please log in to view this image Saturday 26th December 3pm White Hart Lane Premier League Back to winning ways against Southampton and the second half was very encouraging, too. I'd have thought that the manager would want a faster start for this game though, as the team was sluggish out of the blocks. Our league position is quite tenuous right now, but a good run of results could really see us kick on. It's rare to have back-to-back Saturday 3 o'clock kick-offs, so let's hope that the stability helps. Norwich are only one bad result away from the relegation zone, but they've done fairly well recently. Their win at Old Trafford on the weekend was the undoubted highlight, but they faced a number of the bigger teams and done well. Draws with Everton and Arsenal followed narrow, one goal loses to Chelsea and City. They did lose 2-0 to Watford as well, but they're quite different to us in terms of style of play. There was no equivalent fixture last season, as our opponents spent the campaign in the Championship. The previous season saw us running out 2-0 victors, with both goals coming from Gylfi Siggurdson. Chris Hughton's side struggled badly and barely created any chances, so this side will hope to improve dramatically on that. Lineups for the last league game: Spurs: Lloris; Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies; Dier, Alli; Lamela, Dembele, Eriksen, Kane. Subs: Vorm, Wimmer, Bentaleb, Carroll, Winks, Chadli, Son. League form: DWDDLW. Norwich: Rudd; Martin, Bennett, Bassong, Olsson; O'Neill, Tettey; Redmond, Hoolahan, Brady; Jerome. Subs: Ruddy, Whittaker, Howson, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Odjidja-Ofoe, Mbokani. League form: WLDLDW. Referee: Mike Jones. Should Rose be reintroduced if he recovers from his illness or did Davies do enough to keep his place? As Walker and Vertonghen are on 4 yellows and risk suspension if they pick up another, should either be rested? Is anyone else not earning their place and who should replace them, if so?
Good point about the yellows for Walker and Verts. I'd feel more confident about Wimmer playing than I would Trippier, if we were to be resting defenders. As for the LBs, I think Davies deserves his chance, he seems to me to instil more confidence in his fellow defenders than Rose does, and he isn't so bad going forwards even if he lacks Rose's pace. I think it's an interesting question about dropping other players. I'm loathe to drop any of Eriksen/Alli/Lamela right now because they're all performing quite well, Eriksen is perhaps the candidate you'd consider dropping the most on current form but he is always dangerous for us and I think he contributes so much to how we play too. I'd like to see Son given a run in the team again though. Nice conundrum to have really.
I think Eriksen needs a break, specially as we play again Monday against Watford. Can't see us playing the same 11 in both games.
Making my traditional Christmas trip to the lane Saturday for the match. Im hoping my old school friend John ruddy will be playing as I'm in row 2 behind the goal and I'm going to give him some stick. I have no idea how he's in the premier league he was useless at school . Norwich have given us some trouble in recent matches and I think this could be a similar affair, but I'm gunna go 3-1 spurs anyway.
Ruddy is a good keeper who is out of favour at the moment. I first came across him in his Cambridge days and had him down to be a great keeper. After he left Everton, he had a few really good seasons, but seems to have hit a brick wall recently and it does look as if his career at the top level is at risk.
...also, Onomah was subbed at half time against Porto U21s today, so he may feature either against Norwich or Watford.
In our case, Boxing Day usually comes up with a leaden 0-0 draw. The difference is that, for the past couple of season, it isn't against Fulham every single time.
I'd play the strongest team possible so even though Jan and Kyle could be facing a ban if they pick up a yellow, I'd rather take the risk than decrease the quality in the starting line up. Same team that beat Soton for me. Enjoy your Christmases tomorrow guys
Don't understand not playing them. If they get a yellow they miss the next game. So instead people think they should miss this game?
Your last post had me scrolling up and down the thread looking for this new poster - I thought I'd gone mad! 'Spurscoys23' is the name of either a 10 year old trying to look older, or Pixie trying to get back into the Spurs board.
"I thought Spurs' trip to Southampton last Saturday would show how mentally tough they are. They proved it and I think they are ready for the top four." "Last week, Lawro got one correct result from 10 Premier League games."
And even a blind squirrel occasionally finds an acorn. But blind squirrels would do better than one out of ten on a three option test.
