Tottenham Thread

[chonabot]

3-3 full time......Bleedin 'ell Martha....

[ThaiPauly]

Thought you had it in the bag after 50 minutes...what on earth went wrong?

It was such a forgone result that I switched to watch the Newcastle game !

[Mossfinn]

3-3 full time......Bleedin 'ell Martha....

What's is going on! I had 3-1 going for max, I then have another look

Moss

[chonabot]

Tottenham v Arsenal

White Hart Lane

Saturday, 15 September

Kick-off: 1330 BST

Coverage on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match of the Day. Featured game on Score and Final Score.

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Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon is in contention to return after recovering from knee surgery.

Darren Bent (thigh), Anthony Gardner (thigh) and Michael Dawson (ankle) are also in the squad but Ledley King (knee) remains on the sidelines.

Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia will start ahead of Jens Lehmann (elbow).

Lassana Diarra may make his debut, but Philippe Senderos (suspended), William Gallas (groin) and Emmanuel Eboue (ankle) are out.

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Tottenham (from): Robinson, Cerny, Chimbonda, Lee, Gardner, Rocha, Dawson, Kaboul, Bale, Malbranque, Huddlestone, Jenas, Keane, Defoe, Berbatov, Zokora, Taarabt, Bent, Lennon.

Arsenal (from): Almunia, Sagna, Gilberto, Toure, Clichy, Hleb, Fabregas, Diaby, Rosicky, van Persie, Adebayor, Fabianski, Eduardo, Flamini, Walcott, Diarra, Song, Hoyte, Bendtner.

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Tottenham boss Martin Jol:

"There's no pressure. We want to get back to winning ways, that is our main focus.

"I would say that for me there are no worries. I'm looking forward to the game."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger:

"It (players away on international duty) is a big disturbance, this interruption.

"How quickly can we focus again on the club? That will certainly be a decider for Saturday's game."

"But if you want to be a successful team, you have to deal with that and Tottenham have the same problem with their players."

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BIG-MATCH FACTS

This is the 141st north London league derby between Tottenham and Arsenal, and their 31st clash in the Premier League.

Tottenham are looking for a 50th victory in the 156th competitive meeting with their near neighbours.

Arsenal have won three of their four Premier League matches this season; Tottenham have lost three of their five.

The Gunners have drawn their last four away league games; including the 2-2 stalemate at White Hart Lane on 21 April, the only occasion Arsenal have scored more than a single goal in eight Premier League outings on the road.

Spurs have not beaten Arsenal this century, nor in 18 League and Cup matches with their fierce rivals, since George Graham's side achieved a 2-1 home Premier League victory on 7 November 1999, when Steffen Iversen and Tim Sherwood were on target, and Arsenal's Martin Keown and Freddie Ljungberg were both sent off. That was Tottenham's only maximum in 23 north London League derbies.

David Pleat, Glenn Hoddle and Jacques Santini never got the better of Arsene Wenger as Tottenham managers. Now Martin Jol will make his ninth attempt to do so (in league and cup).

CLUB FORM

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Club stats

Fixtures

1. Won one of five Premier League matches this season; 4-0, home to Derby on 18 August.

2. Managed only three clean sheets in 33 league matches.

3. Kept fewer clean sheets than any other club in the Premier League last season (six).

4. Four points after the first five outings is on a par with last season.

5. Scored eight league goals and conceded eight so far this season.

6. Lost one of the last eight home Premier League matches; 1-3, against Everton on 18 August.

7. The 4-0 victory over Derby in the last home game was their second clean sheet in 16 league outings at the Lane.

8. Completed 33 games since a Premier League no score draw; the most recent being away to Watford on 28 October.

9. Holding the highest number of different scorers in the Premier League (seven).

10. This match precedes the Uefa Cup first round first leg tie home to Anorthosis Famagusta of Cyprus next Thursday.

ARSENAL

Club stats

Fixtures

1. Won the last three in all competitions; 1-0, home to Manchester City (PL), 3-0 home to Sparta Prague (CL) and 3-1, home to Portsmouth (PL).

2. Unbeaten in 11 Premier League games; won six and drawn five since losing 0-1, home to West Ham on 7 April.

3. One of four clubs still holding an unbeaten Premier League record. The others are Blackburn, Liverpool and Newcastle.

4. Dropped just two points. Only Liverpool have also dropped so few.

5. Holding the joint highest Premier League points-per-game average of 2.5, equal with Liverpool.

6. Awarded and scored more penalties than any other club in the Premier League last season; converted 10 of 12. Already awarded three spot kicks in four outings, and converted two of them.

7. Without an away league victory in six; drawn four and lost two since beating Aston Villa 0-1 on 14 March - their only victory in eight on the road.

8. This match precedes the Champions League Group H tie, home to Sevilla of Spain on Wednesday.

KEY PLAYER NOTES

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Steed MALBRANQUE is Tottenham's top scorer with two Premier League goals.

If he plays:-

Jermaine JENAS will be making his 200th career league appearance (Nottingham Forest, Newcastle and Tottenham).

Jermain DEFOE will be making his 200th career Premier League appearance (West Ham and Tottenham).

ARSENAL

Cesc FABREGAS is the joint top scoring Premier League player with Nicolas ANELKA of Bolton. Both have netted four goals. All four of ANELKA's goals were in the Premier League, whereas only half of FABREGAS' total were league goals.

Arsenal's joint top Premier League scorers are FABREGAS and last season's leading marksman, Robin VAN PERSIE. They have netted two each.

If he plays:-

Gilberto SILVA will be making his 150th Premier League appearance - all for the Gunners.

If on the field from the outset:-

Gael CLICHY will be making his 50th Premier League start in an Arsenal shirt.

Justin HOYTE will be making his 50th career league start.

Suspended:-

Phillipe SENDEROS (one match)

HEAD TO HEAD

Arsenal have won one and drawn six of the last seven Premier League visits to White Hart Lane.

Tottenham have managed victory in only one of the last 11 home league matches against their north London rivals.

Home and away

League (inc PL): Spurs 45 wins, Arsenal 57, Draws 38

Prem: Spurs 5 wins, Arsenal 11, Draws 14

at Spurs only

League (inc PL): Spurs 28 wins, Arsenal 22, Draws 20

Prem: Spurs 4 wins, Arsenal 3, Draws 8

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Arsenal

21 April 2007 - Ref: Mike Dean

Spurs scorers: Keane 30, Jenas 90

Arsenal scorers: Toure 64, Adebayor 78

REFEREE

Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)

Premiership referees' table

Mark Clattenburg's 2007-08 Premiership card count

COYS !!!!

[chonabot]

1-0 half time !!!

Could this be the turning point ?

[Probably not.....]

[chonabot]

1-1 ....oh well....

1-2 .....it can't get any worse than this....?

90:00 GOAL - Emmanuel Adebayor

Tottenham 1 - Arsenal 3

Apparently it can...............

[32x]

1-0 half time !!!

Could this be the turning point ?

No.

But sounded like a cracking game.

Could have finished 4-4.

[Probably not.....]

[chonabot]

<deleted> to Mourinho...there's a game on tonight !

Tottenham v A Famagusta

Uefa Cup first round, first leg

Date: Thursday, 20 September

Kick-off: 2000 BST

Venue: White Hart Lane

Listen: BBC Radio 5live

Updates: BBC Sport website and mobile

Tottenham manager Martin Jol has to decide whether to step up Aaron Lennon's return to fitness by starting him against the side from Cyprus.

Winger Lennon came on as a substitute in the 3-1 defeat by Arsenal on Saturday for his first outing since undergoing knee surgery in May.

Central defenders Ledley King and Anthony Gardner remain sidelined with knee injuries.

Defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto is back in training but unlikely to figure.

Interview: Tottenham boss Martin Jol

Tottenham (from): Robinson, Cerny, Chimbonda, Lee, Rocha, Dawson, Kaboul, Bale, Malbranque, Huddlestone, Jenas, Keane, Defoe, Berbatov, Zokora, Taarabt, Bent, Lennon.

COYS FOR GAWDS SAKE GIVE US SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT !!!

[chavy]

Defoe on the score sheet twice, surely Jol has to get his head out the clouds & give him a regular run in the side.

[chonabot]

Tottenham 2-0 Middlesbrough

Gareth Bale and Tom Huddlestone got the goals to see Tottenham into the fourth round of the Carling Cup and ease the pressure on under-fire boss Martin Jol.

It was a deserved win for the hosts, who should have been well ahead before the hour with Jermain Defoe forcing keeper Brad Jones to save three times.

But it was left to Bale to open the scoring after he rounded the keeper, before Huddlestone's header sealed it.

Chris Riggott and Tom Craddock had Boro's best chances, but fired wide.

Those efforts came either side of half-time, with Tottenham's defence nowhere on a couple of set-pieces, but the youngsters failed to hit the target when well placed.

And aside from a Fabio Rochemback 20-yarder that Paul Robinson saved well, that was as close as the visitors came to a goal as Spurs dominated.

Defoe was at the heart of all that was good about the hosts in the first hour, almost getting things rolling when he set Jermain Jenas through on goal only for the midfielder to fire wide.

The diminutive striker then had a good chance blocked at his feet by the inspired Jones, before he set up Bale and Younes Kaboul for decent chances that were kept out by the Boro keeper.

In the second half, Bale forced another save with a free-kick before Defoe twice came close - the second time with a fine diving header - that Jones again kept out well.

But, with Spurs looking as if their profligacy would count against them, Bale popped up to race onto substitute Robbie Keane's pass to go round Jones and whip into the corner.

Defoe's withdrawal for Keane had been roundly booed, but the home fans were rejoicing when Aaron Lennon then raced down the right to dink to Huddlestone, who headed between Jones's legs to seal matters on 75 minutes.

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Tottenham: Robinson, Chimbonda, Kaboul, Dawson, Bale, Lennon, Jenas (Zokora 69), Huddlestone, Tainio, Berbatov, Defoe (Keane 69).

Subs Not Used: Cerny, Bent, Rocha.

Booked: Dawson, Tainio.

Goals: Bale 72, Huddlestone 75.

Middlesbrough: Jones, Young (Davies 80), Riggott, Wheater, Taylor, Cattermole, Boateng, Rochemback (Owens 76), Shawky (Craddock 46), Downing, Lee.

Subs Not Used: Schwarzer, Hutchinson.

Booked: Rochemback, Cattermole.

Att: 32,280.

Finally we beat another Premier league team , shame it's in the Worthless cup......

I'm starting to think that Gareth Bale is a bit good!

I know there are a few less famous Spurs members here apart from me , let's start adding to this thread , it's getting lonely......

COYS!

[MiG16]

congrats on the win then

PS. didnt want to say this again...but well its pretty obvious...Markr has been slacking. that or he just loves Arsenal much more now ..he spends all his time in my Arsenal thread

[markr]

I dont spend any time there my dear!

I only came in because you said you missed me so much!

[mrbojangles]

Anybody see the game last night? What a cracker. I really felt sorry for Martin Jol and it was great how he got mobbed by the players after the equalising goal...........even though it should have been given off-side Well done Totternham for battling back into it.

[chonabot]

Yes it turned into a real cracker the last 25 minutes - shame about the first 65 though!

[markr]

Well ,well what a game!!

The 125 party nearly went flat at White Hart Lane as Aston Villa played the role of gatecrashers before a stoppage time goal from Younes Kaboul clinched a point on a night of drama in N17.

Dimitar Berbatov ended his recent goals shortage and the evening appeared to be going with a swing, but the visitors hit back with three goals before the break and added to their advantage just before the hour mark.

There was a big surge to restore parity and goals from Pascal Chimbonda and a penalty from Robbie Keane raised hopes before Kaboul's thumping intervention.

There was a magical beginning to the night with the introduction of the legends back onto the Lane stage. Blue and white flags swirled in the stands and it really was quite a sight and a special time to be inside the stadium taking it all in.

There followed a minute's applause in honour of the great Bill Nicholson before the business of the game took over everyone's attention. It was nearly grabbed in some style by Teemu Tainio in the third minute when he galloped onto a Berbatov throughball and arrowed in a shot that unfortunately fizzed just over.

Villa then posed some problems with quality deliveries from the left with danger averted, but it was a set piece - as a result of a Craig Gardner chop on Gareth Bale - that bought a far more stinging delivery from Tom Huddlestone, one that Martin Laursen was forced to clear virtually off his line.

Paul Robinson then had to be at his best with a reflex palm away to divert Ashley Young's thumping effort away at the other end. Moments later Scott Carson was forced twice into action, but could do nothing when the deadlock was broken with 19 minutes on the clock.

A devilish corner from Huddlestone cleared the head of the advancing Michael Dawson before being met with clinical precision by Berbatov with a downward header that rattled the net and set the flags waving again.

The joy was shortlived - less than two minutes - as a Gareth Barry corner fell out of the clutches of Robinson, came off Laursen and onto Pascal Chimbonda, before coming back to the Dane to shoot into an empty net.

The party had a real dampener put on it after 32 minutes when an unmarked Barry crossed into the six yard box, which was followed by a header back across goal by Zat Knight and, almost in pinball fashion, the ball struck Laursen and he was able to claim another goal.

It got worse with 39 minutes on the clock when a long clearance from Carson found its way to the feet of Gabriel Agbonlahor, who then got the better of Dawson before driving low across Robinson and into the net.

Villa had the first chance of the second half from a Young free-kick that was half fielded by Robinson and hunted down by Luke Moore, who then went down claiming a penalty.

Confidence had drained away from the side and passes were going astray that were being pinged around with authority in the opening stages. It was time for Jermain Defoe and he was duly introduced with 53 minutes on the clock in place of Tainio.

Matters just got a whole lot worse on 58 minutes following a Younes Kaboul foul on Agbonlahor on the edge of the area. It appeared that Barry would be stepping up, but it was Gardner who charged through to take the kick and he proceeded to drill low past the wall to Robinson's right and into the net.

Defoe came close to cutting the deficit at the other end after being played in by Berbatov, but was denied by the feet of Carson. There was nothing Carson could do on 68 minutes when a Bale dash down the left resulted in a cross that was swept onto the inside of the post by Defoe. Thankfully the rebound fell kindly for Chimbonda to strike home from an angle and make it an interesting final 20 minutes.

Darren Bent came off the bench to replace Berbatov with the boys really rallying to try and salvage something from the evening. The summer signing could have netted his second of the season if he had connected with a Bale cross that fell almost under the crossbar, but Laursen managed to clear off the line.

It was game on with ten minutes to go when a penalty was awarded after substitute Marlon Harewood flattened Bent inside the area. Keane stepped up and calmly stroked past Carson to cut Villa's advantage to 4-3.

The party was back in full swing and Defoe did find the net, but from an offside position, before Steed Malbranque was the last change in place of Lennon. The boys kept knocking and stoppage time was ticking away - enter Mr Kaboul.

[chonabot]

Blimey did you write that yourself? - the lad's got talent!

[markr]

I wish I could write like that!

[markr]

AF 1-1 spurs

Robbie Keane scored the goal that secured a 1-1 draw against Anorthosis Famagusta, making it an aggregate margin of 7-2 and the UEFA Cup group stage now awaits.

In what was not an enthralling encounter, the Cypriot side took a second half lead and looked fairly comfortable in maintaining their advantage until the introduction of Gareth Bale and Keane altered the course of events.

In the 7th minute it really should have been 1-0 following a throughball from Lee Young-Pyo which allowed Darren Bent to outmuscle Nicolaou Nicos and square unselfishly for Jermain Defoe. The little striker, however, blazed over the bar.

At the other end the tall figure of Noikaumana Hamad pressed forward from the left flank and teed up Laban Vincent to pose a threat, with his effort bobbling wide. Bent later provided the danger with a forceful dash down the left of the penalty area and squared in front of Steed Malbranque, but the midfielder failed to propel himself forward. Fast forward a few moments and Defoe popped an effort over the bar with Bent again the supply line.

There were a couple of questionable offide decisions made which proved a big frustration to Bent, but Defoe was onside ten minutes before the break when Malbranque located him some six yards out in front of goal. His rising shot was somehow clutched with ease by home goalkeeper Zoltan Nagy.

Malbranque went for the ambitious on what remained a steamy evening in Larnaca, attempting an overhead kick from a Paul Stalteri cross and then the Frenchman slotted in Defoe just before the break and the striker struck and upright from the edge of the six yard box.

It wasn't the most eventful game and, with the climate, it had a bit of a pre-season feel to it except that the pitch wasn't particularly lush and didn't really lend itself to slick passing.

William Boaventura had a shy on goal just after the interval that flew over the bar at the end populated entirely by Spurs fans.

The scoring was opened on 53 minutes when A Boaventura cross from the left was cradled by the arms of Nicos Frousos and funnelled into the path of Fabio de Matos Pereira, who struck goalwards and netted via a slight deflection. Paul Robinson was booked for his pointing out of the clear use of arms.

Malbranque came close to providing an instant response at the other end but his shot was foiled by Nagy. Defoe proceeded to embark on a jinking run that only got knocked off course at the final moment before, a couple of minutes later, flashing a dipping shot narrowly wide.

The debut making Kevin Prince Boateng made way for Gareth Bale on 68 minutes, with the German having struggled to make an impression on the game.

A misdirected clearance from Michael Dawson nearly led to an increase in the lead for the home side when Laban drilled a shot just wide of the left hand upright. Keane was then quickly on the scene, while Bale was already making significant inroads into home defences.

It was from one such foray from which equality was achieved after 78 minutes. An elegant stride down the left was followed by a low centre that was dummied by Bent and slashed into the top corner by Keane - the substitutes combining to considerable effect.

Adel Taarabt was given an opportunity to shine late on, but the next chance fell to Defoe, whose low shot was saved by Nagi following a Paul Stalteri cross.

We'll find out where our next stop is on Tuesday.

Come on you spurs

[mrbojangles]

That's put an interesting twist on things eh Chon. We've just drawn you at our gaff for the next round

[chonabot]

That's put an interesting twist on things eh Chon. We've just drawn you at our gaff for the next round

Yes a good draw !

[mrbojangles]

That's put an interesting twist on things eh Chon. We've just drawn you at our gaff for the next round

Yes a good draw !

Yeah, i wonder who WE will get in the semi's

[chonabot]

That's put an interesting twist on things eh Chon. We've just drawn you at our gaff for the next round

Yes a good draw !

Yeah, i wonder who WE will get in the semi's

Talking about the FA cup already ?

[mrbojangles]

That's put an interesting twist on things eh Chon. We've just drawn you at our gaff for the next round

Yes a good draw !

Yeah, i wonder who WE will get in the semi's

Talking about the FA cup already ?

Yeah......that AS WELL

[chonabot]

West Ham v Tottenham

Upton Park

Sunday, 25 November

Kick-off: 1330 GMT

BBC coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match of the Day.

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West Ham have Dean Ashton, Scott Parker, Mark Noble and Hayden Mullins all available again after injuries.

But Craig Bellamy (groin) is still out and Lee Bowyer - suspended anyway - is recovering after a hernia operation.

Tottenham have doubts over Steed Malbranque and Younes Kaboul but Gareth Bale has been back in training after a foot injury and could return.

Ledley King (knee), Ricardo Rocha (ankle), Anthony Gardner (ankle) and Benoit Assou-Ekotto (knee) are out.

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West Ham manager Alan Curbishley on his side's injury probems:

"We've got to decide what course of action to take with Craig Bellamy.

"One route is injections, and the other is another operation, which would be longer.

"But elsewhere, I am are really pleased. It looks like one or two of the injured players are coming back."

Tottenham first team coach Gus Poyet:

"West Ham have a very, very good squad. It's a good test for us, a big derby and it's an ideal game to see how far we've come.

"It's the right time to see if we can perform at a higher level and if we can do well in big games.

"We're going there to win, no other option. We only want to win it."

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West Ham (from): Green, Neill, Upson, Gabbidon, McCartney, Solano, Mullins, Noble, Etherington, Cole, Ashton, Wright, Spector, Collins, Pantsil, Ljungberg, Parker, Boa Morte, Reid, Camara.

Tottenham (from): Robinson, Cerny, Chimbonda, Stalteri, Lee, Kaboul, Dawson, Tainio, Jenas, Zokora, Lennon, Malbranque, Boateng, Bale, Huddlestone, Taarabt, Routledge, Bent, Defoe, Berbatov, Keane, Archibald-Henville.

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West Ham boss Alan Curbishley:

"Spurs have a really strong squad and have just started to turn the corner.

"They shouldn't be down where they are and they won't be down there.

"But it's a big game for us because we're on a decent run, and it's always a big game for the fans."

BIG-MATCH FACTS

The 111th London derby between these clubs sees West Ham out to stretch their unbeaten league run to five and Tottenham, chasing a first away victory of this Premier League campaign.

West Ham have gained 32 Premier League points against Tottenham; they have not picked up more against any other club.

Premier League matches this season involving Tottenham have produced more goals than any other club; 47 (23 for, 24 against).

Tottenham have scored as many goals away from home in the Premier League as West Ham have managed at Upton Park (eight). The White Hart Lane based club are seven points behind West Ham, even though they've scored five more goals. They have however conceded 14 more.

If this match lives up to last season's corresponding fixture, it will be quite a dramatic affair. The Hammers were leading 2-0 at half time and 3-2 with five minutes remaining, but contrived to lose by the odd goal in seven.

CLUB FORM

WEST HAM UNITED

Club stats

Fixtures

(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures)

1. Undefeated in five in all competitions.

2. Won two and drawn two Premier League matches since losing 1-0, away to Aston Villa on 6 October.

3. Four goals short of conceding 5,000 goals in their league history.

4. Scored 13 of their 18 Premier League goals this season after half-time.

5. The 3-0 win over Middlesbrough on 15 September is their only home Premier League clean sheet this season.

6. Won two, drawn two and lost two of their six league games at Upton Park this term.

7. Won only one, and lost six of their last nine Premier League London derbies; the victory being 0-1 at Arsenal on 7 April.

8. Another London derby follows this, away to Chelsea.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Club stats

Fixtures

(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures)

1. Won one and drawn one in the Premier League under Juande Ramos.

2. Not completed back-to-back victories in 15 Premier League matches since beating Middlesbrough and Charlton away from home on 28 April and 7 May respectively.

3. Need a draw to total 800 all-time Premier League points.

4. On the longest current run in the Premier League of 41 matches since a no score draw; the last being away to Watford on 28 October.

5. Own the second strongest attack in the highest league with 23 goals - four fewer than Arsenal.

6. Failed to score in two Premier League matches this season; only Arsenal have done better by scoring in every league game.

7. Lost an unequalled 16 points from winning positions; drawn five and lost two matches in which they held the advantage.

8. Scored more goals in the first quarter of Premier League matches (22 minutes); conceded more than any other in stoppage time (five).

9. Yet to beat a top half club; drawn two and lost four of the six fixtures against sides currently in the top 10.

10. One of seven clubs still searching for a first away win in this Premier League campaign, and drawn more Premier League matches on the road than any other club (four).

KEY PLAYER NOTES

WEST HAM UNITED

Craig BELLAMY and Lee BOWYER are West Ham's joint top scorers with four goals each.

BOWYER is the Hammers' top Premier League marksmen as all four of his goals were in the league.

Matthew UPSON and Robert GREEN are the only remaining players to have been on the field for every minute of every one of West Ham's Premier League matches this season.

BOWYER is a double shy of 50 career Premier League goals (Leeds, Newcastle and West Ham).

If selected:-

Henri CAMARA will be making his 100th English league appearance (Wolves, Southampton, Wigan and West Ham).

Calum DAVENPORT will be facing a former club. The 24 year old defender made 20 appearances (15 in the league) and scored one league goal for Spurs between August 2004 and January 2007.

Matthew ETHERINGTON will also be facing former team mates. The 26 year old midfielder made 51 appearances (45 in the league) and scored two goals (one league) for Tottenham between December 1999 and August 2003.

Bobby ZAMORA will be renewing acquaintance with ex colleagues. The 26 year old forward made 18 appearances (16 in the league) and scored one goal for Spurs between July 2003 and his move to Upton Park in February 2004.

Kyle REID will be playing on the eve of his 20th birthday.

If on the field from the outset:-

James COLLINS will be making his 100th career club start (Cardiff and West Ham).

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Robbie KEANE is Tottenham's leading scorer with 10 goals, and top Premier League marksman, with six.

If selected:-

Jermain DEFOE will be facing a former club. The 25 year old England international forward made 105 appearances (93 in the league) and scored 41 goals (29 league) for West Ham between July 1999 and his £7m move to White Hart Lane in February 2004.

If on the field from the outset:-

Darren BENT will be making his 200th start in club football.

HEAD TO HEAD

Spurs completed their second double over West Ham in the Premier League last season.

West Ham have won half of their home Premier League fixtures against Tottenham (six of 12).

Home and away

League (inc PL): West Ham 39 wins, Spurs 43, Draws 28

Prem: West Ham 9 wins, Spurs 10, Draws 5

at West Ham only

League (inc PL): West Ham 25 wins, Spurs 16, Draws 14

Prem: West Ham 6 wins, Spurs 4, Draws 2

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

West Ham United 3-4 Tottenham Hotspur

4 March 2007 - Ref: Mike Dean

West Ham scorers: Noble 16, Tevez 41, Zamora 85

Spurs scorers: Defoe 51 pen, Tainio 63, Berbatov 89, Stalteri 90

REFEREE

Mike Riley (Leeds, Yorkshire)

Premier League referees' table

Mike Riley's 2007-08 Premier League card count

COYS !

[mysterytrevor]

Saw the match on Sky. My opinion. We should have won. Kaboul has still not got used to the pace of the game in England. He had ages to make a pass and had 3 options but delayed and was closed down. Robinson seemed much better but the ref lost us the game in the first half with 2 penalties refused. Sods law Keane was not on the pitch to take the penalty. This thread has gone quiet. I guess everyone is keeping their head down until we move up the table

[keddy]

Saw the match on Sky. My opinion. We should have won. Kaboul has still not got used to the pace of the game in England. He had ages to make a pass and had 3 options but delayed and was closed down. Robinson seemed much better but the ref lost us the game in the first half with 2 penalties refused. Sods law Keane was not on the pitch to take the penalty. This thread has gone quiet. I guess everyone is keeping their head down until we move up the table

Cockitus A common malady suffered by north Londoners and those in Hertfordshire. Symptoms: Myopia and delusions with occaisional irrational rantings, especially when observing midgits miss penalties. The patient is recommended to rest and drink chicken broth with matzo balls and to chant 'Oh Vay' as a mantra when the fever reaches its peak. Recovery time about May when reality dawns upon the patient of yet another trophyless season, despite millions spent but the delusions often re-surface again in August. Get well soon. Shalom

[EastSaxCol]

Cockitus A common malady suffered by north Londoners and those in Hertfordshire. Symptoms: Myopia and delusions with occaisional irrational rantings, especially when observing midgits miss penalties. The patient is recommended to rest and drink chicken broth with matzo balls and to chant 'Oh Vay' as a mantra when the fever reaches its peak. Recovery time about May when reality dawns upon the patient of yet another trophyless season, despite millions spent but the delusions often re-surface again in August. Get well soon. Shalom

That just about sums them up.

[mysterytrevor]

Cockitus A common malady suffered by north Londoners and those in Hertfordshire. Symptoms: Myopia and delusions with occaisional irrational rantings, especially when observing midgits miss penalties. The patient is recommended to rest and drink chicken broth with matzo balls and to chant 'Oh Vay' as a mantra when the fever reaches its peak. Recovery time about May when reality dawns upon the patient of yet another trophyless season, despite millions spent but the delusions often re-surface again in August. Get well soon. Shalom

That just about sums them up.

And the Hammers

[chavy]

They know they'll never win anything......just like the other 95% of us

[Mahseer]

Not sure how I missed this one but a Spurs fan for best part of 40 years. Alright not easy I know but support is support right?

As a first offering I am not sad to see Jol gone but the way it was done was pathetic. Sure the players admired the bloke but as far as taking Spurs on I don't believe it would have happened and to me one of his main failings was in the transfer market. What did the man ever see in the likes of Rocha? Also we have needed a horrible bastard to put the boot in (Scholes comes to mind) for many a year and bringing in Jennas, Zakora and Malbranque (all lovely lads in their own right) but without Mr Horrible opposition are always going to dance through the middle of the park.

To me January schould see the back of Salteri / Rocha / Malbranque / Lee / Tanio / Huddlestone and even Lennon who contributes about 7 minutes a match which is not good when your down. Alright we need to have players lined up to allow this to happen but that's what transfer windows are about right?

This season? Well get out of the UEFA and League cups soon as and concentrate on the league and just the one cup. We can't afford to play 60 games again and end up with nothing so why try?

Things will get better but we are crying out for a dominant centre half (Dawson does it up top but not on the deck and King is forever sidelined) and that horrible sod in the middle just has to arrive but time will tell what the new gaffer has in mind.