- Jul 27, 2004
- 24,868
- 11,368
- Staff
- #1
[SIZE=-2](thanks to evolution for the banner)[/SIZE]
Talking to a scouse mate of mine at work during the week and both agreed that we had hoped that this game might mean something to both teams but, unfortunately for both sides this game is completely meaningless. I can only hope that with nothing for us to play for we come out and put on a great football match as a worthy send off to our loyal fans that have had to put up with some truly woeful performances recently.
The Official Site Team News:
Dimitar Berbatov is back to face Liverpool in the season's finale at the Lane on Sunday.
The 23-goal striker missed last weekend's win at Reading with a slight groin injury but has returned to full training this week. "He's recovered and the injury isn't a problem," reported Juande Ramos on Thursday afternoon. Teemu Tainio is also back in training after an Achilles injury.
Aaron Lennon remains a doubt with the knee injury that kept him out at Reading while Paul Robinson has aggravated the ankle injury that has sidelined him for the last month.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Gareth Bale and Ledley King remain out.
Skysports.com Preview:
Tottenham and Liverpool meet at White Hart Lane on Sunday in their final game of the Premier League season as both sides set their sights firmly on the next campaign.
Spurs began the season with their then manager Martin Jol charged with the task of securing UEFA Champions League qualification, however dreams of a place in Europe's premier club competition now seem almost as distant as the memory of their former Dutch boss.
Jol was relieved of his duties in October 2007 and while his replacement - Juande Ramos - has steadied the ship, the best Tottenham can hope for is a 10th-placed finish.
Meanwhile, Liverpool were being touted as genuine contenders to end their 18-year top-flight title drought this term, but the Reds have been forced to settle for the fourth spot on which Tottenham had set their pre-season sights.
Berbatov recovery
The Reds have failed to live up to their billing this year and manager Rafa Benitez is already planning for the summer transfer market as he bids to make next season count.
Ramos is also expected to spend in the close-season and it is likely that a replacement for striker Dimitar Berbatov will be a priority.
Berbatov has shaken off a groin injury, but an outing against Liverpool is expected to be a farewell appearance in North London as the Bulgarian seeks Champions League football.
Winger Aaron Lennon (knee) is a doubt after missing out against Reading and goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who has been out of action for the past month, is expected to be remain unavailable after aggravating his ankle injury.
Aurelio return
Ledley King, Gareth Bale and Benoit Assou-Ekotto have been long-term absentees, but Teemu Tainio has resumed training after recovering from an Achilles injury.
In a style similar to Spurs with Berbatov, Liverpool also look set to be offering players the opportunity to say goodbye as £15million-rated Peter Crouch is expected to feature against his first club and out of contract Australian winger Harry Kewell could play in what would be his final appearance for Liverpool.
Full-back Fabio Aurelio may return after recovering from a torn abductor muscle as Liverpool, who have 117 goals in all competitions this season, look to maintain their status as the top scorers in English football.
Daniel Agger has returned to training following an injury-hit campaign but the Danish centre-back will not be rushed back into action in a bid to protect Jose Reina, who needs just one more shutout to add to his 17 clean sheets so far this season to guarantee the league's 'golden gloves' award.
BBC Match Squads (take with a pinch of salt):
Tottenham Squad (from): Cerny, Forecast, Chimbonda, Lee, Kaboul, Gilberto, Dawson, Hutton, Rocha, Woodgate, Gunter, Zokora, Tainio, Jenas, Malbranque, Boateng, Taarabt, Huddlestone, O'Hara, Lennon, Berbatov, Keane, Bent.
Liverpool Squad (from): Reina, Finnan, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Skrtel, Riise, Aurelio, Benayoun, Babel, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Torres, Voronin, Crouch, Pennant, Plessis, Insua, Itandje.
Interesting Stats:
Us
Unbeaten in five.
Bagged seven points from a possible 18 from one win and four draws, since beating Portsmouth, 2-0 at home on 22 March.
Lost one of eight (1-4, home to Newcastle on 30 March).
Scored in each of the last 13 since the goalless draw with Everton at Goodison Park on 30 January; netted one goal in each of the last six.
Officially the most wasteful club in Premier League history, having dropped 33 points from winning positions. Lost five matches in which they held the lead; only Bolton and Fulham can match that number.
Them
Unbeaten in six league games. Won four and draw two since losing 3-0, away to Manchester United on 23 March; their only loss in 14.
Will accumulate their second highest points total in six seasons. The potential finishing mark is 76 points, beaten only in the last half dozen campaigns by 82 points in 2005-06.
Lost four times; only Arsenal and Chelsea (three each) have been beaten less frequently.
Failed to score in one of the last 12; the 3-0 away defeat to Manchester United, on 23 March.
Yet to lose a game in which they scored first (won 17 and drawn six of 23).
3
Right, that's enough fuel for this fixture, kick off is at 15:00 GMT - check [thread=30929]Geez's Media Coverage Thread[/thread] for watching and listening options.
COME ON YOU SPURS!
[SIZE=-4]Lots of information courtesy of the BBC and SkySports[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-4]Don't forget to head over to SC's live chat during the game. For more info click the banner below.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-4]
[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-4]Lots of information courtesy of the BBC and SkySports[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-4]Don't forget to head over to SC's live chat during the game. For more info click the banner below.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-4]
[/SIZE]
cry
