Category: Match previews

Spurs under 23’s versus Liverpool: (match preview)

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Spurs under 23’s versus Liverpool: (match preview)

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Our 23’s are in action on Sunday afternoon when they face Liverpool at Anfield in the PL2. Ugo Ehiogu’s side put in an impressive display in their 3-1 victory over Southampton last Monday and they’ll be hoping to carry that momentum in today’s match. Still embroiled in a relegation battle, the young Lillywhites will face a tough test when they face third placed Liverpool. The reds boast some talented players, with the likes of Ben Woodburn, Harry Wilson and Conor Masterson all highly rated youngsters. We were thrashed 6-3 when we met Liverpool at the Lamex earlier on in the season, but I feel the side have improved considerably since then and with Nathan Oduwa and Shilow Tracey in fine form I feel as if were in with a chance of causing an upset, providing we can keep Liverpool’s dangerous attack at bay. I will be at Anfield tomorrow so I will write a match report, the game is also available to watch on Liverpool TV.

Team news: Winger Anthony Georgiou is ruled out through injury whilst loanee Luke Amos is available for selection and could start. I’ve no idea whether Marcus Edwards has travelled but I wouldn’t be too surprised if he had, Edwards is in need of game time following his recent recovery from injury. With Loft and Harrison both out on loan Spurs are missing a striker but with Kazaiah Sterling in fine form for our under 18’s, I could see the talented youngster featuring tomorrow.

 
My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Glover, Walker-Peters, Lesniak, Maghoma, Muscatt, Amos, Stylianides, Tracey, Pritchard, Oduwa, Sterling.

One to watch: Highly rated striker Ben Woodburn, the Welsh youth international has already scored for Jurgen Klopp’s senior side.

My predicted score: 2-2.

Spurs under 23’s versus Southampton: (match preview)

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Spurs under 23’s versus Southampton: (match preview)

Venue: The Lamex stadium
Date: Monday 29 January, kick off 19:00 pm
Live: Keep up to date with the game on the @SpursOfficial Twitter feed.
Head2Heads: 1-0 Southampton.

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Our under 23’s side are in action this evening, Ugo Ehiogu’s side face Southampton at the Lamex stadium in Stevenage. Since their last match on the 13th of January, three key players have been loaned out, including top scorer Shayon Harrison. However, this will allow players to move up from the under 18’s, and I reckon the prime candidates would be Kazaiah Sterling and Jack Roles. With Spurs lingering just above the relegation zone, Ehiogu will be desperate for his side to start turning their recent draws into victories. However, I’m not too concerned about us being relegated as I believe every game gives the players vital experience that will aid their development, and I see that as paramount. I will be in attendance this evening, so I will write a match report that will be published tomorrow. As for Southampton, they currently sit two points ahead of us in eight place, Martin Hunters saints side have some talented players on their books. With Will Smallbone, Olufela Olomola and Llyod Isgrove just a selection of their highly rated players.

Team news: Following the loaning out of Shayon Harrison, Connor Ogilvie and Luke Amos, there will be quite a few changes in the team tonight. I wonder if the absence of Jack Roles and Jaden Brown on Saturday for the under 18’s visit of Chelsea, will mean that they may have been included in the squad this evening. Finally, it would be great to see the talented Marcus Edwards get some game time this evening after a long injury lay off. COYS

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Glover, Walker-Peters, Maghoma, Lesniak, Muscatt, Stylianides, Owens, Oduwa, Pritchard, Edwards, Tracey.

One to watch: Jonathan Afolabi. The tall and powerful Irish centre forward is only 16 years of age. but his a real talent and will be potent up front, if he plays this evening.

 

Spurs v Wycombe: (match preview)

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Spurs v Wycombe: (match preview)

“We need to forget that it’s a League Two team, it’s 11 v 11 and in one game, a lot of things can happen. If you are right in your mind you can compete and give your best.” (Mauricio Pochettino)

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Spurs return to action on Saturday afternoon, when they face league 2 side Wycombe Wanderers in the fourth round of the FA cup. It will be a good old fashioned cup tie at the Lane, in what will be one of our last ever cup games at our beloved stadium. This tie has all the hallmarks of a classic cup tie, we go in to the match on an eight match unbeaten run but the visitors are also on a tremendous run of 16 matches unbeaten. The Chairboys will be a tough test, regardless of the huge gulf in class between the two sides, keep an eye out on Wycombe’s talented striker Scott Kashket who is a Spurs fan, him and the physical Adebayo Akinfenwa will provide the defence with plenty to do. I expect us to win this afternoons match in comfortable fashion, the FA cup is a massive, massive part of this club and I’m hoping we march on in to round in style. COYS

 
Team news: Spurs are without Harry Kane, Danny Rose, Toby Alderweireld and Erik Lamela through injury. However, all four could be available for Tuesdays league match against Sunderland. I think it’s quite obvious that Pochettino will rotate his squad for today’s match, I reckon Janssen will start up front whilst Nkoudou and Sissoko will also return on the wings. Photographs of Kyle Walker-Peters and Marcus Edwards in first team training were published on Friday, and both are expected to be in today’s match day squad. I’m hopeful that Walker-Peters will start at right back, I can’t sing the youngster praises high enough, he truly is a superb player and he deserves to make his first team debut more than any other player.
My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Vorm, Walker-Peters, Wimmer, Carter-Vickers, Davies, Dier, Winks, Onomah, Sissoko, Nkoudou, Janssen.

My score prediction: 4-0 to Spurs courtesy of goals from Janssen x2, Sissoko and Edwards.
One to watch: The iconic veteran striker Adeabayo ‘The Beast’ Akinfnewa.

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Previewing our FA youth cup 5th round tie against Norwich:

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Previewing our FA youth cup 5th round tie against Norwich:

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Our under 18’s continue their FA youth cup run, with the home visit of Norwich tomorrow evening. The game will be played at Stevenage Boroughs home ground, the lamex stadium, and John Mcdermott’s side will be looking to continue their fine run of form when they face the canaries on Tuesday evening. After two comprehensive victories in rounds three and four, the young Lillywhites haven’t really been tested thus far, although they have been in very good form in the under 18 premier league so far this season. Tomorrows match will provide a stern test for this talented group of players, Norwich have a good academy set up and have some talented players in their ranks. Left winger Glenn Middleton is a real talent, I saw him play against our under 21’s side at the Lane last season, the then schoolboy was superb on the wing his a really tricky winger and a big prospect. In addition, striker Benny Ashley-Seal is another one to watch, along with Middleton he has featured in the canaries under 23 side this season and will provide a threat up top. However, our under 18’s side are one of the best in the country and I feel as if they have the ability to go all the way this year, and get their hands on the trophy. The last time Spurs won the FA Youth cup was in 1990, after defeating Middlesbrough 3-2 on aggregate.

Players that were part of that victorious youth team include, Ian Walker, Warren Hackett, Neil Smith and Scott Houghton. Our current youth side are a real joy to watch, they play fast attacking football. This team has so much talent and it would be brilliant for the club as well as the players, if they could go all way in this most prestigious of youth competitions. Norwich will be a tough test, our under 18’s have already lost 3-2 to them this season however, I reckon we have enough quality to progress to the quarter finals. I will be at the match tomorrow evening however I’m hoping that tomorrows match will go ahead. Youth matches at Colchester united and Dagenham and Redbridge’s ground were postponed today due to a frozen pitch, fingers crossed that won’t be the case tomorrow. COYS
My team prediction: Whiteman, Eyoma, Tanganga, Dinzeyi, Tsaroulla, Marsh, Duncan, Shashoua, Roles, Griffiths, Sterling.

Spurs versus Man City: Can we do the double over Pep’s side?

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Spurs versus Man City: Can we do the double over Pep’s side?

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Spurs have won seven matches on the trot and Mauricio Pochettino’s confident side are starting to show signs that they could better their third placed finish of last season. This evening they come up against Pep Guardiola’s side, at the Etihad stadium, a team which Pochettino’s side beat 2-0 at the Lane back in October. Although Guardiola’s side have failed to live up to the high expectations thus far, the sky blues are a team of undeniable quality. Their 4-0 dismantling at the hands of Everton last weekend, was probably the worst thing that could have happened for Spurs ahead of Saturday evenings match. I know for a fact that Guardiola’s side will be no where near as open as they were at Goodison park on Sunday. Although we can most certainly expose their defensive vulnerability, city are likely to be much more defensive this evening. However they present one of the most dangerous attacks in the league, with the likes of Agüero, De Bruyne and David Silva likely to send a shiver down the spine of the Spurs defence.

Pochettino will be relishing the challenge ahead, and us Spurs fans will not be lacking in belief ahead of this evenings game and I’m sure the players won’t be either. Can we do the double over one of the leagues most talented sides? Of course we can this is the best Spurs side of the last few decades, I needn’t state the obvious that this side are special but at the same time it’s suiting our players that there is not a great deal of hype. I’ll make a bold prediction that the lads will run out 3-1 winners this evening, I think it’s going to be another fantastic attacking display. with Eriksen and Kane at the heart of it. COYS

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My predicted lineup: (3-4-2-1) Lloris, Dier, Alderweireld, Wimmer, Walker, Wanyama, Dembele, Rose, Alli, Eriksen, Kane.

An interesting read: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jan/20/mauricio-pochettino-tottenham-perfection-manchester-city

Spurs v West Brom: (match preview)

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Spurs v West Brom: (match preview)

Venue: White Hart Lane
Date: Saturday 14 January KO: 12:30pm
Live: Sky Sports 1
Head2Heads: 1-1, 1-1, 1-1, 3-0 Spurs, 1-0 West Brom.
Referee: Anthony Taylor.

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This afternoon Spurs face West Brom in a 12:30pm kick off at the Lane, Pochettino’s side have been in great form of late playing some great football, as well as they were during their peak last season. We’ve won our last six matches in all competitions and the squad are brimming with confidence. However, we face West Brom who have become a bit of a bogey team to us over the past few seasons, we’ve only beaten the Baggies once in our last five meetings, and our last three matches have all ended in 1-1 draws. I think West Brom are one of the most structured sides in the league and also one of the most underrated. There doing well in the league this season and are going to be very tough to break down, expect a long game. COYS⚽️

Team news: Only one absentee, as Erik Lamela is ruled out for today’s game, Pochettino said that his still a week away from full fitness.

My predicted lineup: (3-4-2-1) Lloris, Dier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Walker, Dembele, Wanyama, Rose, Eriksen, Alli,Kane.

Welcome back: Former Spurs man Nacer Chadli.

My score prediction: 2-0 to Spurs courtesy of goals from Kane and Sissoko.

One to watch: In form midfielder, Matt Phillips.

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Spurs under 23’s v Manchester City: (match preview)

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Spurs under 23’s v Manchester City: (match preview)

Venue: Academy stadium, Manchester.
Date: Friday 13 January KO:19:00pm.
Head2Heads: Man City 2-1.
Live: On the Manchester City Facebook page.

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Our development squad are in action this evening, as Ugo Ehiogu’s side face Manchester City under 23’s in the PL2. The citizens development side sit second in the PL2 table and have unsurprisingly been one of the best teams this season, boasting such a talented crop of youngsters, which includes such players as Paolo Fernandes, Brahim Diaz and Issac Buckley-Ricketts. Our youngsters are hovering just above the relegation zone and Ehiogu’s side need to be getting wins on the board, despite losing only on their last five matches, Spurs have only won three league matches all season. And the Lillywhites face a side that have invested heavily in youth over the past few seasons, and their current under 18’s side is in my opinion the best in the country along with the under 23’s side. A bit of injury news regarding winger Anthony Georgiou, I saw Georgiou last Friday at Hotspur way and he was walking with a limp as he sat out our 2-2 draw with Chelsea, so I presume he won’t be available tonight. Let’s hope the youngsters can get back to winning ways tonight we’ve been unlucky this season but the development side have gained plenty of valuable experience so far. I will be writing a match report for this evenings game, which will be published later tonight. COYS⚽️

In other news, I’m hoping that our under 18’s home match against Norwich in the fifth round of the FA Youth cup, will be played at the Lane as oppose to the less accessible Lamex stadium in Stevenage. There was a great support at Loftus road in midweek as our youngsters triumphed against QPR in round four, and I’m sure there would be a good crowd at the Lane. Playing at the Lane would also be a great experience for the 18’s.
My team prediction: (4-2-3-1) Glover, Walker-Peters, Maghoma, Walkes, Ogilvie, Amos, Stylianides, Tracey, Pritchard, Oduwa, Harrison.

My score prediction: 3-2 to Spurs, courtesy of goals from Maghoma and Harrison x2.

One to watch: Brahim Diaz. The 17 year old attacking midfielder possess great skill and agility, and the Spain under 17 international has netted on three occasions in the PL2, this season.

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Spurs v Aston Villa: (match preview)

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Spurs v Aston Villa: (match preview)

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Venue: White Hart Lane
Date: Sunday 7th January 16:00pm
Live: BBC One
Head2Heads: 2-0 Spurs, 3-1 Spurs, 1-0 Aston Villa, 2-1 Spurs, 3-0 Spurs.
Referee: Mike Dean

“The FA Cup doesn’t see if you are in the Premier League, Championship or League One, it’s a special competition and one game.” (Mauricio Pochettino)
It’s an FA cup third round tie for Spurs today, as Mauricio Pochettino’s side face championship side Aston Villa at the Lane. Both clubs have great history in the competition and Pochettino will be wanting to take Spurs all the way this year. Personally I see the FA cup as such a special trophy and I’d love nothing more than for us to have our hands on the prestigious trophy come May. It would be truly magical for all Spurs fans if Hugo Lloris and the team were riding down Tottenham high road on an open top bus with great aplomb, trophy in hand, just as club legends Danny Blanchflower, Steve Perryman and Gary Mabbutt had all done before, in front of large crowds of joyous Spurs fans. However, today will not be an easy match by any means, Villa were only relegated from the premier league last season and despite sitting in 12th position in the championship, Steve Bruce is a top manager and his side will provide a stern test this afternoon. The villans are without star players Jonathan Kodjia and Jordan Ayew who are at the African cup of nations, but players like Jack Grealish, Albert Adomah and Ross McCormack will be the away sides biggest attacking threat. COYS

Team news: Erik Lamela is the only first team absentee, Lamela traveled to Rome earlier this week to continue his rehabilitation from a hip injury. Meanwhile, highly rated 17 year old Marcus Edwards misses out through illness, whilst youngsters Shayon Harrison, Luke Amos and Kyle Walker-Peters could all feature on the bench. I expect Pochettino will start a strong squad whilst resting Harry Kane and others. I have a feeling academy graduate Tom Carroll will be rewarded with a start for his loyalty and patience this season.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Vorm, Trippier, Wimmer, Alderweireld, Davies, Winks, Carroll, Son, Alli, Sissoko, Janssen.

My score prediction: 4-0 to Spurs, courtesy of goals from Son x2, Janssen and Sissoko.

Welcome back: Former Spurs player Alan Hutton, the right back made 51 appearances for Spurs scoring two goals.

One to watch: Villa’s tricky winger Albert Adomah, the former Middlesbrough and Barnet player has an eye for goal and has an abundance of pace, and will prove a tough test for our left back.

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Tottenham under 23’s v Chelsea: (match preview)

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Tottenham under 23’s v Chelsea: (match preview)

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Venue: Hotspur Way
Date: Friday 6th January 12:05pm
Live: Chelsea TV
Head2Heads: Chelsea under 23’s 3-1.

 

Tomorrow afternoon our development squad return to action where they play Chelsea under 23’s in the PL2 at Hotspur way. Ugo Ehiogu’s side will be looking to start 2017 with a win but it will be a tough task, with Adrian Viveash’s side having one of the best defensive records in division, and it’s not hard to see why with talented players like Trevor Chalobah and Fikayo Tomori part of their academy. It’s no secret that Chelsea have one of the best academy’s in world football and there comprehensive 3-1 victory over our under 23 side in September shows how tough tomorrows game will be. However, as always tomorrows game will provide another learning curve for the lads, and I’m sure it will be an intriguing game. It will be interesting to see which youngsters are rested for tomorrow, ahead of our FA Cup third round tie against Aston Villa at the Lane on Sunday. I reckon Shayon Harrison would be the most likely candidate to be involved.

 

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Glover, Walker-Peters, Maghoma, Walkes,Ogilvie, Amos, Lesniak, Tracey, Edwards, Georgiou, Harrison.
One to watch: Chelsea striker Ike Ugbo.

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Spurs v Southampton: (match preview)

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Spurs v Southampton: (match preview)

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Venue: St Mary’s
Date: Wednesday 28th December, kick off 19:45pm
Live: Sky Sports 1
Referee: Mike Dean
Head2Heads: 2-1 Southampton, 2-0 Spurs, 2-2, 1-0 Spurs, 3-2 Spurs

Its been ten days since Spurs last played a match, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side enjoying a mini winter break. However, the Lillywhites return to action tonight with a tough match against Southampton at St. Mary’s as Pochettino returns to his old club along with summer acquisition Victor Wanyama. Claude Puel’s side have had a mixed start to the season, with their lack of goals being made up for by there mean defence, with the centre back pairing of Jose Fonte and Virgil Van Dijk being immense. The saints have lost only once at home this season with only one side (Chelsea) managing to score more than one goal against them at St. Mary’s . Our manager Mauricio Pochettino will know more than anyone how tough tonight’s match will be, Pochettino managed the saints for over a season and a half before joining Spurs and will be familiar with numerous players. We’ve got three tough matches coming up over the festive period and we really need to get a win tonight, we’ve been very poor on the road recently, but I’m hopeful our long rest will boost us going into tonight’s game. Jay Rodriguez, Dusan Tadic and Sofiane Boufal will provide Southampton’s biggest goal threat with top scorer Charlie Austin ruled out through injury. I feel as if we’ll need that extra bit of creative spark tonight, and I’ve a feeling it might be Dele that provides it. COYS

Team news: Just the one absentee, as Erik Lamela misses out again with a hip injury, but the Argentine international should be fit for our visit of Watford on New Year’s Day.

My team prediction: (3-4-2-1) Lloris, Dier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Wanyama, Eriksen, Walker, Rose, Dembele, Alli, Kane.

My score prediction: 3-1 to Spurs courtesy of goals from Dele x2 and Kane.

One to watch: Southampton’s tricky attacking midfielder Sofiane Boufal, the Morocco international was linked with a move to us in the summer, and the former Lille man has made an impressive start to life on the south coast.

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