Everton Away

Everton are a revitalised team by all accounts this season. After their worst ever Premiership finish last year, Rooney jumping ship and the club on the verge of bankruptcy, Everton were my strong tip to be struggling near the foot of the table. However they seem to have proven me completely wrong so far and currently sit third in the table! What I thought would be almost a 3 point banker is actually going to be a tough away test for Santini's army come Saturday at 3pm. Everton are playing with a lot of confidence. They are organised and will be tough to break down. Spurs will have to think carefully about the tactics they use against the Toffees if we are to get anything from the game.

Kanoute is one player that won't be traveling with the squad due to the slight hamstring pull he sustained against United last week and thus the long ball tactic we have been using recently won't be an option. This can only be a good thing. (No long ball, not no Kanoute) Sean Davis is back in the squad and I hope he starts. This would allow Mendes to push forward more and provide a more attacking emphasis that has been lacking from the team in recent league games. Simon Davies should also be recalled to the right midfield. When he has played he has shown he can still deliver quality crosses into the box and as he approaches match fitness he will be beating more people down the touchline. Atouba may also return. However if not I hope that Brown or Ricketts is given a chance down the left. Jackson is not turning into the player I thought he could be and his inablility to impress against Oldham signed the transfer deal to someone like The Spammers for me.

Up front we will have the usual Jermaine Defoe and Robbie Keane. Defoe was ineffective for large spells against United last week mainly due to the type of football we played. He wants the ball to feet and if we get the more attacking players into the midfield hopefully this can happen. Keane seems desperately short on confidence but everyone knows what he can do. Hopefully he will get the rub of the green which will boost his confidence back to his goal scoring ways.

The back four will pick itself as will Robinson, keeping out Helen as usual.

Overall a stronger Spurs team that played against Manchester United would, on paper, have a good chance of taking all three points. However, against a confident Everton, I would settle for a draw.

Spurs have had a good start to the season and for it to continue we must go to places like Everton and take something from the game.