Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers
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Sunday, 25th February, 2007 K.O. 3.00pm
Referee: Graham Poll
Referee: Graham Poll
Spurs will need their newly acquired endeavour and team spirit if they are to win over Bolton. I really want Spurs to win this game, to make up for the disappointment of that defeat on the opening day in August when all our optimism was dashed within minutes. Also, I’m fed up with Bolton turning us over so often and so easily – it’s time for a change and to add to last season’s hard-earned victory brought about by Aaron Lennon’s goal.
That solitary goal victory ended a sequence of six straight defeats in the Premiership back to March, 2003. However, prior to that Spurs had been undefeated in seven games, with three successive home wins and a win and two draws at Bolton.
Considering the recent difficulties against Bolton, Spurs home record in the Premiership isn’t too bad:
P 7 W 4 D 1 L3 For 11 Ag 8
And their overall League record is good:
P 38 W 23 D 6 L 9 For 71 Ag 40
Hopefully, Spurs will be able to build on those figures on Sunday with another win, a draw wouldn’t really be enough for Spurs at the moment – they need to build on the up-turn in form and keep the upward momentum going.
Everyone knows exactly how Bolton will play so Spurs should be well prepared for it and ready to battle against their hard-working side. Bolton are currently in 5th place in he Premiership, two points behind Arsenal and 11 points ahead of us If Spurs are going to close that gap it must start on Sunday. Spurs have played twice since Bolton lost in the Cup replay but they have won their last two League games against Fulham and at Watford. Uncharacteristically, Bolton only managed to draw with Charlton and lost 1-5 to Middlesbrough, al5though the Cup draw at the Emirates was sandwiched between those results. Nolan has caused Spurs a few problems in the past as have Anelka, Pedersen and Speed with important goals at crucial times. Campo’s long-range goal in August basically sealed Bolton’s victory and their goalkeeper, Jaaskelainen, usually performs well at White Hart Lane. Anelka is the leading scorer with 9, while a number of others contribute regularly – they’ve had five different goal scorers in the last six games. Nolan has 5 League and Cup goals with three in the last 6 games. Diouff has 5, Campo and Speed 4 each, Faye 2 and Pedersen 1.
Bolton will be without Tal Ben Haim and David Thompson who are suspended but Faye may return after injury.
To maintain Spurs’ recent improved form Martin Jol will probably make only a minimum of changes. Anthony Gardner is doubtful so Rocha may play. The manager then has to decide whether he goes for player rotation or stays with the players who have produced results at both Fulham and Everton – I know what my choice would be.
Everyone knows exactly how Bolton will play so Spurs should be well prepared for it and ready to battle against their hard-working side. Bolton are currently in 5th place in he Premiership, two points behind Arsenal and 11 points ahead of us If Spurs are going to close that gap it must start on Sunday. Spurs have played twice since Bolton lost in the Cup replay but they have won their last two League games against Fulham and at Watford. Uncharacteristically, Bolton only managed to draw with Charlton and lost 1-5 to Middlesbrough, al5though the Cup draw at the Emirates was sandwiched between those results. Nolan has caused Spurs a few problems in the past as have Anelka, Pedersen and Speed with important goals at crucial times. Campo’s long-range goal in August basically sealed Bolton’s victory and their goalkeeper, Jaaskelainen, usually performs well at White Hart Lane. Anelka is the leading scorer with 9, while a number of others contribute regularly – they’ve had five different goal scorers in the last six games. Nolan has 5 League and Cup goals with three in the last 6 games. Diouff has 5, Campo and Speed 4 each, Faye 2 and Pedersen 1.
Bolton will be without Tal Ben Haim and David Thompson who are suspended but Faye may return after injury.
To maintain Spurs’ recent improved form Martin Jol will probably make only a minimum of changes. Anthony Gardner is doubtful so Rocha may play. The manager then has to decide whether he goes for player rotation or stays with the players who have produced results at both Fulham and Everton – I know what my choice would be.
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