- Jun 5, 2004
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- 64,290
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- #1
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G'day mates, Uncle Stoof here. Gonna chuck you a Match Thread ol' skool style as Nidgeroo is about playing with fairies, or whatever he actually does. So feast your eyes on my bulging news, you Match Thread whores. God I love you all. Mwah.
The Official Site Team News:
Paul Robinson is doubtful for Wednesday night's clash against Chelsea at the Lane.
The goalkeeper remains with the squad after suffering an ankle sprain in training on Monday but seen as a major doubt for the Barclays Premier League derby against the Blues.
However, better news sees skipper Ledley King back in training this week after missing Sunday's reverse at Manchester City with a calf strain.
Meanwhile, Robbie Keane did not train on Tuesday because of a slight knee problem - he should, however, be fit to face Chelsea.
But surely the most important news ...
A quick note to fans - the Spurs Megastore will NOT be open after tonight's game...
mg:
mg:Skysports.com Preview:
Chelsea travel to White Hart Lane with a point to prove against Tottenham in the Premier League on Wednesday.
The Blues suffered Carling Cup final heartbreak to their London rivals in February and are eager to avenge the Wembley defeat.
Avram Grant's side are also firmly in the top-flight title race and three points against Spurs would allow Chelsea to move level on points with second-placed Arsenal.
Chelsea could also draw level with league leaders Manchester Untied, if Sir Alex Ferguson's side slip up at home to Bolton in Wednesday night's other Premier League fixture.
Robinson doubt
Meanwhile, Tottenham manager Juande Ramos is keen to avoid Spurs' season falling flat, and denting Chelsea's title hopes would go a long way in keeping spirits high in North London.
With the Carling Cup already taking pride of place in the White Hart Lane trophy cabinet and after their Uefa Cup exit to PSV Eindhoven, 11th-placed Tottenham would appear to be left with only honour to play for this season.
But defender Jonathan Woodgate recently spoke of the fear within the Tottenham camp of a Chelsea backlash and it would therefore appear Spurs will be highly motivated when their capital rivals come calling.
Ramos has fitness concerns over goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who conceded twice in Sunday's defeat to Manchester City. Radek Cerny is on standby should the England international miss out.
Cech return
Robinson, who has recently earned a recall to the Spurs first XI after losing his place to Cerny, has sprained an ankle in training and is a doubt.
However, Ramos could be boosted by the return of captain Ledley King as the defender has resumed training following a calf strain, while striker Robbie Keane should also be fit, despite missing training on Tuesday with a knee problem.
Chelsea could include goalkeeper Petr Cech in their squad for the first time since their UEFA Champions League victory over Olympiakos on 5th March.
Cech suffered an ankle injury in training prior to the European last 16 second-leg clash with the Greek outfit, but the Czech Republic international could return against Spurs.
Otherwise, Grant has no new injury concerns as he bids to build confidence with a win ahead of their Grand Slam Sunday meeting with Arsenal.
BBC Match Squads (take with a pinch of salt):
Tottenham Squad (from): Robinson, Cerny, Chimbonda, Hutton, Lee, Gilberto, Gunter, Woodgate, King, Kaboul, Dawson, Zokora, Tainio, Jenas, Malbranque, Lennon, Huddlestone, O'Hara, Boateng, Taarabt, Berbatov, Keane, Bent.
Chelsea Squad (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Belletti, Carvalho, Alex, Ben-Haim, Terry, A Cole, Bridge, Ballack, Lampard, Essien, Mikel, Lampard, Shevchenko, Pizarro, Sidwell, Wright-Phillips, Malouda, Drogba, Anelka, Kalou, Makelele.
Stoof's Power Pub Stats:
Spurs
1. Lost three of five in all competitions.
2. Avoided defeat in five of the last seven.
3. Won eight of 18 under Juande Ramos.
4. No club has conceded more goals in stoppage time
Chelsea
1. Not lost when scoring first; won 16 and drawn two of 18.
2. Gained 16 points from a last possible 18.
3. Kept clean sheets in eight of last 11 on the road.
3Right, that's enough fuel for this fixture, kick off is at 20:00 GMT - check [thread=28863]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]
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