Tottenham vs Reading 29/12 pre/post match talk

[chanman83]

I'm on a roll here so let's keep it going! Big win vs Fullham at home and this game IS CRUCIAL! They are 1 pt ahead of us and we are looking very very scary. Big game calls for big predictions. I say we win 4-1 with berbs, keane, steed, and O'hara with goals. I'm very happy to see King back and hopefully Dawson can be fit so our D can finally look solid.

COME ON YOU SPURS!

[LedleybetterthanSol]

Where are we playing? If it is at the Lane we will put 3 past them, if not 1 all or 1 nil to us.

We are red hot right now.

[greatbluekingly]

Where are we playing? If it is at the Lane we will put 3 past them, if not 1 all or 1 nil to us.

We are red hot right now.

Its at the Lane, but don't underestimate Reading--they can be a tricky side (ask Liverpool) and they haven't lost in their last 5. That being said, they are terrible away from home and they will be without Gunnarson--even with their full squad, on paper we should be able to overpower them. I'll take Spurs to win, not sure about the score.

[chanman83]

We are at home

[mattie g]

Where are we playing? If it is at the Lane we will put 3 past them, if not 1 all or 1 nil to us.

We're at home, so I'll go with 2-1. I have a feeling Ledley may sit this one out, so we may be a bit more shaky in the back. But I think our attack will carry the day and bring us all three points.

I'm on a roll here so let's keep it going! Big win vs Fullham at home and this game IS CRUCIAL! They are 1 pt ahead of us and we are looking very very scary. Big game calls for big predictions. I say we win 4-1 with berbs, keane, steed, and O'hara with goals. I'm very happy to see King back and hopefully Dawson can be fit so our D can finally look solid.

COME ON YOU SPURS!

This game is absolutely huge right now. We win this and we're in 12th place, two points ahead of Reading and well up on goal difference. We'd be on a roll and looking up the table. Also, we've got a tough game after this one - away to Villa - which will really test us.

After that, here's our upcoming league fixture list:

Jan 14 - Away to Chelsea
Jan 19 - Home to Sunderland
Jan 30 - Away to Everton
Feb 2 - Home to ManU
Feb 9 - Away to Derby
Feb 23 - Home to Chelsea

That mid-winter fixture list is a killer, with four really difficult games in there, not to mention all the cup games we've got in that time span. So we need the points now, if for no other reason than to pick up as many as we can before that stretch hits us.

[greatbluekingly]

This game is absolutely huge right now. We win this and we're in 12th place, two points ahead of Reading and well up on goal difference. We'd be on a roll and looking up the table. Also, we've got a tough game after this one - away to Villa - which will really test us.

After that, here's our upcoming league fixture list:

Jan 14 - Away to Chelsea
Jan 19 - Home to Sunderland
Jan 30 - Away to Everton
Feb 2 - Home to ManU
Feb 9 - Away to Derby
Feb 23 - Home to Chelsea

That mid-winter fixture list is a killer, with four really difficult games in there, not to mention all the cup games we've got in that time span. So we need the points now, if for no other reason than to pick up as many as we can before that stretch hits us.

That is going to be a challenging run, no favors from the schedule--but at least we are playing good football--away at Villa is a very winnable match in my opinion, given our recent form we should be able to take full points from them as well as Reading and set ourselves up for the gauntlet.

[chanman83]

We're at home, so I'll go with 2-1. I have a feeling Ledley may sit this one out, so we may be a bit more shaky in the back. But I think our attack will carry the day and bring us all three points.



This game is absolutely huge right now. We win this and we're in 12th place, two points ahead of Reading and well up on goal difference. We'd be on a roll and looking up the table. Also, we've got a tough game after this one - away to Villa - which will really test us.

After that, here's our upcoming league fixture list:

Jan 14 - Away to Chelsea
Jan 19 - Home to Sunderland
Jan 30 - Away to Everton
Feb 2 - Home to ManU
Feb 9 - Away to Derby
Feb 23 - Home to Chelsea

That mid-winter fixture list is a killer, with four really difficult games in there, not to mention all the cup games we've got in that time span. So we need the points now, if for no other reason than to pick up as many as we can before that stretch hits us.


HUGE games forsure however that crazy ass Villa game could cost uncle Roman. I read Lampard has a torn Thigh muscle so he def out (they said a few weeks.. BS try a few MONTHS), damn both cole and Carvalo will be back just in time for our matchup but I still like our chances. IT STARTS SATURDAY!

[RichardL]

a few weeks back, on similar threads I outlined Reading's problems this season and told Arsenal fans that Arsenal would win easy enough - and they did. I did the same when we played Liverpool, but that turned out rather different.

In a nutshell, Reading's main problems this season have stemmed from having a style of play which relies heavily on two wingers (we are something of a throwback to the late 70s/early 80s) and losing all three right wingers from last season (Little out all season, Oster injured since August and Seol sold because he wanted to live nearer London's Korean community and play more often) has left us rather unbalanced.

We have settled a bit now, with Convey easing back to fitness on the left and Hunt moving to the right, but it's still not ideal.

There should be goals at both ends. Reading haven't failed to score in a match since the 1st of September, but on the other hand we've only kept one clean sheet during that period (v Derby, who were lucky to get 0). With White Hart Lane also seemingly becoming a defence free zone this season, there surely is only one outcome - a dreadful 0-0 draw.

Kitson will be really fired up, being a Spurs fan (he even says "we" when talking about Spurs results) and for opposite reasons, being Arsenal fans, Harper and Shorey (despite press claims that West Ham were his boyhood heroes) will be keen too.

The away end probably won't be full for the league game. With tickets at £36 it seems many fans are deciding to not bother and go the following week for the cup tie, when it's only £20. Personally I won't be going to either, as in a few hours time I'll be heading for Heathrow to leave the cold and gloom behind for the 90F sunshine of Thailand, but I will try and seek out a bar which offers premiership coverage as entertainment on saturday evening (GMT +7) rather than girls dancing round poles. Who knows, maybe some places offer both. That could be risky though. If Spurs score and I'm heard saying "Bollocks!" near the stage, there's a danger that some "extra-equipped" lady might take it as a request. The only nuts I want to see anywhere near a bar are peanuts or cashews, thank you very much, so I'll have to be careful.

[Tomdon]

There should be goals at both ends. Reading haven't failed to score in a match since the 1st of September, but on the other hand we've only kept one clean sheet during that period (v Derby, who were lucky to get 0). With White Hart Lane also seemingly becoming a defence free zone this season, there surely is only one outcome - a dreadful 0-0 draw.



Thats not the case, there was the clean sheet against pompey away just the other week :D.

[sendorange]

Ledley has declared himself fit for the game, so that's a big boost. I think we need Jenas back fit though, even with Thudd's goals we really didn't control central midfield against Fulham until we went 4-5-1. Reading will offer a lot of threat unless we control the midfield like we did against City and Portsmouth.

[Mort99]

Ledders is sure to play. Daws is still getting migraines from all that extra training and dieting (the poor overgrown elf)

Reading were all over west ham away at the weekend until gunnarsson was sent off and they still managed to salvage a draw having played most of the game with 10 men. Also, Coppell is clearly the best English manager so they'll be tight and compact and difficult to beat.

Keep Huddlestone in the middle of the park and we shouldn't have too many problems. Prediction 2:0 to the yiddos

[mattie g]

There should be goals at both ends. Reading haven't failed to score in a match since the 1st of September, but on the other hand we've only kept one clean sheet during that period (v Derby, who were lucky to get 0). With White Hart Lane also seemingly becoming a defence free zone this season, there surely is only one outcome - a dreadful 0-0 draw.

I agree that there may be goals at both ends. I am, however, honestly surprised that Ledley would declare himself fit. That doesn't mean that he'll play, but if he is fit and does play (without getting another injury), then I wouldn't be surprised if we keep you off the scoresheet.

Given your own defensive issues, I wouldn't be surprised to out two past you. Although you may be right in that it would only make sense that it end in a dull 0-0 draw. And boy...would we be pissed about that!

If Spurs score and I'm heard saying "Bollocks!" near the stage, there's a danger that some "extra-equipped" lady might take it as a request. The only nuts I want to see anywhere near a bar are peanuts or cashews, thank you very much, so I'll have to be careful.

Just don't go grabbing for the drink tray while your eyes are glued to the game on TV. You never know what kind of "surprise" will end up in your hands...;)

[mattie g]

Jenas and Rocha are back in the picture for tomorrow. Dawson, Gardner, Bale, and Assou-Ekotto all still out with injury, and Zokora still serving his suspension.

I wonder if Ledley will play or if Ramos wants to give him some extra time off after playing midweek. Rocha's return gives us that option without having to slot Chimbo into the middle (though he's done pretty well there).

I'm also wondering about Dawson's absence - I'll go to the injury thread for that.

[Colm]

This game will be much harder than the Fulham one, I rate Reading much better, we need to start making WHL a fortress again and i'm hoping for another back to back wins though as you know me i'm never fully confident.

[chanman83]

BTW for you Direct tv guys (like me) mattie G your always welcomed at my crib hahah.
Sat Dec 29 09:55AM Eastern
Direct TV xtra channel 670

[mekarshalev]

also for guys like me who have cable only (and no Setanta) there is Setanta Broadband at 12:15 pm EST tomorrow...
and of course all bunch of chinese P2P streaming channels...
Coys!

[mattie g]

BTW for you Direct tv guys (like me) mattie G your always welcomed at my crib hahah.
Sat Dec 29 09:55AM Eastern
Direct TV xtra channel 670

Ha!

I don't know...I might stay away from whatever goes on between you and your lady if there's any sort of Spurs-positive excitement that happens ;)

Actually, I'm supposed to be meeting up with friends for the game tomorrow morning at Summers. That is if they wake up in time :D

[Californiaspurs]

Richard L. said
in a few hours time I'll be heading for Heathrow to leave the cold and gloom behind for the 90F sunshine of Thailand, but I will try and seek out a bar which offers premiership coverage as entertainment on saturday evening (GMT +7) rather than girls dancing round poles. Who knows, maybe some places offer both. That could be risky though. If Spurs score and I'm heard saying "Bollocks!" near the stage, there's a danger that some "extra-equipped" lady might take it as a request. The only nuts I want to see anywhere near a bar are peanuts or cashews, thank you very much, so I'll have to be careful.

Lol. An honour to have on this board, sir. I've enjoyed your posts for many years, mainly on the Yanks Abroad threads. You have the patience of a saint with some of the posters over there, you've done a stellar job over the years of explaining the nuances and subtleties of the English game in such a way that enhances the experience for Americans attempting to "plug into" and make sense of the game as it exists in the UK both on and off the pitch.

Sorry to see you won't be able to give us a first hand account as seen from the away section, but when Thailand calls...... do you know how far they can shoot those peanuts from their....? And then there's the bananas, lode have mercy. Eh heh, straying off the subject a bit :D

Anyway, great to see our next two upcoming games are being televised, and since my supposedly turbo-charged PC still refuses to allow me to watch Setanta online, it's off down the pub with a small but enthusiastic following of Spurs fans (loads more hang out in the City, that's San Fran, than in my suburban neck of the woods) watching our game. At the same time the other screens will have whatever other games are showing at that time, with their own loyal bands of followers. It's been a great way to network and meet new people who will be going to see the returning San Jose Earthquakes so it's a win-win situation for all involved.

Got twenty quid on this one for Tottenham to win. Your cue to burst into Hey big spender.


http://www.thequake.com/twenty-quid-note.jpg ( http://www.thequake.com/thespur.html)

Reading, Reading, what's the score?
Reading, what's the score?

[chanman83]

Ha!

I don't know...I might stay away from whatever goes on between you and your lady if there's any sort of Spurs-positive excitement that happens ;)

Actually, I'm supposed to be meeting up with friends for the game tomorrow morning at Summers. That is if they wake up in time :D

HAHHAH well she's not a soccer fan, she's only really called upon after big wins or something like that haha. She thinks is BORING :eek:

[chanman83]

Here is the starting lineup boys

* 01 Robinson
* 02 Chimbonda
* 05 Kaboul
* 26 King
* 03 Lee
* 25 Lennon
* 08 Jenas
* 22 Huddlestone
* 15 Malbranque
* 09 Berbatov
* 10 Keane

Ill give a PBP for those who don't have sentana. Also
http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/live/spurs.ram
you need real player if you want live audio.