Tottenham Hotspur Preview: Latics take on basement boys

Last updated : 20 September 2008 By Michael Goodman

Juande Ramos has been busy over the summer with top strike partnership Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane both leaving the club to sign for Manchester United and Liverpool respectively, Paul Robinson has also left the club to sign for Blackburn and Sunderland signed Steed Malbranque, Pascal Chimbonda and Teemu Tainio in a triple swoop.

The new arrivals for Tottenham include Russian, Roman Pavlyuchenko who signed from Spartak Moscow, Giovanni Dos Santos who arrived from Barcelona, Luka Modric from Dinamo Zagreb and David Bentley from Blackburn.

Ramos cannot say he has not been backed by the board to bring in who he wants to make the club his own and will want to prove that this new look Spurs side can challenge for a top 4 spot in the future. After defeat at home to Aston Villa on Monday night, The game on Sunday provides another chance for a home win but it will not be an easy game for Tottenham.

After the draw against Sunderland, Wigan travel to the capital looking for their first win against London clubs in five games and will want to change that record.

Bruce has the luxury of working with his squad all week to get them ready after a difficult period of international duty where some players only arrived back late Friday night.

Amr Zaki will be looking to improve on his goal tally and prove why Steve Bruce brought him to Wigan after his red hot start to the season. 5 goals in 5 games for the Egyptian in all competitions is a fantastic record for someone who is new to the English league and is certainly proving to be a real find.

Injury News

There are no new injury concerns for Wigan heading into the game with Ryan Taylor doubtful and Erik Edman still out. Lee Cattermole is suspended for the game after being sent off against Sunderland with Michael Brown favourite to replace him in centre midfield.

Jason Koumas or Olivier Kapo could be given a chance to shine on the left wing if Bruce wants to keep things fresh.

Paul Scharner is also looking to break back into the starting line up but Titus Bramble could keep his place after impressing against Sunderland despite his early own goal.

Predicted Line Up

Kirkland

Melchiot Bramble Boyce Figueroa

Valencia Brown Palacios Koumas

Heskey Zaki

Key Players for Tottenham

Jonathan Woodgate - Signed from Middlesbrough in the January transfer window last season, Woodgate has established himself in Tottenham's back four alongside Ledley King. Strong Tackler and also dangerous from set pieces as his winner showed in the Carling Cup final against Chelsea

Ledley King - The club captain has done well to overcome some serious injuries in his career and on his day is one of the best centre backs in the world. Goes about his job quietly and effectively like Emmerson Boyce for Wigan. King is strong, quick and powerful in the air and can keep top quality strikers quiet on his day.

David Bentley - The former Arsenal and Blackburn man has developed quite a reputation recently for his antics with the England Under 21s a year ago. Has now become a contender for the right wing spot for the country and can deliver dangerous crosses and free kicks.

Darren Bent - Bent has rose through the leagues alongside us and has faced us ever since the old Division 1 days. Quick and a great finisher, Bent is a top striker. Has been prolific during pre season and with Berbatov and Keane gone, will want to spark up a good partnership with Pavlyuchenko and prove his worth.

Prediction

A very tough game to call in what should be an attacking match at White Hart Lane. Both sides will be wanting the win but a draw could be on the cards for two good Premier League sides.

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