Tottenham Hotspur Vs Blackpool

Almost out of reckoning for the Champions League spot and leapfrogged to the Europa League spot by Liverpool thanks to horrendous refereeing against Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to come back strong against relegation contenders Blackpool ahead of their European spot showdown against Liverpool next week.

Blackpool, on the other hand, will be looking to book a trip aboard the Premier League for another year under their brilliant manager Ian Holloway. Having trailed off from their initial exploits in the league with only one win in their last fifteen, they will be hoping to get some points against the leaky Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur Form: D D W D D L

Blackpool Form: D L L L D D

Tottenham Team News:

Defender Assou-Ekoto is nursing a hamstring problem and will miss out on providing his overlaps on the left side of the field.

Tom Huddlestone has an ankle injury and is likely to be unavailable for a couple of weeks.

Blackpool Team News:

James Beattie has recovered from the illness which sidelined him last week and should strengthen Holloway’s team.

David Carney remains unavailable till the end of the season for the Seasiders, who will miss his presence on the field.

Tottenham have leaked goals at the back inspite of Michael Dawson’s return and with Gomes in between the sticks, they look vulnerable all through the game. Gomes, after his debacle last week, has made five spills leading to goals this season and will be hoping to avoid further embarrassment at a club chasing a European spot. Blackpool will be looking to their influential midfielder Charlie Adam to provide some magic again as they look to take advantage of Tottenham’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Men to watch:

Rafael Van der Vaart: The steal of the season, being bought by Harry Redknapp for just 8 million on the transfer day deadline, the Dutch midfielder has provided the goods for Tottenham, playing his role behind the striker perfectly, linking attacks from midfield and finishing opportunities with equal ease. Also has the ability to bury freekicks into the back of the net and has a knack of winning and converting penalties.

Luka Modric:  Has been pulling all the strings from midfield and will certainly be a valued transfer target this summer, with Sir Alex reportedly interested in acquiring his services. Plays with a certain finesse that leaves defenders no choice but to concede a foul or to let him through and will be looking to improve his figures of only 2 goals and 2 assists for the season.

Charlie Adam: The shining light for the Seasiders this season, will be looking to improve his impressive return of 9 goals and 8 assists. Is also a sought after transfer target and will be hoping he can leave without any backlash from the fans if he can help them survive in the league for another year. Helps set up dead ball situations, being the second most fouled in the league with 86 fouls against him, and then executes them beautifully with the big men up from the back.

Be sure to catch the action on ESPN from 9 : 30 PM!

Tags: Blackpool, Charlie Adam, Luka Modric, Premier League, Rafael Van der Vaart, Tottenham Hotspur