The Tottenham Thread 12/13

[JoeMercer'sWay]

Yep underestimating Wigan in relegation battle fight or flight mode and Stoke away is a war of attrition. When the new fixtures come out I always check to see if we have Wigan (and top teams) in the final few weeks. Won't be easy.

What would concern me about Spurs is the goal difference. That's a good indicator of how well a team has been performing over time and is obviously important when points get tied up.

3 Chelsea - 28
4 Tottenham - 15
5 Arsenal - 27
6 Everton - 12
7 Liverpool - 19

Arsenal and Chelsea are quite a distance ahead out of the other contenders. Points are what matters, but it's beginning to look like Spurs are punching above their weight at the moment. If they've got enough in the tank to make this home stretch they'll have broken that barrier holding them back for years as an "almost team".

Luckily I think Chelsea will drop points too with their tough run in but I think whether we finish 4th will depend on our result at Stamford Bridge. Lose, and we will come 5th I think.

We have:

Fulham A, Liverpool A, Swansea H, United A, Aston Villa A, Everton H.

With Europa or FA cup matches possibly in-between.

The only one I'm really concerned about is Liverpool away. Fulham are rarely a problem for us, Everton and Swansea at home likewise (away is another story) and United could have won the league by the time we play them, making our game completely irrelevant for them and important for us. Aston Villa for some reason cause us problems away so we could drop points there. We have a lot of away fixtures around our already bloated schedule (especially if we progress in either competition), but the matches themselves aren't so formidable. Liverpool will probably be a loss or at best a draw. The rest are quite winnable.

that's a tough schedule 2bh.

 

[Castiel]

that's a tough schedule 2bh.

Not that concerning considering the circumstances. Fulham and Swansea have little to play for. Everton probably won't have anything riding on the final match either and we usually beat them at home anyway. United will in all likelihood be on their holidays by the time we go there. So it leave Villa and Liverpool away as the main culprits for point dropping. We've got bad mojo at Villa and they're in a relegation fight, but we're a lot better than them. Liverpool will probably beat us. I think Spurs have it harder on the whole.

 

[JoeMercer'sWay]

that's a tough schedule 2bh.

Not that concerning considering the circumstances. Fulham and Swansea have little to play for. Everton probably won't have anything riding on the final match either and we usually beat them at home anyway. United will in all likelihood be on their holidays by the time we go there. So it leave Villa and Liverpool away as the main culprits for point dropping. We've got bad mojo at Villa and they're in a relegation fight, but we're a lot better than them. Liverpool will probably beat us. I think Spurs have it harder on the whole.

away games you can never bank on. Fulham will play for pride, United you never know, Liverpool and Villa are just awkward and unpredictable.

 

[GHoddle]

Yep underestimating Wigan in relegation battle fight or flight mode and Stoke away is a war of attrition. When the new fixtures come out I always check to see if we have Wigan (and top teams) in the final few weeks. Won't be easy.

What would concern me about Spurs is the goal difference. That's a good indicator of how well a team has been performing over time and is obviously important when points get tied up.

3 Chelsea - 28
4 Tottenham - 15
5 Arsenal - 27
6 Everton - 12
7 Liverpool - 19

Arsenal and Chelsea are quite a distance ahead out of the other contenders. Points are what matters, but it's beginning to look like Spurs are punching above their weight at the moment. If they've got enough in the tank to make this home stretch they'll have broken that barrier holding them back for years as an "almost team".

Luckily I think Chelsea will drop points too with their tough run in but I think whether we finish 4th will depend on our result at Stamford Bridge. Lose, and we will come 5th I think.

We have:

Fulham A, Liverpool A, Swansea H, United A, Aston Villa A, Everton H.

With Europa or FA cup matches possibly in-between.

The only one I'm really concerned about is Liverpool away. Fulham are rarely a problem for us, Everton and Swansea at home likewise (away is another story) and United could have won the league by the time we play them, making our game completely irrelevant for them and important for us. Aston Villa for some reason cause us problems away so we could drop points there. We have a lot of away fixtures around our already bloated schedule (especially if we progress in either competition), but the matches themselves aren't so formidable. Liverpool will probably be a loss or at best a draw. The rest are quite winnable.

You also have us at home. So you play 4 of the top 7 teams in your last 8 games. Everton gave us a tough game at home.

I'm generally very pessimistic but if it was Spurs schedule and I was looking at it I would be somewhat worried.

I think you generally have to consider United, Everton, Liverpool, and Spurs as tough games regardless of home or away, and I would also say that I think Fulham and Villa would be tough away games.

I think the team that finishes top 4 will depend on our game at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal I think will finish 3rd easily looking at their run in, they will probably win almost every remaining game.

 

[Castiel]

Yes we do but we play them at the best possible time. United will probably have nothing to play for with the league won, Ferguson could send out the kids and even if he doesn't his players aren't going to bust a gut for what is essentially a friendly for them. It's not assured but it's just unlikely to expect them to play their best in a meaningless game.

Same applies to Everton. If they've got nothing riding on the last game, and our fate depends on it, the will to win is going to be one sided. When they played you they were still going for 4th. By the last game it's unlikely they'll be in it.

Swansea and Fulham are safe from relegation and out of contention for Europe. Mid table sides are the safest to play at this time of year. That isn't to write them off, but statistically they're the sort of sides you want to be meeting. This has just been my experience every season, they just don't seem to care as much once they're safe and have one eye on the summer. In 2010 when we last won the league, Wigan were safe on the final day (United needed us to drop points) and we crushed them 8-0. They didn't even show up. Last season QPR seemed to stop caring the moment they knew they were safe and City snatched the league. Spurs have their share of these sides in their run in as well, and slips against these teams will cost dearly.

Villa are in a relegation fight and are a banana skin for us historically, this fixture concerns me. You never want to get involved with teams involved in the relegation fight at this time of year. Liverpool are always dangerous at Anfield and we will probably drop points here. They worry me more than Spurs at home, where you have a terrible record.

We're quite lucky in these circumstances. If United and Everton, two of the best teams in the league, can't be arsed when we meet them - that's a rare blessing. It may well be decided at SB, but that's an advantage for us. You also have to face City who are playing for pride, and in my opinion will continue to do so until it's over - especially after the weekend game. They also have a fractional chance to pull off an absurd comeback considering United's change in fortunes and will want to keep up the pressure in case they slip like last season.

Of course this is all anecdotal theory but there are trends in football. The game at SB will certainly be a showdown with many interesting undertones; and as usual, we'll be the bad guys.

 

[Crouchinho]

Can't see Arsenal or Chelsea slipping up really. If Arsenal win their game in hand it's really almost out of our hands and theirs to lose. I'm sure they'll be a few shocks here and there though. If we get a total of 1 point against City and Chelsea I'd be happy enough. The rest we just have to go for. Hopefully Bale and Lennon's injuries can hold long enough

The bookies are fancying Chelsea for third and Arsenal fourth.

For any of these to make the top 4 you're looking at these odds

Chelsea 1/5
Arsenal 4/11
Spurs 11/8
Everton 5-1
Liverpool 16-1


I was going to put 100 quid on Liverpool and Arsenal finishing second. Wenger and Rodgers probably still think they can

 

[mancity1]

No easy games for either Chelsea and Spurs , none are of course.

Its often against those sides who have nothing to play for as such where you come unstuck as past history shows.

They have nothing to lose as such and play with more freedom.

Both Chelsea and Spurs could easily drop points in many of their remaining games especially the way they are playing.

The physical grind of the league combined with Europe is starting to take its toll.

Hazard was poor against Southampton and has started to run out of steam.

I think Arsenal will finish ahead of both Chelsea and Spurs meaning one of them is likely going to miss out on Chumps League.

 

[GHoddle]

Yes we do but we play them at the best possible time. United will probably have nothing to play for with the league won, Ferguson could send out the kids and even if he doesn't his players aren't going to bust a gut for what is essentially a friendly for them. It's not assured but it's just unlikely to expect them to play their best in a meaningless game.

Same applies to Everton. If they've got nothing riding on the last game, and our fate depends on it, the will to win is going to be one sided. When they played you they were still going for 4th. By the last game it's unlikely they'll be in it.

Swansea and Fulham are safe from relegation and out of contention for Europe. Mid table sides are the safest to play at this time of year. That isn't to write them off, but statistically they're the sort of sides you want to be meeting. This has just been my experience every season, they just don't seem to care as much once they're safe and have one eye on the summer. In 2010 when we last won the league, Wigan were safe on the final day (United needed us to drop points) and we crushed them 8-0. They didn't even show up. Last season QPR seemed to stop caring the moment they knew they were safe and City snatched the league. Spurs have their share of these sides in their run in as well, and slips against these teams will cost dearly.

Villa are in a relegation fight and are a banana skin for us historically, this fixture concerns me. You never want to get involved with teams involved in the relegation fight at this time of year. Liverpool are always dangerous at Anfield and we will probably drop points here. They worry me more than Spurs at home, where you have a terrible record.

We're quite lucky in these circumstances. If United and Everton, two of the best teams in the league, can't be arsed when we meet them - that's a rare blessing. It may well be decided at SB, but that's an advantage for us. You also have to face City who are playing for pride, and in my opinion will continue to do so until it's over - especially after the weekend game. They also have a fractional chance to pull off an absurd comeback considering United's change in fortunes and will want to keep up the pressure in case they slip like last season.

Of course this is all anecdotal theory but there are trends in football. The game at SB will certainly be a showdown with many interesting undertones; and as usual, we'll be the bad guys.

I don't know if you points about midtable clubs is quite true. I recall all three of us dropping points to safe mid table teams in the run in last season. Arsenal at home to Norwich and away to Stoke just being an example. Sometimes having nothing to play for allows teams to play freely and without pressure, which can be dangerous.

 

[mancity1]

Yes we do but we play them at the best possible time. United will probably have nothing to play for with the league won, Ferguson could send out the kids and even if he doesn't his players aren't going to bust a gut for what is essentially a friendly for them. It's not assured but it's just unlikely to expect them to play their best in a meaningless game.

Same applies to Everton. If they've got nothing riding on the last game, and our fate depends on it, the will to win is going to be one sided. When they played you they were still going for 4th. By the last game it's unlikely they'll be in it.

Swansea and Fulham are safe from relegation and out of contention for Europe. Mid table sides are the safest to play at this time of year. That isn't to write them off, but statistically they're the sort of sides you want to be meeting. This has just been my experience every season, they just don't seem to care as much once they're safe and have one eye on the summer. In 2010 when we last won the league, Wigan were safe on the final day (United needed us to drop points) and we crushed them 8-0. They didn't even show up. Last season QPR seemed to stop caring the moment they knew they were safe and City snatched the league. Spurs have their share of these sides in their run in as well, and slips against these teams will cost dearly.

Villa are in a relegation fight and are a banana skin for us historically, this fixture concerns me. You never want to get involved with teams involved in the relegation fight at this time of year. Liverpool are always dangerous at Anfield and we will probably drop points here. They worry me more than Spurs at home, where you have a terrible record.

We're quite lucky in these circumstances. If United and Everton, two of the best teams in the league, can't be arsed when we meet them - that's a rare blessing. It may well be decided at SB, but that's an advantage for us. You also have to face City who are playing for pride, and in my opinion will continue to do so until it's over - especially after the weekend game. They also have a fractional chance to pull off an absurd comeback considering United's change in fortunes and will want to keep up the pressure in case they slip like last season.

Of course this is all anecdotal theory but there are trends in football. The game at SB will certainly be a showdown with many interesting undertones; and as usual, we'll be the bad guys.

I don't know if you points about midtable clubs is quite true. I recall all three of us dropping points to safe mid table teams in the run in last season. Arsenal at home to Norwich and away to Stoke just being an example. Sometimes having nothing to play for allows teams to play freely and without pressure, which can be dangerous.

Have to agree , and if any Chelsea fan thinks Manure and Liverpool will lie low just because they may have nothing to play for come the time they meet they are deluding themselves.

Its going to go down to the wire and even we can not afford to let our guard down for one second.

You would think after beating Manure we would be in the driving seat to finish second and we are but there are still 21 points to play for and a lot of incentive for us to give it our all to collect all 21 even though we won't collect them all imo.

 

[THFC6061]

Difficult game tonight away at FC Basel in the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final 2nd leg - our 161st competitive European match since 1961.

We will have to play much better than we did at the Lane last week to stand any chance of progressing to the Semi-Finals.

Kyle Walker is back after suspension but we are still missing Younes Kaboul, Sandro, Jermain Defoe, Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon - that's almost half of all our first choice starters!

 

[mcmanus]

Quick question for Spurs fans. What would you rather, winning the Europa or qualifying for the Champs League?

 

[THFC6061]

Quick question for Spurs fans. What would you rather, winning the Europa or qualifying for the Champs League?

From a personal point of view, I'd far rather win a major trophy - after all, isn't that what football's supposed to be all about?

But from the club's point of view, qualifying for the Champions League next season will mean far more income is generated - a sad reflection on what modern football has become.

 

[mcmanus]

Quick question for Spurs fans. What would you rather, winning the Europa or qualifying for the Champs League?

From a personal point of view, I'd far rather win a major trophy - after all, isn't that what football's supposed to be all about?

But from the club's point of view, qualifying for the Champions League next season will mean far more income is generated - a sad reflection on what modern football has become.

Same answer I'd probably have if City were in the same situation.

Yeah it is a sad reflection on football today. Only whisper it but I be happy if you got both especially if it was at the expense of Arsene's Tarquins.

 

[malg]

Quick question for Spurs fans. What would you rather, winning the Europa or qualifying for the Champs League?

From a personal point of view, I'd far rather win a major trophy - after all, isn't that what football's supposed to be all about?

But from the club's point of view, qualifying for the Champions League next season will mean far more income is generated - a sad reflection on what modern football has become.

Well done fella, that's a proper fans answer.

 

[spurspinter1]

Quick question for Spurs fans. What would you rather, winning the Europa or qualifying for the Champs League?

Would much rather win the Europa, no doubt about it.

It scares me that there's so many Spurs fans that would rather qualify for the CL than win a trophy.

"The game is about glory". For me, glory lies in winning trophies as opposed to being fourth best over the course of the season.

 

[BoyBlue_1985]

Quick question for Spurs fans. What would you rather, winning the Europa or qualifying for the Champs League?

From a personal point of view, I'd far rather win a major trophy - after all, isn't that what football's supposed to be all about?

But from the club's point of view, qualifying for the Champions League next season will mean far more income is generated - a sad reflection on what modern football has become.

Same answer I'd probably have if City were in the same situation.

Yeah it is a sad reflection on football today. Only whisper it but I be happy if you got both especially if it was at the expense of Arsene's Tarquins.

As opposed to Spurs hardcore working class fans

pahahahahahahahahaha

 

[mcmanus]

From a personal point of view, I'd far rather win a major trophy - after all, isn't that what football's supposed to be all about?

But from the club's point of view, qualifying for the Champions League next season will mean far more income is generated - a sad reflection on what modern football has become.

Same answer I'd probably have if City were in the same situation.

Yeah it is a sad reflection on football today. Only whisper it but I be happy if you got both especially if it was at the expense of Arsene's Tarquins.

As opposed to Spurs hardcore working class fans


Unfortunately with ticket prices sky high there are less and less working class fans at football.

I just dislike Wenger the Mithering we do it the right way Dick. Tarquins is just a belting name for them.
pahahahahahahahahaha

 

[Zin 'messiah' Zimmer]

From a personal point of view, I'd far rather win a major trophy - after all, isn't that what football's supposed to be all about?

But from the club's point of view, qualifying for the Champions League next season will mean far more income is generated - a sad reflection on what modern football has become.

Same answer I'd probably have if City were in the same situation.

Yeah it is a sad reflection on football today. Only whisper it but I be happy if you got both especially if it was at the expense of Arsene's Tarquins.

As opposed to Spurs hardcore working class fans

pahahahahahahahahaha

Made me chuckle (O:

Interesting article from David Dein today which promises all that will read that Arsefull will spend gigantic amounts in the summer, whining wenger has strategically kept the war chess back mmmmmmmmm....... I genuinely believe twats like Dein think the 'common' man can be raped and pillaged infinitely, it is there birthright - when do the season ticket renewals have to be in????????

 

[mcmanus]

Quick question for Spurs fans. What would you rather, winning the Europa or qualifying for the Champs League?

Would much rather win the Europa, no doubt about it.

It scares me that there's so many Spurs fans that would rather qualify for the CL than win a trophy.

"The game is about glory". For me, glory lies in winning trophies as opposed to being fourth best over the course of the season.

Same for me. You'd never forget where you were the night you won a European trophy but who the fuck remembers the day you got 4th spot.

Bar Tarquins.

 

[BoyBlue_1985]

Quick question for Spurs fans. What would you rather, winning the Europa or qualifying for the Champs League?

Would much rather win the Europa, no doubt about it.

It scares me that there's so many Spurs fans that would rather qualify for the CL than win a trophy.

"The game is about glory". For me, glory lies in winning trophies as opposed to being fourth best over the course of the season.

Same for me. You'd never forget where you were the night you won a European trophy but who the fuck remembers the day you got 4th spot.

Bar Tarquins.

I remember where I was when we got 4th spot. I guess I wont in 20 years time though