear the shirt.

Subs:

Pavlyuchenko- 6 Didn't have much in the way of service, so couldn't do too much. Got stuck in late in the game to help kill it off, but I still want to see him scoring more in the Premier League.

Zokora- N/A Wasn't on long enough to get a real rating, was brought on for Lennon to help kill the game off, and did the job.

Dawson- N/A Same as Zokora, not on long enough to get a real rating, replaced the bloody Woodgate and helped kill off the game.


I expect to see another squad against Shakhtar Thursday like we did last week. It will take a lot for us to advance, and I'd love to, but I don't see it happening, let's bleed some more youngsters and prepare for the Carling Cup on Sunday and the run-in to the season against Boro and Sunderland next week.

Bent starts versus Hull

Well, one thing about being a Tottenham fan is that you are always being surprised. Just when I was wondering if Darrent Bent was even going to make the bench for tonight's match he is in the starting eleven. Watching the prematch shows on Setanta, Les Ferdinand was asked about Bent's inclusion, and he said that Roman has picked up a knock in training yesterday, which I think has more to do with than anything else.

As another surprise, Jenas is in the starting eleven, joining Palacios, Modric and Lennon in the midfield. Now when I was thinking that Harry had tired of JJ and decided that he wasn't a starter for the club, in he comes for a massive match. That is somewhat sad that we are calling a match against Hull City massive, no disrespect to them, but we should be challenging for Europe, not struggling for survival, but that's how it goes.

Ledley makes the team tonight, delivering us a huge boost. As well as Dawson has played this year, King always brings us stability in the back. Now my question is, who leads us out, Ledley or Robbie? Setanta still has the (C) after Robbo's name, so we'll see.

Here is the team for tonight:

Cudicini

Corluka, Woodgate, King, BAE

Lennon, Modric, Palacios, Jenas,

Bent, Keane

Bench: Gomes, Chimbonda, Dawson, Bentley, Zokora, Huddlestone, Pavlyuchenko

Lennon in, O'Hara out against Hull

Aaron Lennon has been declared fit to play tonight against Hull, which is of course a boost for the side. Ledley is also nearing fitness, I doubt he'll be used tonight, I think Harry will hold him out for the Carling Cup Final on Sunday.

Jamie O'Hara isn't fit to play tonight, along with Defoe and Hutton. I hope Jamie gets back to fitness soon, I love his tenacity out on the left side, and he can be a great contributor in the last few months of the season.

I'm treating tonight like our match against Stoke last month, we need a big win against Hull, and I think we can make it happen. I think the lineup for tonight will be like this:

Cudicini

Corluka, Dawson, Woodgate, BAE

Bentley, Palacios, Modric, Lennon

Pavlyuchenko, Keane (C)

I think Harry will go with a 4-4-2 tonight, but if he didn't, I would think Jenas would be in the side. But, we need goals and I think Harry knows that. The question for me is whether Bent will make the bench after his snub on Thursday, I think he will, but I'm not positive.

Once I have confirmation on the lineup I'll post it here, Come On You Spurs!!!

Friday, February 20, 2009

Player Ratings for Shaktar

Well I wasn't expecting a classic last night, but I was expecting a little bit more than that. I was happy to see us giving some of the young players a chance, but it was our defense I was so disgusted with. I have serious doubts about progressing in the competition, we play 3 days after playing Hull, and 3 days before the Carling Cup Final. I expect to see more of the youngsters at the Lane that night, and hopefully we'll win the Cup so we can have a shot in Europe again next year.

Gomes- 4 The words awful, horrific, and a shambles come to mind. It was like a broken record with Gomes, not commanding his area on set pieces, flailing at balls, I thought Tony Parks had started correcting this a little bit. The goal was totally his fault, and though he wasn't really at fault for the second, I want to give him the blame anyway. Expect to see Cudicini in the nets at Hull on Monday night.

Gunter- 6 Didn't play too badly, got caught out a few times, and could have made a better play on the second goal, but he couldn't be blamed too much. I think he and Corluka are a great pairing at right back.

Dawson- 7 Played like a warrior as he usually does, throwing himself at shots, trying to keep the defense together, he could be the player of the season for us honestly, he has given nothing less than his utmost effort every match.

Huddlestone- 5 Center back is not for him. Looked unsure of himself all night, sat on the ball too long in the back, made a couple of decent tackles, but was out of sorts all night. We badly missed Woodgate tonight.

Chimbonda- 4.5 Exactly why I didn't want him coming back to London, maybe we can sell him again in the summer. Not a good defender, plays out of control too much of the time. Makes rash tackles, gets caught upfield too much. I'd even take BAE and Bale over Pascal at left back now.

Zokora- 4.5 I've tried to give Didier the benefit of the doubt since we signed him in 2006. Now I'm with everyone else in wanting him off the pitch. He missed tackles all night, lost possession, made bad passes, and committed a totally needless foul that led to the first goal. There was no way he was getting to that ball, he had cover all around him and still lunged in like a fool. Thank goodness we signed Palacios, he seems like a better version of Zokora now.

Bentley- 6 Not a bad performance, not a stellar one, though hardly anyone had a stellar one. Played hard, made some decent tackles, but his crossing was off the mark. Kind of got lost in the shuffle.

Jenas- 6 A good performance from him. Seems to have a new fire lit under him after the possible transfer in January. Got stuck in, made a few runs, strung some passes together, all in all not bad at all.

Parrett- 6.5 A good debut for the youngster, I was pretty impressed. Showed heart, and a good bit of talent. Made a great run and pass to Bent in the second half, but Bent couldn't make anything of it. Send him out on loan for a few months to get some more experience and he'll be a great player for us.

Dos Santos- 5.5 Totally non-existent last night. I literally forgot he was on the pitch at times. Granted there wasn't a lot moving through to him, but he made little effort to get involved. Probably his best chance to impress Harry, and didn't do that. I was impressed with the shot he had at the end of the first half, our best chance of the night and reminded me he was on the pitch.

Campbell- 6 A workmanlike effort. When you're a lone striker you're going to do a lot of grunt work, holding up the ball, and Campbell did that well. I thought something could have happened when Bent came on because Campbell would be freed up, but no such luck. I think if he got an extended run he'd show us something, but cameo appearances aren't going to help a whole lot.

Bent- 6 Came on and mixed things up. Made an effort, and tried to get a few balls in. Not his worst showing by far, but not his best one either.

Bostock- NA Can't give him a rating, was only on for a few minutes and didn't have a chance to get involved. Is definitely going to be a player though.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Starting 11 for Tonight

The lineups are out, and there are some surprises to me.

Gomes

Gunter, Huddlestone, Dawson, Chimbonda

Bentley, Zokora, Jenas (C), Parrett, Dos Santos

Campbell

First of all, Campbell ahead of Bent is a surprise, but a pleasant one for me. I don't rate Bent, and let's see what Campbell has before Manchester take him back in the summer. The big surprise is Dean Parrett at 17 is starting. This is what I was hoping for, getting a youngster a good game and seeing what he is made of. When you look at Bostock, Parrett, Gunter and Taarabt, we have some quality younger players who need a little seasoning, but can be great players for us.

And Harry was right, this is one of the worst pitches I've ever seen, let's hope no one picks up a knock tonight.


Come on you Spurs!!

Lineup for UEFA Cup

First of all, sorry for the lack of posts, I've had surgery this week and haven't been up to combing sites for news about the team. But, today is a big day, it's our first game in almost two weeks, and I can't wait to see us take the pitch.

We can see that Harry is concentrating on the Carling Cup final and the League and not placing a priority on the UEFA Cup, which I agree with. He has left a number of first-team players at home for tonight, making sure we don't pick up an injury for the League. Modric, Woodgate, Cudicini, Palacios, BAE, Lennon have all been left at home to make sure they don't pick up a knock on a bad pitch.

Harry has brought a lot of the youngsters on the trip, and I think we might see some of the young blood out on the field this evening. Here is what I think the lineup will be for the match tonight, let's hope for a good result, though it's not the end of the world if we don't get one.

Gomes

Chimbonda, Dawson (C), Zokora, Bale

Bentley, Huddlestone, Jenas, Dos Santos

Bent, Campbell

I'm not entirely sure this will be the lineup, Harry might deploy a 4-5-1, but we'd have to play Zokora in midfield, and Chimbonda in the center of defense with Gunter at right back. But let's see how things go.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Bent wants to leave, Don't let the door hit you on the way out

So Darren Bent has told the press that if he isn't given an extended run in the team, he will look to leave the Lane in the summer. Well, in January there were all sorts rumors that he was heading to Sunderland, Aston Villa, and even Everton, so I don't think it Harry will be gutted if Bent hands in a transfer request.

I will say we paid way too much money for him when he came over from Charlton, I think it was almost 16 million pounds. He doesn't seem to combine well with any of the strikers that we have had, and most of his goals have seemed to come off of rebounds. Now, I am happy when a striker is in front of goal and puts in second chances, but I don't see him scoring good goals from the run of play, or creating for himself or the other strikers. He seems to be the stereotypical striker, it's all about him, and damn everyone else.

I will not be heartbroken to see him leave the club, we have Defoe, Keane, Pavy, and for now Campbell, and the rumors of the Brazilian Love nearly coming in January and another target for the summer would leave us with plenty of options. I say let's cut our losses, if we can get 8-10 million pounds for him, take it because he really isn't worth what we paid for him. Let's have players who want to wear the shirt at the club, and get rid of the rubbish that are more concerned with their personal stakes than anything else.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

My thoughts on Dos Santos

Well, as we know I am a Yank, and so last night as I was watching the World Cup Qualifier between the United States and Mexico, I was able to watch our own Giovanni Dos Santos play more than he has in months for our Spurs, and I was able to get a good read on him.

He has a lot of potential. For Mexico he was deployed as a right winger, and should have scored for Mexico in the first ten minutes, but played a shot straight at Tim Howard, the United States keeper. I was happy when we signed Dos Santos this summer, but I think his confidence has been rattled. He had the pace to run past the US left back all night, but never took him on. His crossing was non-existent, not his fault because Mexico insisted on playing an English style of long balls from the back to the lone striker, which didn't work well against the United States.

I know that Dos Santos is only nineteen, and has barely begun to develop as a player, but for this season especially, he would be more of a liability for Spurs than anything. With his injury and the clear lack of confidence that Harry has in him he won't be able to play at the level that we need to make sure we assure our survival in the Premier League. Perhaps we can use him in the UEFA Cup as a substitute, that clearly is not the priority for the club, so it might be a good way to get him involved, but at this moment, I would much prefer to have Taarabt in the match than Dos Santos.

I am still curious why the medical with Pompey fell through, he looked fit enough last night, and I want the best for the lad, and what he needs is game time, which we can't afford to give him at this time.

On a separate note, I want to see more of Taarabt, maybe in the UEFA Cup as well. He's been impressive in the last couple of times we've seen him, you can tell he enjoys the game and is not afraid to run at players. Who do you want to see more of? Tell me who you want to see more in a Spurs shirt, and why.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Just Odds and Ends

Well since I'm laid up at home with a knee injury I have little to do except for read about the team and watch reruns of "West Wing," so I will write a little about what I saw on various sites today and also a little about the sackings that occurred to me.

Scolari is a World Cup winner, and a helluva coach, but the pressure at Stamford Bridge is immense. I rarely agree with Sir Alex, but here I do when he says that Scolari wasn't given a fair shake. And Tony Adams getting the sack is unfair, he was put in an awful position with Harry leaving, Pompey selling off their best players in Diarra and Defoe, and the rumors being rampant about Krancjar. He was in the job less than four months I think, and no manager can make changes in that time. I wonder if he'll come onto the staff at White Hart Lane, though I doubt it. Deserved a better shake than that I think.

So the rumors are back, and honestly that's all I'll be able to write about until the next match. Now we're linked with a 10 million pound bid for Joe Hart in the summer to serve as the long-term answer in the goal, and Juventus and Real Madrid will make a run for Modric in the summer. I mentioned this previously, but I am again because I want us to keep Luka under any circumstance.

And Dawson is happy with Keane being the captain, not that there was any surprise with that. I'll add stuff as I have it, because I have plenty of time to comb through the sites to find the rumors.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Arseanl Player Ratings

Well, another derby in the books, and it was lively, wasn't it? If you would have told me at the beginning of the day that we would have a draw, I would have taken the point gladly, but with the red card that was shown, and some of the form that we showed in the first half, I have to say I am a bit disappointed that we didn't get the three points. It was nice to see Robbie back on the pitch today, and though I at first doubted the decision of us buying him back, I think that he is a Spur for the long-term now and will help score loads of goals for us. Overall the lads looked good, but something was missing, and that is what kept the win just out of reach. But a point is a point, and I won't turn it down.

Player Ratings:

Cudicini- 6.5 Played well, I think this might have given us some insight into Harry's thoughts on whom he prefers, with Gomes being healthy. Made a couple of good saves and patrolled the area well, but would have been beaten if a few shots had been on target. But I feel much better about him in the nets on set pieces than I did with Gomes.

Corluka- 6.5 Put in his usual workmanlike performance, except for one major area in trying to usher a ball into touch that Clichy was able to whip in and almost cost us a goal. Vedran stays very solid in the back, and has been venturing forward more often lately, but I understand him coming off for Chimbonda, because of Chimbonda's ability to get forward.

Dawson- 7.5 He and Woodgate were top class today, clearing loads of balls out of the area. Having an extended run in the side again is showing what a quality player he is. Won a couple of great headers, and made a great tackle in the penalty area that, if mistimed, would surely have been a penalty.

Woodgate- 8 Even though he isn't the stand-in captain anymore, still plays like it. He isn't one to lead vocally, I think that's why Harry gave the armband to Keane, but he leads by example, and had several crunching tackles to keep the area clear today. When he went forward, he played some good balls, and hopefully we'll see him get on the scoresheet again soon.

Assou-Ekotto- 7 He's proving me wrong, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. Has really been solid as the left back the last few weeks, not getting caught out, not making rash tackles, basically acting unlike himself to me. Got forward and was involved today, but not at the cost of his defending like is so often the case.

Lennon- 7 If Aaron was a little better crosser of the ball, he'd be golden. I love watching him run at people, but his final touch failed him at times on the crosses today. Took some good shots, and was all over the pitch, getting stuck in and showing that he wants to wear the shirt. Good effort from him, I hope he isn't injured like they said he might be on the broadcast.

Palacios- 8 The man of the match for me, and for a few other Spurs supporters as well I would bet. This looks more like the player that we paid so much money for. Was all over the center of the pitch today, winning balls, harassing Arsenal players, and making good outlet passes. Took some shots, and we can see that's not his strong suit, but I'll take this type of performance anytime.

Jenas- 6.5 I have a soft spot for JJ, and so I was glad to see him back in the lineup today. I know he takes a lot of stick from Spurs fans, but I think he can be a great player. Not his best game today, he made a couple of awful passes, but he also transitioned form defense to offense well, made some good tackles, and played well. I might have played him out wide, and Luka in the middle, but that's just me.

Modric- 6.5 Got involved early on and played well. Had some good creative moments, but I think he gets lost too often out on the wing. I think Harry played him out wide today because he knew the match would be brutal in the middle, and maybe he didn't think he could handle it. In the second half Luka disappeared for long stretches, something we must not let happen.

Keane- 6.5 Had a shot that went oh so close, but otherwise was absent for a large portion of the match as well. He is unlike any of other strikers in that he will track back to get involved, but I think he was getting his feet in the side again today. When he was on the ball, he did look dangerous.

Pavlyuchenko- 6 Roman just isn't having any luck in the League. Put out a great effort, and was involved, but luck just isn't going his way. Give him and Robbie some time, and they'll be a good partnership though.

Subs:

Bent- 5.5 Was disappointed not to be in the side after scoring two last week I'm sure, but was not anything special. Had few opportunities and when the ball did come his way didn't make much of it.

Chimbonda- 5.5 Was brought in to get forward, and lost possession more than anything. Just doesn't do it for me, I think Vedran should be on the pitch for 90 instead of Chimbonda coming on.

Taarabt- 6.5 Not enough time to get a real look at him, but I love this kid. He runs at players, and while he is still very raw, I think he can be pretty special, especially out wide.

Two weeks off now before the UEFA Cup and going to Hull City, so let's get everyone fit, and pick up some points.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Now O'Hara isn't fit

So I spoke too soon earlier today by saying that Jamie O'Hara will be in the squad on Sunday. On the official Spurs website, Ledley King, O'Hara, Hutton and Defoe are all out for Sunday's derby. So I guess I jumped the gun a little bit. I'm wondering what the team will look like now, the left wing spot will be tricky to figure out who will start. Tell me what you think the lineup will be on Sunday.

Cudicini
Corluka, Woodgate, Dawson, BAE
Lennon, Palacios, Modric, Jenas/Bale (?)
Keane, Pavlyuchenko

O'Hara back for Arsenal

First I'd like to apologize for my dearth of posts the last few days, I have injured my knee and am on some heavy-duty painkillers, so if I was posting a lot, I would be rambling more than I usually do. Now, on to the Spurs.

Jamie O'Hara has apparently recovered from his hip injury and will be fit to play on Sunday. Before he injured himself against Burnley, he had seemed to be an automatic choice for Harry on the left flank, so I would expect him to come right back into the team, especially with Bentley suspended.

Gomes is speaking out and saying that he is still the number 1 at the club. Yes he might wear the number 1 shirt, but I'm not sure about the competition, Cudicini couldn't be faulted on the goals against Bolton last weekend honestly, and seemed to handle the area with more confidence than Gomes did.

And finally, I've read several reports that Juventus and Real Madrid will be interested in coming in for Luka Modric this summer. I would say that it would take a lot for Harry to let him go, we paid over 16 million for him last summer, and I would expect that if we were going to sell, it would need to be over 20 million pounds, and possibly a player swap as well.

No word on whether Ledley will be fit for Sunday, I hope he can lead us out. More information as I get it.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Keane to Captain Spurs

With Robbie now back in the fold, it appears he is going to serve as captain most of the time. In an article I read last night, Robbie is going to serve as "team captain" while Ledley will remain the "club captain." I guess Woodgate is giving up the vice-captaincy, with Keane preparing to lead the side out against Arsenal on Sunday. I can't say that I'm surprised about this, he was the acting captain when he was here before. I think this will serve us well, Woody has been great, but I think we need someone to take the team by the scruff of the neck and lead us back to mid-table respectability.

Also, even though the window is shut, Stephen Appiah is still rumored to be signing for the club, unless Arsenal sneak under our nose and sign him. I'm still wondering about this possible signing, with us already have Zokora, Palacios, and Huddlestone in a holding midfield role. But if he's on a free transfer, it couldn't hurt to have him in the fold.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Keane back in the fold

Well Robbie Keane is a Spur again. After rumors throughout the month that Benitez was unhappy with Robbie, we now have him back at the Lane. I loved Robbie when he played for us, but was skeptical about him coming back. It does seem like it's old home week at the club.

So the rumor is 15 million pounds for a player that we sold for 20.3 million in August. It's nice that we didn't pay more for him, but whenever Defoe is healthy again, we're going to have the same problem we did two and three years ago, the two can't really play together because they are too similar in playing styles. So while I love Robbie, I'm still curious about how this will go. With Defoe out for awhile apparently it's not a problem that we have to worry about currently.

In other transfer news, there was no movement out for the club. Dos Santos' move to Pompey for 7.5 million pounds fell through during his medical, so he will be staying with the club. The rumors of Huddlestone moving to Fulham were just that, and Jenas went nowhere, though there were rumors of him moving to Inter in a swap deal for Quaresma.

Also, there was no other incoming news on the transfer front, with Stephen Hunt remaining at Reading, and no Nicky Shorey move from Villa. I have to say that I am disappointed that we didn't sign a left-winger, which has been needed for years now. Another left back would not have been bad either. So, I am happy Robbie is back, he can certainly be a talisman, let's hope he helps us stay up.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

The Remaining Schedule

So with our loss yesterday, we have 24 points through 24 games, not exactly lighting up the league. We have some big remaining matches coming up, and I thought I would put in my two cents about what the result could/should be. I'm leaving out the UEFA Cup, it'd be good to do well in it, and the Carling Cup as well, but I just want us to remain in the League. Let me know what you think about these games.

2/8- Arsenal- Played at home, and we all know how exciting the first match was. A definite point is needed, and 3 would be really nice.
Result: Draw

2/23- Hull City- Hull's good form from the beginning of the season is beginning to wane, and these are the matches that we need to take points from. Even though we aren't a good away side, we need at least a point, we can't get all our results at home.
Result: Draw

3/4- Middlesborough- Southgate's side are struggling, and even with Downing staying with the club, I fully expect them to go down. The first game between the clubs set us off on the struggle of a season, but redemption is at hand.
Result: Win

3/15- Aston Villa- Probably the surprise of the year for me, O'Neil has a good squad. With this being an away match, I would love to say we can get a point, but honestly, I don't see us winning this one.
Result: Loss

3/21- Chelsea- Our first point of the season came against the Blues, and they will be coming to the Lane for this match. We have played up to the competition this season, a win against Liverpool, and draws against Arsenal, Chelsea and Man United, so I think this might be a pleasant surprise.
Result: Draw

4/4- Blackburn Rovers- Another struggling side, Allardyce has made some improvements in the squad since he took over, but they are still sitting near the bottom of the table. This is the type of game where we will go in expecting a win, and the team will forget how to play football. We'll be lucky to get a draw, though a win here would be a big relief.
Result: Draw

4/11- West Ham- A derby game, and an important one at that. Zola has the side playing better, but we won at Upton Park earlier this year, thanks to Ledley and a cracker from O'Hara, and we will need to be on our game to have the same result.
Result: Win

4/18- Newcastle- If there is a "big" club that will be going down, I think it will be Newcastle. I have just watched a replay of the Sunderland/Newcastle game today, and they were fortunate to get a point at home. With injuries galore, I think we have to target this game as a must win.
Result: Win

4/25- Manchester United- We played so well in December to get the point at home, but I think the result will be closer to the FA Cup result. Ferguson will have the team pushing for a title, and this will be one of those games that I'll rejoice if we get a point.
Result: Loss

5/2- West Brom- Still propping up the league, West Brom will probably see their ticket punched back to the Championship by the time this game is played, so this is one of those games that the squad should secure three points from. The thing we must not do is take the game too lightly.
Result: Win

5/9- Everton- Going to Goodison is never an easy task, and this begins a tough three game stretch to finish the season. If we haven't secured safety by then, I will be in the hospital with chest pains facing these three games. Another game where I will dance if we get a point.
Result: Loss

5/16- Manchester City- City is playing better, much better than when we beat them in the fall. They are coming to the Lane, so that will help us. Hopefully this will just be a game that helps us determine our position in the middle of the table.
Result: Draw

5/24- Liverpool- The last match of the season away. We were lucky to get a win in November against them, and they will likely be challenging for the title. With the bad blood between Harry and Rafa over the Keane scenario, I expect it to be chippy.
Result: Loss

So based on my predictions, we should take 17 points over the next 14 games. I would love to say we're going to take more, but I am trying to be realistic. With 41 points we should be safe however. We certainly can take more points from these matches, and let's hope we do.

How many points do you think we will take from the rest of the season? And don't forget to vote on where you think we will finish in the table.