Middlesbrough Vs. Spurs

The most important game of the season takes place up north tomorrow that will either increase or destroy our European hopes. Avoiding defeat will leave Europe in our own hands and if we play like we did against Villa in the last game of the season we are home and dry. A win in Middlesbrough would almost certainly put us in the UEFA cup but defeat would leave us hoping Manchester City beat 'Boro and we beat Blackburn.

Things are not made any easier as Paul Robinson, the best goal keeper in the country, will miss the rest of the season with ligament damage. Radek Cerney will replace him in goal. He made his debut last week against Villa and looked good. His kicking was clean and accurate although he seemed a little slow in clearing sometimes. He didn't have much else to do but, like Martin Jol pointed out, he is very experienced having played over 200 times for Sparta Prague and over 40 times in European competition. Hopefully the back four and Cerney have been working on their communication and the basics ahead of tomorrow's game.

I expect that will be the only change. The back four will continue to be Kelly, King, Dawson and Edman. Edman will have to be sure that Zenden does not get the wrong side of him. Kelly should push forward to keep Downing on the back foot. The midfield will be Simon Davies, a revelation last week, Sean Davis, Carrick and Reid. Up front will be Kanoute and probably Keane as he is still the on form one between him and Defoe. To be honest, after stuffing Villa we should not be tinkering too much with the team.

It is time for Spurs to be counted. Too many times over the years we have had the opportunity to take the next step, or cement a good league position only for us to blow it. The League cup final against Blackburn springs to mind. However, that must end tomorrow. The lads know that Spurs need European football to begin the next stage in the Jol revolution. They know what they need to do.

COME ON YOU SPURS!!! COYS!!