Match Preview: Spurs v Liverpool (will this game go ahead?)
Venue: Tottenham Stadium 4.30 kick-off
Well, we are not doing too bad (not!). Burnley off because of snow, Rennes and Brighton off because of COVID, then last night (Thursday) – after travelling a fair distance – the Leicester game was called off. Even though some fans – including the team coach – was up there waiting. It was pretty apparent that the game wasn’t going to go ahead… the same with Rennes and Brighton, but no, the FA and clubs decided to play silly buggers and keep everybody in suspender belts. As for me: Mel picked me up at my house at 1 pm, and we debated whether to continue or not, but as there was no official confirmation, we continued all the way to Didcot (Oxford) when we got the news. So both of us decided to find a nice pub and get something to eat and drown our sorrows. And that little merry go around might not be over… that is, our other matches cancelled!
Half of the weekend’s Premier League fixtures are off after four more games were postponed because of Covid-19 outbreaks. Southampton v Brentford, Watford v Crystal Palace, West Ham v Norwich and Everton v Leicester are off.
On Wednesday, Thomas Frank (Brentford’s boss) called for this weekend’s fixtures to be postponed to let clubs deal with the outbreaks. Thankfully the Premier League is so far resisting that.
Concerning our match against Liverpool
Liverpool players Fabinho, Curtis Jones and Virgil van Dijk also missed Thursday’s match with Newcastle after suspected positive tests. However, manager Jurgen Klopp said the club did not ask for a postponement.
Personally, I don’t think the match against Liverpool should be called off. If, however, it is called off, we will be in trouble. So far, we’ve got Rennes (???), Brighton and Leicester to rearrange, and any more cancellations would cause a logjam (disaster)… if we haven’t got one already.
Team News
Spurs
Sergio Reguilón is likely to miss out. Having torn his hamstring on international duty, while Cristian Romero is still unavailable for selection.
After a significant COVID outbreak in the camp that has affected Son and Lucas Moura, along with Emerson Royal, the game might come too soon for these core players to continue their recovery from the virus.
My predicted lineup
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Hugo Lloris, Matt Doherty, Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez, Japhet Tanganga, Ryan Sessegnon, Tanguy Ndombele, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Dele Alli, Harry Kane & Steven Bergwijn
Thoughts and prediction
It’s been a good campaign so far for Liverpool, who currently sit one point behind City at the top of the league table, while we sit in 7th place with two games in hand. Because of this and our COVID problems, everybody and his dog expects us to get thrashed, and I am certainly not saying that isn’t impossible, however, how many times over the years have we seen a runaway club face a relegation team (and we are not a relegation team) and end up actually beating the runaway team? I remember Chelsea (a few years ago) having a very long unbeaten run when they faced Sunderland (Chelsea fans laughed at the Goliath and David mismatch… oh, they laughed!). What happened? The Black cats walked away with a well-earned victory. In other words, nothing is as clear cut or easy in football. And I believe Sunderland were relegated while Chelsea won the League. And on that bit of logic (or wishful thinking), I am going for a narrow Spurs win over the Reds. Of course, egg might be on my face by the time the final whistle is blown on Sunday… then again…
Prediction 2-1
Whatever the score is, I am looking forward to returning to the Tottenham stadium and witnessing some football after having three matches postponed.
I shall be at the ground by 12ish… Hopefully, I’ll see some of your there!
All the best, Glenn (and stay safe).
COYS!
My name is Glenn Renshaw.
I am currently a Premium Season Ticket holder (West Stand) in the new stadium. Before that – at White Hart Lane – a season ticket holder in various parts of the ground (mainly in the North stand).
Before becoming a season ticket holder, I stood on the shelf and various other parts of the ground since the 1950s. In 1987 I became one of the first to hold a Spurs Membership card. I was also a life long member of the Spurs supporters club (now defunct).
I go to all home, away and abroad matches.
I was born in 1955, Edgware, London (it was in the late 50s – as a baby – that my dad took me to Spurs to initiate me). I currently live in Berkshire.
I also collect all Spurs books (and have everyone printed), Spurs handbooks (from 1920s onwards, Spurs programmes (since the 40s).
Previously, I wrote for Spurs Fanzines: The Spur, Spur of the Moment, My Eyes have seen the Glory and various other Spurs fanzines’. I also wrote for the SpursWeb app & its website.
I currently write and work for spursnetwork.com and its website. I write its Reviews & Match reports and a lot more.
My other interests are; reading, history, social history, Politics, going to the gym, wine, going out for a meal, music (all sorts), writing, theatre, concerts, going on holidays, socialising etc.
I have been writing blogs/ articles since 1989
If you wish to read more of my blog, please click “here”
