Opposition view: Tottenham Hotspur

By Ric Turner, Fri 22 November 2013 09:56


Opposition view: Tottenham HotspurRicky from thefightingcock.co.uk gives us the lowdown on Sunday's opponents

What are your expectations for this season?

I expect Tottenham to get a champions league spot and to compete in all cup competitions. We have qualified for the final stages of the Europa league fielding a weakened team, but I expect us to field a full strength side from now on.

Are you happy with the manager?

I am relatively happy with the manager so far. We've brought in a lot of players and they will take a season to bed in and gel. I would like AVB to be a bit more adventurous and attacking at home, but he's still trying to fine tune his starting 11.

Who are your key players?

Hugo Lloris is an integral part of the team. We play with a high defensive line and his 'sweeper/keeper' position is paramount to how we're set-up. Jan Vertonghen is an excellent defender and very versatile who can fill in across the backline or even deputise in midfield. Sandro is our midfield beast, he wins the ball back and protects our defence, he also sets the tempo in midfield with his energetic and enthusiastic performances. Soldado needs confidence, but if we play to his strengths then I'm sure the goals will come.

Were you happy with the business conducted during the transfer window?

I was relatively happy with the acquisitions AVB has brought in. I'm still a little confused as to why an attacking left back was not bought, and our first team left back BAE was farmed out on loan. I also think we're missing a playmaker. We never really replaced Modric, van der Vaart filled in for a short period, but we do not have a player who is constantly looking for through balls and proactively passes forward. I think once Eric Lemela acclimatises to the league, language and culture, he can be our creative spark.

Are there any rising stars in the squad that we might not have heard of?

Alex Pritchard - he's an attacking midfielder who has always shone in reserve games I've watched. He's currently on-loan at Swindon and has played 13 games, scored 2. I think he needs a bit more experience and strength, but you'll soon know his name.

Your Achilles heel?

Sandro again, he was injured for the majority of last season, but the cover he gives to our centre backs; his enthusiasm, aggression, strength and energetic performances are sorely missed. He's a big character in our dressing room and really gets the boys going.

If you could have any City player in your team who would you choose?

Simple, Sergio Aguero. He is a phenomenal striker! He has everything in his game and a pleasure to watch.

What is your perception of City as a club?

City are a club with lots of tradition and history, not so illustrious as Tottenham, but a traditional English club built on the working class from Manchester and the surrounding areas. Unfortunately, they've now got a sheikh in charge who has spoilt the club and all of their trophies won will be hollow victories with a smear on the cups, much like Chelsea.

Likely starting XI for the game, and score prediction?

Lloris
Walker Dawson Kaboul Vertonghen
Dembele Sandro Paulinho
Townsend Lennon
Soldado

We will field a powerful midfield who can win the ball back quickly, work hard for each other, but inevitably City's class will ease them through to a home win. 3-1 City.