- Jul 27, 2004
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With McLeish having just taken over at Birmingham we should expect a new manager bounce but, I still think we will be too strong for them. Also I predict a 30 yard screamer from Stephen Kelly with his left foot in a 2 -1 win for us.
The Official Site Team News:
Jermaine Jenas is a doubt for Sunday's clash against Birmingham at the Lane after picking up an injury against Aalborg.
The midfielder was forced off at half-time of the UEFA Cup group match against the Danish side after damaging his ankle in a challenge with keeper Karim Zaza towards the end of the first half.
Juande Ramos reported after Thursday night's win that JJ's injury would be assessed over the next 48 hours.
However, there was better news from the Head Coach as Juande indicated that Jermain Defoe expects to recover from a bout of 'flu in time for Sunday's fixture.
Skysports.com Preview:
Juande Ramos remains unbeaten as Tottenham Hotspur boss; however Thursday's first-half lapses were a timely reminder of the task that lies ahead for the Spaniard.
Spurs once again demonstrated their defensive frailties as they went 2-0 down against Aalborg, but an inspired second-half display secured a 3-2 victory.
They host Birmingham City on Sunday in a game which sees former Scotland boss Alex McLeish take the Blues reins for the first time.
A trip to White Hart Lane is hardly the most inviting of debuts, with Spurs boasting a 100 per cent home Premier League record over Birmingham with four wins from four.
Goals galore
Historical facts and figures will mean little to McLeish though; he will just be keen to put an end to the club's three-match league losing streak.
To add further promise to a potentially enthralling fixture, the away side are on a run of seven games without a clean sheet, meaning goals could be plentiful.
Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas is set to undergo a late fitness test after picking up an ankle injury in the first half of Thursday's triumph.
Meanwhile, Pascal Chimbonda is likely to partner Michael Dawson in the heart of defence, should centre-back Younes Kaboul (groin) fail to recover from a groin problem.
Blues team news
Jermain Defoe is expected to be available following a bout of flu, but will settle for a place on the bench, with Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov set to lead Tottenham's front line.
McLeish could have England Under 21 international Cameron Jerome at his disposal, after the striker missed last weekend's 2-0 defeat to Portsmouth following hernia surgery.
Scottish international striker Garry O'Connor is struggling with a groin problem, while goalkeeper Maik Taylor could replace Richard Kingson in the starting XI.
BBC Match Squads (take with a pinch of salt):
Tottenham Squad (from): Robinson, Cerny, Lee, Stalteri, Chimbonda, Dawson, Bale, Zokora, Jenas, Malbranque, Lennon, Tainio, Boateng, Taarabt, Huddlestone, Keane, Berbatov, Bent, Defoe.
Squad (from): Taylor, Kingson, Doyle, Kelly, Ridgewell, Djourou, Schmitz, Queudrue, Larsson, De Ridder, Nafti, Muamba, McSheffrey, Kapo, Jerome, Forssell, O'Connor, Danns, Parnaby, Johnson.
Interesting Stats:
Spurs
Scored in each of the last 10 league matches, since losing 1-0 at Manchester United on 26 August - their only blank in 13 league games.
Three short of totaling 800 goals scored in Premier League history.
Need one goal either for or against to become the first team to have 50 goals on show in their Premier League matches; it's 49 at present (24 four, 25 against).
Birmingham City
Lost seven of the last eight in all competitions.
Lost six of seven Premier League matches, including the last three; the exception being a 3-2 home win over Wigan on 27 October.
Their three wins this season have come against bottom six clubs; Derby (a), Bolton (h) and Wigan (h).
Team:
Subs: Cerny, Lee, Boateng, Defoe, Huddlestone.
3
Right, that's enough fuel for this fixture, kick off is at 15:00 GMT - check [thread=23718]Geez's Media Coverage Thread[/thread] for watching and listening options.