[Archived] Spurs Preview

[DingleBaiter]

I think Warnock is suspended for this one isn't he? Or is it the Pompey game?

It is worth remembering that Rovers have a pretty good away record playing teams managed by 'arry as well as a more than decent recent track record at White Hart Lane.

Yup Philip, the PTSD from Sat caused me to forget that he is. Okay, Olly in at left back - he's pulled out of his international this week so hopefully will be fit in time. Also gives cover for left wing (as he spent most of last season playing there) if Peds is moved over to the right (hope not).

[jonv]

is Ince out with a loss here?

[Hughesy]

2-1 Rovers. We need to shot on site with their dodgy keeper. Carlos needs to play this game and he need to be behind Roque & hopefully McCarthy.

We are going to win this one. IF not - INCE OUT!

[Hasta]

Tottenham - Don't believe the hype.

Despite the arrival of 'Arry they are still weak up front with an average midfield and a keeper who makes Robinson look like Shilts.

It said in one paper yesterday that Rovers faced a 'daunting' trip to White Hart Lane. No more daunting than going to The Riverside, The Brittania or Craven Cottage. They are a mid-table side at best and one that we should feel that we can get points off. Whether we will or not is a different story.

[rover6]

Who needs Eurostar when you have Tottenham Hotspurs - our portal into Europe. Bring 'em on.

(Yes, the above is quixotic bravado of the Abbeyist school of grunted optimism but in these depressing times, that particular ivory tower isn't bad shelter.)

Okay, important tactical decision for Ince - who does he get to drop their shorts at a vital set-piece moment? (A new deception technique pioneered by some Catania players which is sure to bring a whole new meaning to the "in the hole" role).

[Claytons Left Boot]

How do Carlos and Bentley compare on speed?

I don't think either of them take it.

[almuncle]

Okay, important tactical decision for Ince - who does he get to drop their shorts at a vital set-piece moment? (A new deception technique pioneered by some Catania players which is sure to bring a whole new meaning to the "in the hole" role).

A Crack habit is looking more likely

[T4E]

That was quite amusing, thanks Philip.

[bennyboyt11]

its a loss for rovers i feel...

However with that clown Gomes in goal we should test him with EVERY opportunity...

[SIMON GARNERS 194]

Can Ince motivate the players after the public slating...will they respond?

[Blue blood]

Rovers have to get something from this game as Spurs are weaker than results appear, are close rivals in terms of the table and we're desperate for points.

If warnock is out (big blow - but Ince would've played him in the wrong position anyway) I'd go with the following team:

Robbo, Ooijer, Nelsen, Samba, Zurab, Emerton, Mokoena, Andrews, Pedersen, Benni, Rocky.

At full back I think experience is more important than pace at lb, as Bentley isn't the fastest of players, and Zurab is less likely to be suckered into things than Ollson. Plus he's been playing well.

At right back I'd go for Ooijer - ok he's slow and doesn't get forward well - but Simpson is shocking going forward and I'd rather have a bit more defensive consistency.

Tbh I'd rather have emerton there but we have no one else who can play right mid and it is vital we have a couple of players who can whip the ball into the box on a regular basis, thus putting their calamity keeper under as much pressure as possible.

Equally their midfield is rather lacking bite, so I've the feeling this could be the time (if at all) that Andrews will shine, and his box to box runs could get rewarded.

Up front 2 is imperitive, and equally important is that Roberts in his worst form ever isn't one of them. It'll mean Rocky doesn't get isolated, and there's double the chance of someone pouncing on the inevitable gomez mistake.

This is a big, big game for rovers - the key questions for me are:

how will the players respond to the public dressing down from Ince?

how will robbo respond and perform against his former club?

is benni getting back to the player he was when he arrived?

will we see some shape, cohesion and unity that seems to have been lacking in previous games? If not Spurs will tear us apart - they can't defend but they can attack - even Campbell's scoring at the moment.

Hard to call - was the sunderland game the nadir of ince's reign which stops his experimentation and gets them back to basics, or was it a sign of things to come. I suspect the latter but am hoping i'm wrong.

[Blue n White Rover]

In Ince I/We trust!

Mark my words!

We need some optimism don't we?

[Rover4ever]

Maybe a good idea would be to ask Pedersen to get into the box as much as he can, and try shooting at Gomes whenever he gets the chance. A keeper low on confidence is bound to spill the ball at least once.......

[philipl]

Harry Hotspur has put us up on his blog. Plenty of comment.

[rog of the rovers]

Modric out for Spurs. Plus Spurs have plenty on international duty so maybe a couple more to come?

Id go for

Robinson

Ooijer-Nelsen-Samba-Olsson

Andrews-Emerton-Tugay-Pedersen

Benni-Roque

subs

Brown-Zurab-Carlos-Mokoena-Derbyshire-Fowler-Simpson

[Athlete]

Modric out for Spurs. Plus Spurs have plenty on international duty so maybe a couple more to come?

Id go for

Robinson

Ooijer-Nelsen-Samba-Olsson

Andrews-Emerton-Tugay-Pedersen

Benni-Roque

subs

Brown-Zurab-Carlos-Mokoena-Derbyshire-Fowler-Simpson

unfortunately cant see Ince going 2 upfront he cant do that at home the no idea idioit

[Roost]

Bought my ticket for this one today - £37 bloody quid and a 1.30 kick off. WELL THANKS!!

just over 500 tickets sold so far - not surprising really....

This a massive game for Rovers and I am nervous already.

Does anyone know of a decent away pub close to the ground?

One Love - BRFC

[Hughesy]

There is one just around the corner, not sure of the name, but I think it has a big Bell outside of it?!?

[the original david brent]

a massive longshot but just wondering if any of our american friends know of any 24 hour sports bars or bars that open early in the morning in New York that may show this game? Or the tv channel this game may be shown on in the usa?

cheers

[Roost]

There is one just around the corner, not sure of the name, but I think it has a big Bell outside of it?!?

Its not called The Big Bell is it.... I thought that was Samba............

[broadsword]

Is that the Wetherspoon's Pub? Sure that is the "Bell" something.

[Tris]

a massive longshot but just wondering if any of our american friends know of any 24 hour sports bars or bars that open early in the morning in New York that may show this game? Or the tv channel this game may be shown on in the usa?

cheers

It's on Fox Soccer channel ...

Fox Soccer link

This place is showing it on delay at 11am ... might be the best you can do on a Sunday morning!

[philipl]

There is one just around the corner, not sure of the name, but I think it has a big Bell outside of it?!?

Is this where the big bell is.

It might come in handy for troubled souls on a Sunday afternoon .

[Roost]

Is this where the big bell is.

It might come in handy for troubled souls on a Sunday afternoon .

I dont share your pessimism philipl - I think we can get a result

[philipl]

I dont share your pessimism philipl - I think we can get a result

The request was for somewhere before the game....

I agree we can win and in fact on recent past performance we should be going into this game as favourites.