Picture is Dean Marney in this fixture two seasons ago

Spurs vs Everton Match Preview

FA Premier League

14^th August 2007

White Hart Lane

Kick Off 8.00pm

This Premier League match could not come quick enough for all Spurs fans and if Paul Robinson and Didier Zokora’s words are to be believed then the squad as well. After the tepid and disappointing performance on Saturday in the North East many fans are calling for changes to be made and for a better attitude to be shown by their heroes in white. While the signals are pointing to a relatively similar starting line up, we are all hoping for some vigour and energy in tonight’s performance.

Everton come into tonight’s game at White Hart Lane on the back of a 2-1 home victory against relegation favourites Wigan on the opening day of the season. Regarded by many as one of the stronger teams in league and one that will be pushing Spurs and others all the way for the coveted UEFA Cup spots come May next year. They boast some fine individuals including Mikael Arteta and Andrew Johnson, although key man Tim Cahill is out with a foot injury.

Everton will be expected to play a 4-5-1 formation which Spurs have been known to struggle against. Although this formation will be seen as negative by many, David Moyes has his team well drilled and they certainly wont be without attacking threat. Spurs will need to ensure they concentrate when defending set pieces and track any of the five midfielders who break and support lone front man Andrew Johnson. Patience and penetration will be needed in the attacking third by our boys in order to break down a well organised and defensively strong Everton.

The same fixture last year ended up in a 2-0 defeat for Spurs on the second Saturday of the season, despite Everton being down to 10 men for around an hour. A Calum Davenport own goal and Andrew Johnson’s finish helped Spurs get off to a terrible start in the league. 

EARLY TEAM NEWS:

Michael Dawson is expected to undergo a late fitness test on the sprained ankle that meant him missing the season’s curtain raiser. In contention for a place on the bench is new German signing Kevin-Prince Boateng. Darren Bent and Ricardo Rocha could be in line for their first starts of the season. Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon, Ledley King and Benoit Assou Ekotto all miss out with injuries.

Everton will be without new signing Leighton Baines, Tim Cahill, James Vaughan and James McFadden.

STATS

Spurs have not lost their opening home game of the season for nine years

Spurs have not lost at White Hart Lane in the League since losing to Manchester United in February

Everton have not won away in the league since February

Everton only lost one of their opening ten games last season.

Tonight’s game is being shown live on Sky Sports and is a real opportunity for Spurs to show their fans, other teams and a live TV audience that they are a force to be reckoned with this year. Almost every player needs to step up their performance as the size of the squad means that there is real competition for places throughout the team. There is the need for a patient but vociferous crowd this evening in order to show the boys not only do we support them but we expect. All thoughts of Saturday can be banished with a good performance tonight in front of a sell out crowd. Come On You Spurs.

PREDICTION

Tottenham Hotspur 3 Everton 2

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