Forget AC Milan, that's not until Wednesday.We've got more important things to worry about before then and thats the task of Wolves away.
And I'm telling you now it wont be as easy as some might think, Redknapp this week said that 'they will definitely stay up' and although I'm not inclined to agree with him I do think it would be good for them to stay up. Their style of play has been noted for being very physical, some would even say overly so. However I like this, for the same reasons that I like to watch non-league football. Because its the way football should be - no diving, feigning injury, just get on with it and get stuck in!
Its for this reason that Sunday will prove to be a difficult game, w're going to need all our strength and creativity to get past this team - and get past them we must. This is a very important game (aren't they all!?) in the sense that we have now dropped down to fifth and need to keep the pressure on the rest of the pack.
Maybe I'm giving Wolves too much credit though? At the end of the day they are sitting down in 18th and have only won 8 games all season - losing 16 in the process. We did beat them 3-1 at home (remember Pav's crazy flag celebration?) and the squad have had a nice break in Dubai.
However their last 4 wins have been against Blackburn (4-0), Man Utd (2-1), Chelsea (1-0) and Liverpool (0-1). So should we be worried? Bloody right, they will be in a good mood after turning over Blackburn and these results show that they aren't afraid to have a go at the big boys either.
After the mess at Blackpool the team really need to go out and secure 3 points and realistically we should, despite these results we have to go out there with the belief and determination that we have shown numerous times this year. If we do this then hopefully we will be looking better off come Sunday evening.
So whats the team news then? Well as we all know our team has been beset by injuries of late however the good news is they are NEARLY back...so not available for Sunday then. Included in the nearly list is VdV, Bale, King, Huddlestone, Woodgate and Kaboul. Charlie is still out after Flaminis attempt at taxing his leg in Milan.
Defoe actually appears on PhysioRoom as coming back to action on the 19th March, however he is fit and should play - this underlines what Ive been saying about Physioroom lately!
It looks like Hutton could make a return to the squad after being given a stern telling off by Harry and I would be surprised if Sandro didn't get a start. Especially with his strength which will be needed.
So what about a line up then? Ok, my squad would be:
Gomes
Hutton - Dawson - Gallas - BAE
Lennon - Sandro - Modric - Kranjcar
Defoe - Pav
I would expect Pav to get a start after scoring against Blackpool however he did miss a LOT of easy chances so I would equally expect Harry to drop him. You can never tell what Harry will do with him!
My guts telling me its going to be a draw but my heart is going for a 2-1 win - hopefully my hearts right!
So what are the teams around us doing this weekend?
Well, Ars*nal face Sunderland - expect a home win here but then again a draw could be on the cards as well.
City have Wigan - again home win, cant see Wigan getting anything - hopefully I'm wrong though!
Liverpool have United - always an interesting game, think United will edge it though, this would be a good result for us actually.
And on Monday Chelsea are away to Blackpool - usually I would say a Chelsea win but with Blackpool you never know!
Either way these fixtures illustrate the importance of 3 points this weekend, get the job done here and then we can all start looking forward to Milan on Wednesday.
One final note, Sunday will also see a dedication to Dean Richards taking place. Very fitting that this tie came at this time seeing as he played for both sides. Although he never really fulfilled his potential at Spurs it is still a great shame that a man so young should pass away under these circumstances, Ill certainly be standing silent for this one. RIP.
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