So here we are at last, the opening game at The Nine Months Late And Costing A Billion Pounds Stadium, which it is apparently called according to the BBC. Crystal Palace come to North London to play their part in what is a big day in the Grand Scheme of Things, and not so small in the Lesser Scheme either.
Our recent atrocious run, one point from our last five league games, four of them away admittedly, has put the pressure on in a way we’ve not seen a Spurs team be under for a while, since Pochettino took charge arguably and there is a free sports bet no deposit opportunity for Spurs to return to third. It’s not just the numbers, it’s the uncharacteristic failings in front of both goals that are causing sleepless nights – though admittedly, the latter (panicking when clean through on goal & fumbling straightforward saves) will lead to the former (below Huddersfield in the form table).
Since Harry’s return he’s scored three but goals from elsewhere have completely dried up. Moura’s equaliser on Sunday was the first non-Kane league goal since Son against Leicester on Feb 10th. It’s not good enough. Eriksen and Dele (though the latter has mitigating circumstances) have not supplied enough up front all season whilst Winks and Sissoko are hardly Lampard and Gerrard, or even Jenas and Lennon, and never will be.
Son was on an excellent run of scoring until Harry came back since when he’s managed precisely none, which is probably not a coincidence. Our weakness in the centre midfield has meant more defensive work than the forwards would like but even so…
Once Palace signed Batshuayi on loan in January most pundits thought that that would be enough to ensure their survival and whilst he’s not exactly been on fire, and playing as a central striker is not really his forte, he’s done enough to give the Eagles shape and a bit of structure. Zaha, Townsend have wriggled and run, Milivojevic has been accurate from the spot whilst van Aanholt and media favourite of the month Wan-Bissaka have supplied pace on the flanks.
They’re a speedy side with lumps in the middle at the back and ferrets up front and wide. Trippier beware!
There is some good news on the injury front with Winks possibly available. Hoorah hoorah! This gives Poch the opportunity to switch back to four at the back, Sissoko in the middle and the fab four up front.
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Andre Marriner is the ref lucky enough to be the man in the middle for this historic occasion.
It promises so much, it could be a great night, one of the best. The bookies think the team can deliver, let’s hope they’re right, it would mean so much.
COYS
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