The battle for fourth.

Stag · 12 Apr 2006 at 16:45

HOPELESS Prediction

I had a gander at the link above and they predict that Spurs will finish above Arsenal and get the coveted 4th Champions League Spot (Lets just ignore the possibility of Arsenal winning it for now

)

Beside from the stupid if possibly ironic title they give their prediction "engine" I don't see why they use this bizarre points system with half points. Anyway the result has got me thinking.

I've seen lots of opinions of Spurs fans saying that not finishing 4th would be devastating, though I agree after being in fourth since November? that not finishing there would be a letdown. However given that the team finished 14th 2 seasons ago and 9th last year, the club is heading in the right direction and that mirubles aside no club can break into the top four quickly.

I'm personally happy with a UEFA cup place, however I'll be cheering on my team and wishing defeat on Arsenal. There still a good chance Spurs can do it, the last north london derby at Highbury could prove to be very memorable and influential encounter.

(The above is not discounting Blackburn who have done amazingly well, though I feel they won't quite make it. Also Bolton who I thought would be in the mix seem to have blown it.)

So opinions on 4th people?

Stag · 12 Apr 2006 at 23:09

dokko said:
Back to the Spuds. Home games of Manu & Bolton i can only see them getting a point from, then 3 away games against Everton, Arsenal & West Ham.

On current form they'll lose all away games, but i fancy them getting a point either at West Ham or Everton, but not more than that.

I have to disagree, at home Spurs are a force, even if they play badly they always come away with a good result (bar vs the russians blue boys). We played some good stuff against Man City and if not for James would have scored more. I expect at least 4 points with a point against Manyoo and all 3 against Bolton who have lost a lot of confidence.

Our away form is what will make or break the challenge for fourth, away at Everton and West Ham could both go either way but we'll just have to see. I still believe the crunch game at Highbury will be the 4th spot decider.

Stag · 20 Apr 2006 at 11:26

Bumping this ahead of Saturday. :cool:

After Arsenal won 1-0 last night they should have high confidence which will make up for their tired players. I feel Arsene will have more than half an eye on the away leg and may rest players to the detriment of his team.

This match could go either way, I predict a high scoring game with both defenses conceding at least 2 a piece. Going to be real end to end stuff with Arsenal hitting on the counter effectively.

Without King we will have to rely on Davenport to fill the gap, he played well against Manyoo though this will be a real test for him. Also worryingly speculation as to whether Dawson will be fit?

Hopefully Mido will be in the mix as I see his presence will unerve the Arsenal backline. Spurs will need to play with more grit than usual if they want a result here, Davids will need to show his ability to dominate the midfield.

Keane is the key man, his combination of tenacity and flair will ensure Spurs will be able to keep the heads high after the final whistle.

I expect an open game, could go either way.

Stag · 20 Apr 2006 at 16:46

bungler said:
Just said on ssn he's definately out for saturday.

I'm really annoyed about the Portsmouth game now. I was ok with resting players against Man U because as long as we beat Portsmouth we could afford a draw against Spurs and still have it in our own hands.

It's still in L'Arse's hands, you just have to win all your games to ensure it.

Stag · 20 Apr 2006 at 17:24

punky_munky said:
Not if Spurs win all their games

I'd love that to happen, but I said if L'Arse win all their games. That would sadly include beating Spurs. Still in their hands, but I feel Spurs have a great chance to get a result.

Wenger has some tricky decisions to make with regards to resting players for the away CL tie. No Campbell means Toure will have a torrid and tiring time trying to mark Defoe / Keane.

Stag · 20 Apr 2006 at 17:38

I didn't actually see the game last night, how tired would you say Arsenal finished?

Stag · 21 Apr 2006 at 20:44

Looking at what the game means (presuming that it is the key to fourth and thus CL qualification) which club does the game have bigger implications for?

There are arguements for both, for Spurs it could mean their first appearence in Europes Premier club competition since it was revamped as the Champions League. An increased profile and appeal to big names, with more financial clout to attract them. Overall a huge bonus on what was expected at the start of the season.

For Arsenal, a club that has budgeted CL qualification into their finances and future. Will the estimated 10-20 million pounds missing from the pot mean trouble? The final push that the talismanic Henry needs to leave?

Opinions?

Stag · 22 Apr 2006 at 15:11

Seeing as how the last NLD ended a draw, the race for fourth is still open.

Spurs are in the driving seat however and I can't see them dropping points at home to Bolton. The crunch game for me is away at West Ham.

Thats assuming Arsenal pick up maximum points however, I quite fancy Man City, Wigan or even Sunderland to nick a point off them.

The tides are turning. :cool:

Stag · 1 May 2006 at 14:51

Seven point gap now!

Away at West Ham should prove to be a tricky fixture, I smell plenty of goals. Though the likey absence of Robbie Keane isn't good, I can feel Defoe pulling some goals out of the bag against his old club.

Here's to hoping L'Arse drop some points in the next few games. Come on Sunderland, time for your first home win of the season. 1-0 Dean Whitehead freekick.