What: English Premier League
Who: Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
When: Wednesday 11th January, 2012, at 19:45 UK time
Where: White Hart Lane, London, England
Continuing Top Notch Form
Having put a disappointing end to 2011 to rest after their lackluster performance against newly-promoted Swansea City, Tottenham Hotspur will want to keep their form on an upward curve with a win over Everton. With just six points separating Spurs from Premier League leaders Manchester City, and holding a game in hand, anything is possible for Harry Redknapp’s men.
The Lilywhites are certainly experiencing one of their finest seasons in recent memory, mounting a realistic title challenge to the surprise of many. And it is a position breeding confidence, even if Redknapp is expecting a tough challenge from the Toffees.
“You’ll never get an easy game against Everton”, said Redknapp. “David Moyes does a great job there year in, year out. It’s a difficult game, they always put a shift in and they have dangerous players.”
Better Performances
Having finished in seventh place last term, this position seems distant at the moment for Liverpool’s second team. The Toffees are seeing results hard to come by, sitting in 11th position with just 24 points from 19 games. Boss David Moyes has a responsibility to lift his side further up the table, and that starts with a strong showing against Tottenham.
News around Goodison Park of late has revolved around defender Phil Jagielka’s injury, one that will see him miss out on a month and a half’s worth of action after the England international suffered a heavy knock in the game against Bolton. As such, Moyes is expected to dig deep into his pocket as he fills the void left by his highly rated centre back.
“Signing a defender was not a priority but that may change because of the injury to Jags [Jagielka].” announced the Everton manager.
With just Sylvain Distin and John Heitinga as natural centre halves, a failure to sign any new players could have dire consequences on the side.
Recent form
Tottenham Hotspur:
Swansea 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur (31/12; Premier League)
Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 West Bromwich Albion (03/01; Premier League)
Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Cheltenham Town (07/01; FA Cup)
Everton:
West Bromwich Albion 0-1 Everton (01/01; Premier League)
Everton 1-2 Bolton Wanderers (04/01; Premier League)
Everton 2-0 Tamworth (07/01; FA Cup)
Key absences
Tottenham Hotspur: William Gallas; Scott Parker (doubt); Ledley King; Jermaine Jenas; Tom Huddlestone
Everton: Seamus Coleman (doubt); Tony Hibbert (doubt); Tim Cahill (doubt); Ross Barkley; Leon Osman; Jack Rodwell; Phil Jagielka
Players to watch
Tottenham Hotspur – Gareth Bale: The Welsh speedster is a key part of Spurs’ potential Premier League title push. This is a game in which he will look to make his presence felt with an all-action performance under the floodlights.
Everton – Landon Donovan: The MLS star has returned for another spell with Everton as Los Angeles Galaxy enjoy an off-season break. A fine addition, Donovan will be hoping to impress.
Match Prediction
With the way things have been going on for both teams lately, it is be hard not to see Spurs coming up with the win in front of their own fans. The side keeps getting better and better, and while there are doubts over their long run, dispatching Everton should be achievable. A 3-1 win for the home side.
