In we go…..
Tottenham seemed to have gained a new respect this season. Everyone is talking about Tottenham’s new “edge” - what has made the difference?
Firstly, Spurs have been getting results without playing well. The games against West Ham, Southampton and Aston Villa being examples. The edge is there but the best is still to come I believe with the return of our walking wounded. Davies is impressing at club and international level, while Keane, although still finding his feet, is the inspirational front man we have craved for years. His display against Bolton was hopefully a mouthwatering glimpse of things to come. Finally, the much under-rated and quietly effective Dean Richards has been very solid at the back. Things are by no means fully right, but there is more self belief.
Tottenham V Chelsea is always a special fixture in the Chelsea fans calendars (it’s no wonder really after last years 5 dramatic encounters) do you think we can expect similar fire works this year?
For sure. With the hideous ascent of the Arse, it's almost as if games against Chelsea are going to be on more of a level pegging......players from the Arse probably see games against us as of secondary importance when compared with Champions League commitments which is understandable I suppose. Hence our games against you have gained an added edge in our minds. The three decade run against us at White Hart Lane always wrankles and the memories/grudges/vendettas of the five games last year (and indeed of years gone by) will come to the fore.
What are Tottenham’s priorities this season?
To avoid relegation (no joke).
Top six position (a possibility but no easy task for us).
We'll be happy with any silverwear.
A striker with more than 10 goals a season to his name.
Robbie Keane certainly seems to have made himself at home with Tottenham. Has he finally found a club to settle with and be part of?
Of course. His need to feel loved and appreciated has been married to our desperation to find someone who is not absolute toilet in front of goal . The subsequent adulation means everyone's happy.
You would think that every club values it's good players. Keane certainly wasn't treated that way at Leeds in the same way Rebrov is getting shafted here. When it comes to the fans though, I'm sure Keane knows he will be adored in the same vein as Greaves, Hoddle, Ginola, Gazza, Klinsmann etc are.
Who do you feel will be Tottenham’s key players this weekend? Who should Chelsea really fear?
Our defence and keeper. Both sides have the ability to create numerous chances and with Zola playing like truely great professional he is our defence must be on it's toes. Also Hasselbaink has a nasty scoring habit against us so it is doubly important.
Chelsea should fear Poyet. The lover scorned. Teddy's due a good game too. He has been very poor in front of goal recently. Keane runs so well at defences and can trouble them greatly.
Are there any injuries/team news we should know about?
Shaggy, King, Thelwell, Clemence still out.
Your match prediction?
Two sendings off. 2-3 to your lot. Bah!
Enjoy the game and lets hope it's not the first of five this season.