After an enforced break, courtesy of our opponents last weekend being involved in the FA Cup, we`re back in Premier League action this Sunday when Martin Jol takes the squad back to his old stomping ground, White Hart Lane. It has all the makings of a difficult, but entertaining fixture.
Vital Quotes:
Ahead of the trip to White Hart Lane our Norwegian defender John Arne Riise has spoken about facing the Premier League`s in form player, Gareth Bale, remarking,
“He can run, head, score goals, create goals. He even says `sorry` when he kicks you. Everything about him at the moment says ‘class`.”
Okay, John, we`re already having nightmares about him!
Spurs Team News:
Andre Villas-Boas will, for this fixture, be able to welcome back Gareth Bale after the Welshman was forced to sit out the Europa League fixture against Milan through suspension. Aaron Lennon, a substitute in Italy, courtesy of a hamstring strain, is fit for selection.
Also in the squad will be two former Fulham players in the shape of Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey.
Player to watch: Gareth Bale
Signed by Martin Jol when he was in charge at White Hart Lane, the Welshmen has blossomed into one of the best talents in the Premier League. Currently on a hot scoring streak, Fulham will need to keep a tight grip of him, otherwise it could be carnage.
Fulham Team News:
Martin Jol returns to White Hart Lane with a relatively injury free squad. The only notable absentee, we`re informed, is Mahamadou Diarra who is out for the remainder of the season.
One doubt was removed this week when Steve Sidwell recovered from a knock he`d picked up in training.
Player to watch: Dimitar Berbatov
The Bulgarian is likely to get a warm reception against his former club, I just wonder what the reaction would be if Dimitar were to get on the score-sheet.
Match Facts & Stats
So what do the record books show us about our matches against Spurs?
Well, we`ve lost on our last 4 visits to White Hart Lane, 3 in the Premier League and 1 in the FA Cup.
The last time we won there was way back in 2003 when we came away with a 3-0 win, since then the record books sow we`ve lost 6 and drawn 2
Ref Watch:
The man in the middle aiming to keep things in order is Mike Jones.
Match Prediction:
White Hart Lane is never the easiest of places to visit, even more so when Andre Villas-Boas has his side firing on all cylinders. But Martin Jol is returning to an old stomping ground and will be keen to do well, even more so after Spurs raided Craven Cottage for Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey in the summer transfer window. Unfortunately, however much I try to dress this one up, I reckon we`ll do well to return to West London with a draw.
Next Fixtures:
After waiting what seems like an eternity to play a Premier League fixture, after this encounter at White Hart Lane we them thanks to the international break, have to sit back until Monday 1st April for our next fixture when we entertain Queens Park Rangers.
