Allen Hamilton
What: UEFA Champions League
Who: Tottenham Hotspur vs Internazionale – Group A
When: Tuesday 2nd November, 2010, at 19:45 UK Time
Where: White Hart Lane, London, England
A Vital Three Points
Tottenham Hotspur lost at the San Siro two weeks ago and at the weekend left Old Trafford having also suffered a defeat, at the hands of Manchester United. That a 1-1 draw with Everton here was sandwiched in the middle of those results hardly matters; Spurs need to begin recording wins against the biggest and best else their belief that they deserve a place at the top table may waver. Luckily for Harry Redknapp’s side however, they have much to draw on for inspiration; against Inter a late rally was staged and three goals at the San Siro is no mean feat; at Old Trafford Man Utd did not run away with the game and it was only via a farcical second goal that the hosts cemented victory.
What Spurs must do against the European champions is more of the same. Redknapp’s men know and understand the gravity of the task before them, but, three points behind Inter following their earlier loss, now is the time to level things, and go into the final two matchdays with a very real chance of winning the group. All eyes will no doubt be on Gareth Bale, Spurs’ hat-trick hero in Italy, and the level of his performances at present are even surprising his team-mates. "Everybody was talking about Gareth Bale before he scored that hat-trick", said Sebastian Bassong. "He is such a good player and the way he was out there was just amazing."
Aiming for the Kill
Inter will calculate, and not without good reason, that three points at White Hart Lane would ensure a trouble-free last two group games. The Italians have kept things tight in their last few Serie A matches, in fact they have conceded not a single goal in their past four domestic league games. This made it all the more shocking for the Nerazzuri that Spurs were able to put three past them two weeks ago. Rafael Benitez, who enjoyed many visits to White Hart Lane during his six years at Liverpool, will have been plotting and scheming all week long to stop Spurs’ attacking power.
One other thought that will have occupied Benitez’s mind will be Inter’s own potency in front of goal. The Nerazzurri have found the net just three times in their last four games and on Friday, at Genoa, could only manage a 1-0 win. The Spaniard though, is hoping that this failure to convert is only temporary, pointing out that despite scoring just once against Genoa, the Serie A champions "created five or six [chances]" in the second half. As always, Samuel Eto’o, twice a scorer two weeks ago, will represent Benitez’s best chance of a goal.
Recent form
Tottenham Hotspur:
Inter 4-3 Tottenham Hotspur
(20/10; Champions League)
Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Everton (23/10; Premier League)
Manchester United 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur (30/10; Premier League)
Inter:
Inter 4-3 Tottenham Hotspur
(20/10; Champions League)
Inter 1-1 Sampdoria (24/10; Serie A)
Genoa 0-1 Inter (29/10; Serie A)
Key absences
Tottenham Hotspur: Vedran Corluka; Ledley King (doubt); Jermain Defoe; Michael Dawson (doubt); Jamie O’Hara (doubt); Jonathan Woodgate; Rafael van der Vaart (doubt)
Inter: Thiago Motta; Dejan Stankovic; McDonald Mariga; David Suazo; Julio Cesar
Players to watch
Tottenham Hotspur – Gareth Bale: It is impossible to get away from the fact that all eyes will be on Bale during this Champions League clash. Inter are confirmed members of the Gareth Bale fan club and are rumoured to fancy their chances of taking him to Italy next summer. But perhaps it will not be what Bale does with the ball, but what he doesn’t do that could be pivotal in this game. Inter will have made plans for Bale and his runs may help to draw players out of position to open up space for his team-mates.
Inter – Wesley Sneijder: The Dutchman was absolutely key in helping Inter to win the Champions League last season and if they are to come anywhere near to retaining it his role will be crucial once again. Sneijder can kill teams when given time and space and, operating between the lines of midfielder and defence, has the potential to see a lot of the ball. Spurs must make sure he is not influential.
Match prediction
Spurs will fancy their chances of avenging their loss to Inter two weeks ago. However, the Italians took their foot off the pedal in that one, with a four goal lead. It is unlikely Rafael Benitez will allow them to do so once again, or that the players themselves will forget just what Spurs are capable of. A draw would in many ways suit the visitors, and they can get it. Spurs 1-1 Inter.
