VS.
Liverpool head to White Hart Lane on a run of 8 games unbeaten(3 wins and 5 draws) in search of their first win at the Lane in 4 and half years. Not since Fernando Torres strike in May 2008 which broke the record for a foreign player in their first season in a 2-0 win.
Liverpool head into the game on the back of an away draw at Swansea last Sunday, a game they could have easily gone home with the three points but a draw was fair on what both sides contributed. In an unusual 0-0 draw there were a lot of entertainment, the football was good to watch unfortunately for Rodgers a disallowed goal snatched him of a win on his return to the Liberty.
Tottenham, also like Liverpool are a side in transition with a new manager. Andre Villas Boas appointment garnered a mixed reaction probably due to his reign at Stamford Bridge last season which lasted only till February when he was sacked. Should the sack at Chelsea deter a manager being viewed as a failure? The Chelsea manager's job is probably the poison chalice of club football this last decade. Another of the reasons I think AVB's appointment at Tottenham has being viewed by their supporters is more so down to the popularity of the previous incumbent, Harry Redknapp. Similar situation to when Roy Hodgson was appointed manager of Liverpool FC, he replaced Rafael Benitez a popular manager on the whole but who had his critics. When you had a manager who gave you the best days/nights in following you're club, it is hard to let go. I experienced it with Benitez and most likely some Spurs fan's feel the same towards Redknapp.
Back to the game tonight, as I mentioned above Liverpool are looking to take their first win and in fact a point. Lost on each occasion in our visits to the Lane since 2008, last seasons 4-0 defeat summed up what the season ahead was to be like. A wonder goal from now former Spurs man, Luka Modric after 7 minutes set the tone. The two sendings off of Martin Skrtel and Charlie Adam all but killed any chance of Liverpool getting a result despite it only being 1 -0 deficit. But a brace from Adebayor and Defoe completed the rout for Spurs. If Liverpool can keep all the men on the pitch this time we have a chance of getting something.
As for the team news, Spurs welcome back Sandro and the introduction Dembele back from injury last weekend was a sight AVB and the Spurs faithful were delighted to see. In what I believe was a coup at £15 million he was snapped up from Fulham. A type of player I am surprised the likes of Manchester United didn't go for. What is United's loss will surely be Spurs and AVB's gain. Will he start tonight remains to be seen.
For Liverpool, Rodgers welcomes back Andre Wisdom back having picked up an injury against Young Boys last week forcing him to miss the Swansea game. Fortunately or unfortunately, the game comes to soon for the impending return of midfield general Lucas Leiva. I don't disguise my bias regarding this lad, who has come along way since the days of being ridiculed by supporters and former players alike. At the moment he isn't too far away having played 60 minutes last Friday in a Under-21 Premier League game at the Academy, even after all the injuries this last 12 months you just have to admire his mental attitude to get back to fitness. The sooner he is back, the more Rodgers will be welcome.
As for predictions for tonight, I hate making them cause I usually get them wrong. But I anticipate two contrasting styles which should make for an intriguing encounter.
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