Pregame Analysis:
Tottenham Hotspur look to avenge its 3-0 loss at the Emirates earlier in the campaign, and aim to level the score in the North London Derby on Wednesday. Harry Redknapp and his squad look to rebound from their 2-0 shock defeat at the hands of Championship bound Portsmouth in the FA Cup Semi-Finals.
More importantly, Spurs return to White Hart Lane in desperate need of points after Manchester City trounced Birmingham City 5-1 this weekend, and increased their stranglehold on 4th place. Tottenham have a game in hand, but have been struggling to maintain ground in the battle for the final Champions League qualification place. With only six games remaining in the Premiership season, and some of the best clubs still on their fixture list, Spurs look to be facing an uphill battle to qualify for the Champions League, and may have to settle for the Europa League. However, an all-important home victory mid-week would relieve some of Tottenham’s growing pressure. In Late October, Spurs succumbed to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of a Robin Van Persie brace, and an overall lackluster defensive effort. Tottenham has accumulated a winless league run against Arsenal that stretches back 20 games. With Jermaine Defoe returning to action, and Roman Pavlyuchenko’s recent run of good form, Tottenham intend to make this an interesting matchup. However, Spurs injury woes threaten to sink their already desperate ship. Crucial members Aaron Lennon, Michael Dawson, and Wilson Palacios (out through suspension) look to be doubtful for the fixture. Spurs will be boosted by the possible return of captain Ledley King who will return from a 7 week lay off.
Players To Watch:
David Bentley, Tottenham’s ultra-talented winger, is who I see to be a game changer in this fixture. Bentley has been extremely disappointing at times, but nonetheless contains endless amounts of potential. His 7 caps for Fabio Capello’s England Squad are a tribute to his rising stock as a footballer. Eager to impress against his former club, Bentley will most certainly bring his A-game. Due to Aaron Lennon’s absence on the wing, Bentley must fill his shoes if Spurs aim to compete with flowing passing attack of the Gunners
Predicted Match Outcome:
In a hard fought matchup that is a must win for both teams, , Arsenal will squeeze by Tottenham 2-1. Without Fabregas controlling center mid, Nasri will have to take over and set the tone for the match. This disappointing result will end Spurs’ challenge for Champions League Qualification, and will have to settle for the Europe League With many of their remaining fixtures against top 4 teams, Tottenham must be careful not to end the season in a bout of poor form and threaten their position in the Europa League
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