I write almost every week that the next fixture is always a "mst win" game. For us to harbour European ambitions in the premier European competition then they definetly are and with us failing to win, let alone score in the last three games then we have to get back to winning ways against Charlton. Only slip ups by the Goons and the top seven during the week have meant we have stayed fourth place but the scum, Wigan and Bolton are all clsoing in on where we are. Failure to win tomorrow would leave us only one point above Arsenal and they have a game in hand, albeit away at Anfield.
Danny Murphy will not be allowed to play tomorrow due to a gentlemans agreement but I have to say that I am quite looking forward to seeing him in a Spurs shirt in 8 days time. He has the second highest assist rate in the Premiership with 8 to his name, which is even more impressive considering that he has not featured for a month. His ability to play balls along the ground instead of in the air will assist Defoe and Keane no end in trying to score as high balls aren't much use when you are not much over 5' 7".
It has come as no surprise that we have been rubbish since Mido went and Rasiak proved once again that he is not up to the task ahead of him. It is not his fault that he is not good enough but you just seem to get the impression that he couldn't care less anyway with lacklustre performances and a lack of effort. Effort will win a lot of Spurs fans over (see Freund and Brown) but being damn lazy won't and is one of the reasons the crowd have turned on him. I don't agree with having ago at your own and he won't improve his game but you also have to help yourself and Rasiak has not done that. I am hoping the vicious rumors flying around that Defoe has a cold and Rasiak will start tomorrow are wide of the mark.
The back four continue to pick itself with King and Gardner in the centre (Dawson suspended) with Stalteri right and Kelly left. Kelly was poor again against Fulham and you have to wonder why Ziegler is on loan at Wigan while we have no left back cover.
Tainio and Davids may pass fitness tests and if they do they will both start. If not we shall have Carrick and Huddlestone in the middle with Lennon on the left and Jenas on the right. However I am pretty sure Tainio will make it which would allow Lennon to have more of a free role on the right. Defoe (fingers crossed) and Keane will hopefully start up front and the strong rumors are that Barnard will make the bench after scoring 18 goals for the reserves. It is about time the lad got a chance.
COYS!
PS: Guys and Girls, don't forget that Valentines day is coming up soon. John Lewis have some great deals and their flowers are cheaper than Interflora so click the link above to go straght to their Valentines section.