English Premier League – Thursday Dec. 22, 2011

ARUKIDNME · Dec 21, 2011

Chelsea is heading into the diminutive fortification known as White Hart Lane. Spurs have had great success this season on home turf.

Tottenham Hotspurs PICK (-103) or 1X

Tottenham are 6-1 at home and have taken maximum points in their last 6 home matches. A win would place them a solid 5 points ahead of Chelsea solidly in 3rd place.

In the past Spurs would have been feeling some uncertainty facing their visitors. They would have been content to play conservative, defensive football and hope for a draw. However, I really think Spurs are the better side at this time and they’re catching Chelsea off a poor performance against Wigan.

I don't think the new Chelsea skipper has had time to really make a difference and time is running out. IMHO. Why hasn’t he started Torres? It's beyond insanity. I really hope he starts Drogba again. Drogba is a scoring dynamo with 2 Big Goals this season. LOL.

Although this match reeks of a draw, I’m confident that The Lilywhites will not want to settle for one point. I love the value in this line. The “Price is Right” at almost even odds for a team in better form.

Redknapp has made it clear to the media that if they are going to be a TOP 3 team in the EPL they have to beat teams like Chelsea and especially at home. They've beaten The Reds and The Gunners; now can they add The Pensioners to that list? I hope so. LOL

:toast:

PLF · Dec 22, 2011

You sound like a Spurs fan? Are you?

By new Chelsea skipper you mean the new Chelsea manager, AVB? I think he's a very bright young manager and he will turn things around. Probably not starting with this match though.

Skipper = Captain, no?

As for Torres, well recently Drogba's been in good form (remember that important match against Valencia) and Torres well.... I'm sure you've seen how he's playing. Much like Carroll lol. Low on confidence, low in shooting accuracy and to be honest not deserving of CONTINUOUS starting line up places when not performing. If you don't perform, you should be on the bench. Tomorrow things may change for him who knows...

I like your pick. I'd say a draw is likely as well but like you said, if there's a time Tottenham should be winning these matches, it's NOW!

PLF · Dec 22, 2011

I'd normally be more confident about this bet but I have to say whether true or not we'll find out but Harry Redknapp has also said that: "Gareth Bale is VERY doubtful to play in this match or at least start it because of injury". He can change the dynamics especially since the other winger Aaron Lennon is also out with a hamstring injury and will be missed.

Adebayor and Ramires meanwhile have had little knocks but they should be fine and play tomorrow. I can see this being a close match and an unfortunate controversial moment (Ref mistake) deciding the match.

ARUKIDNME · Dec 22, 2011

I am aware there are some doubts about Bale but at this time all things considered Spurs are in better form.

Plus, I tend to wonder how long AVB will last. He had Langley fired from Chelsea TV for stating that he thought AVB was vindictive with regards to removing parking privliges for two 1st team players who requested tfr's.

AVB will always have the "he never played pro football" cloud over his head and I really think he's quitely disliked by the team. I don't think they though they hired a little Hitler. I know, he wants to win so bad today that he probably didn't sleep last night.

I hope the media continue to pound him on his weak start. He's a suck, a baby and I agree with Langley - vindictive. I really believe Langley has much more to say about AVB but has held his breath.

Check this out! How much support are you really getting when fans go out of their way to set this site up (below) LOL. It's the tip of the iceburg and AVB is sliding down the side of it right now. It won't be long before he's gone too. IMHO.

Has AVB Been Fired Yet?

Spurs 1X for me!

DialSquares · Dec 22, 2011

i don't understand all this AVB slam...chelski is in the CL, Quarterfinals in the carling and 4th in the EPL - and is sticking to it to overrated Torres. (not you but i mean the i-net and media) He doesn't play Torres because he has been terrible for 4 years...If they win today that would be 3rd at christmas. I guess off the pitch matters to some people but Chelsea have done everything they can on it. Maybe they just don't like the guy - Mourinho must have had the same treatment til he won. Of course a true gooner will never cheer for tottenham but being x-mas and all - good luck on the bet

Should be a cracker to watch...

ARUKIDNME · Dec 22, 2011

Dial Squares I think you are bang on.

AVB needs to win to get the media off his back. However, I am a strong believer that to get the respect of players and fans you need the following: (and this applies in the non-sport everyday world we work in).

1. You respect your manager because he/she is your superior. So by virtue of their position there is a level of respect given.

2. Now you must respect them as a person too; in order to get complete buy in and loyalty. I don't believe AVB has this for two reasons. (i) He never played football professionally. (ii) He has a very thin skin when criticism is dished out in his direction.

If he played pro ball he would have been accustom to reading bad reviews in the dayly papers. (but he has never had to face this before) He's at Chelsea now and you cannot run from the spotlight. He has not earned the right to lash out at anyone. Actions speak louder than words.

If I could say one thing to him it would be; "Keep your mouth shut, your head down and let the results do the talking." My good friend is a "Pensioner" and he does not like his attitude one bit.

On a side note: I think we'll see a high scoring game Monday when your Gunners take on Wolves. Still capping but that's my early thoughts.

Have a Merry Christmas!!! I hope all your picks a winners.

ARUKIDNME · Dec 22, 2011

Commentary:

I'm not one to dwell on a match especially since I did not lose $ on this one. However, Webb is a Complete Dick of a Referee and his Viceroys (Linesmen) are no better.

CLEAR hand ball on the Chelsea goal and a Phantom Offside; on what should have been Spurs 2nd goal.

Makes me sick to see this crap from what may be FIFA's Referee of choice for the World Cup Final if England are eliminated prior to the semi's in Brazil.

I'm insulted.

All BS aside it was an extemely entertaining match and that's what makes it a beautiful game.

Moving on!!!

cocktailsnlongshots+ · Dec 22, 2011

missed the match but as soon as i read howard webb's name i knew all bets were off...u know he is a former policeman?...enough said...the prick has been a sideshow unto himself the day he set foot on a pitch to referee a football match...it's always about him and not the game itself