- Jul 27, 2004
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Finally premier league football is back. After having to suffer Scotland being beat by Georgia what a perfect match for us to return to action after the international break. Hopefully we will continue the improvement in form we have seen in recent matches with the break giving Jol and Co the chance to have worked on our defensive problem.
The Official Site Team News:
Martin Jol is hopeful Anthony Gardner will overcome injury in time for Monday's trip to Newcastle.
Teemu Tainio (thigh) is touch and go for St James Park, Kevin-Prince Boateng is out of the reckoning with an ankle injury while Ledley King, Benoit Assou-Ekotto (both knee) and Ricardo Rocha (ankle) remain out.
On a more positive note, young defender Dorian Dervite is back in training after a cruciate knee ligament injury sustained in January.
Martin reported on Thursday: "Anthony Gardner missed training today with a groin problem but I think he'll be okay on Monday.
"Paul Stalteri is the same, he sprained an ankle and has been out for the last couple of weeks but could return next Thursday.
"Kevin-Prince Boateng has an ankle injury and will be back next week.
"Ricardo Rocha is recovering well but it will take another seven to eight weeks, Ledley King is progressing well and Benoit-Assou Ekotto is undergoing rehab again after his knee was drained.
"Dorian Dervite has started training again with the group this week so hopefully he'll be fine soon."
Setanta Sports Preview:
The Lilywhites were denied all three points at Anfield due to a late Fernando Torres equaliser, but their performance was much-improved. They will need to be on top of their game against The Magpies though as Newcastle have won their last three league meetings with Spurs, scoring three goals in each match.
Jermain Defoe, currently struggling for first-team chances, has scored four goals in seven starts against Newcastle in The Premier League so could well prove a fruitful inclusion for Jol.
Another striker who enjoys this match-up is Obafemi Martins – the Nigeria international scored in both games against Spurs last season.
Spurs’ defence continues to leak goals, and they have kept just three clean sheets in their last 37 league games, shipping 13 goals in their last five matches.
Incidentally, Newcastle have kept just five clean sheets in their last 32 league games so this fixture could be a high-scoring affair, especially with Tottenham’s penchant for goal-laden fests so far this season.
In a blast from the past, Spurs heaviest ever Premier League defeat came in this fixture in December 1996 when they fell in spectacular style 7-1, Setanta's own Les Ferdinand bagging a brace for The Magpies.
Paul Robinson will be missing for Spurs after picking up a calf strain while on duty for England, although questions have been raised as to whether his sidelining is more a timely tactical ploy to take the keeper out of the limelight following some less-than-assured displays.
Alan Smith is absent for The Magpies as he feels the force of a suspension.
Prediction: 2-3
BBC Match Squads (take with a pinch of salt):
Tottenham Squad (from): Cerny, Forecast, Chimbonda, Dawson, Kaboul, Lee, Tainio, Malbranque, Jenas, Zokora, Bale, Keane, Berbatov, Defoe, Huddlestone, Gardner, Lennon, Bent.
Newcastle Squad (from): Given, Harper, N'Zogbia, Enrique, Rozehnal, Taylor, Cacapa, Faye, Edgar, Beye, Milner, Geremi, Butt, Emre, Barton, Pattison, Viduka, Martins, Owen.
Interesting Stats:
Newcastle defend their unbeaten home league record against Tottenham, who are yet to win away.
The Magpies have won their last three at St James' Park, netting three goals in each of the last two.
Spurs have drawn their last three on the road, but despite going into the weekend fourth bottom, boast the strongest attack outside the top five.
Newcastle have scored more Premier League goals against Tottenham than any other club (46).
Team:
Subs: Tainio, Berbatov, Lennon, Gardner, Forecast.
3
Right, that's enough fuel for this fixture, don't forget to check [thread=21435]Geez's Media Coverage Thread[/thread] for watching and listening options.
P.S Don't forget to belt out the Dimi Dimi Dimi Dimi Dimitar Berbatov song :wink: and the Chimbonda Anthem and why not give the I Love Martin Jol Song a go?
COME ON YOU SPURS!
[SIZE=-4]Lots of information courtesy of the BBC and Setanta Sports
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