Match Preview - Tottenham (h)

[Jourdan]

Tomorrow, Derby are aiming to make it three consecutive Premier League games unbeaten when they entertain Juande Ramos’ resurgent Tottenham at Pride Park.

Last Time At Pride Park

Derby 1-0 Tottenham (2001/02)

Recent History

After Martin Jol’s unfortunate sacking in October, the arrival of Juande Ramos at White Hart Lane was greeted with much excitement. Ramos previously managed Sevilla and led the Spanish outfit to 5 trophies in 3 seasons as they won the UEFA Cup in 2005/06 and 2006/07, the UEFA Super Cup in 2006, the Copa del Rey in 2006/07 and the Supercopa de Espana in 2007/08.

Such a track record has left Spurs fans expecting Ramos can deliver the silverware they crave. Despite a sluggish start to the campaign under Jol, Ramos has guided Tottenham to 11th place in the Premier League yet European qualification looks unlikely. However this season could still be deemed a success if they manage to overcome Chelsea in the Carling Cup final later this month and claim their first major trophy since 1998/99. They are also still involved in this season’s UEFA Cup which could be another opportunity to add to the White Hart Lane trophy cabinet.

Impact of Summer Signings

Martin Jol spent over £30m in the summer in an attempt to bridge the gap between themselves and the top four but it seemingly failed as Tottenham were in the relegation zone after 10 league games. Defeat at St. James’ Park followed by a shock UEFA Cup loss at home to Getafe led to chairman Daniel Levy running out of patience and dismissing the Dutchman in late October.

Many of Jol’s signings were labelled “for the future”. But those signings thrust into the first team picture have had mixed success. England international Darren Bent has had a modest start to his Spurs career, scoring 5 goals in 20 first team appearances; meanwhile Gareth Bale has been impressive since his arrival from Southampton. The Welsh left back had netted 3 goals in 12 appearances before persistent injuries left him suffering on the sidelines. Centre back Younes Kaboul transferred from French side Auxerre for £8m but has not really shored up Tottenham’s leaky defence in his 25 appearances. German under 21 international Kevin-Prince Boateng has shown promise during his 19 appearances since his move from Hertha Berlin.

Ramos has addressed Tottenham’s frailties at the back by signing no less than 4 defenders in the shape of Jonathan Woodgate, Alan Hutton, Gilberto and Chris Gunter.

Form

Since Ramos took his place in the White Hart Lane hot seat in October, Tottenham have slowly but surely improved. In the Premier League, they have moved up to 11th after picking up 22 points (6 wins and 4 draws) in the 14 league games Ramos has been in charge of.

They have also progressed to the Carling Cup final, after beating Blackpool, Manchester City and Arsenal during his tenure. Highlights of their cup run include handing Manchester City their first competitive home defeat of the season and the 5-1 White Hart Lane demolition of Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal, which led to their 6-2 semi final triumph over two legs.

They have gone unbeaten in the UEFA Cup under Ramos, winning 2 and drawing 1 to ensure qualification to the last 32 where they will face Czech side Slavia Prague. Although it hasn’t all gone to plan in cup competitions for Spurs as they were undone by a confident Manchester United side in a 3-1 defeat in the FA Cup fourth round last month.

Ones to Watch

Dimitar Berbatov – The Bulgarian has been a goal-scoring sensation at White Hart Lane since moving from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2006. He scored 23 goals in all competitions last season, endearing himself to the Spurs fans with his great technical ability and finishing. He has continued to find the net this season with 14 goals in 35 appearances, but has been somewhat overshadowed by the prolific as ever Robbie Keane who has bagged 18 in 36 appearances.

Aaron Lennon – After arriving from Leeds United in 2005, the explosive winger has continued to mature and improve as a player. Approaching his 21st birthday, Lennon already has a wealth of Premier League and international experience, with over 100 first team appearances for Tottenham and several appearances for the senior England team, featuring in the three group stage fixtures at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. During the 2007/08 season, he has scored 3 goals in 32 first team appearances and continues to pose problems for defences with his pace and trickery.

Predicted Line Ups

Derby – Carroll, Leacock, Stubbs, Moore, Edworthy, Fagan, Savage, Barnes, Robert, Villa, Miller

Tottenham – Cerny, Hutton, King, Dawson, Chimbonda, Lennon, Jenas, Huddlestone, Malbranque, Berbatov, Keane

Player Battles

Stubbs vs. Berbatov – Ageing centre back Alan Stubbs will have to call on his years of experience to stop Bulgarian hotshot Berbatov from adding to the 14 goals he has already notched up this season.

Savage vs. Jenas – Rams captain Robbie Savage will need to make life difficult for former Forest midfielder Jermaine Jenas, who will be in confident mood after scoring in Fabio Capello’s first game in charge of England.

Miller vs. Dawson – Derby’s leading goal-scorer Kenny Miller will be looking to add to the five goals he has scored this season. Out to stop him is another ex Forest player, highly rated defender Michael Dawson.

Odds (courtesy of Ladbrokes.com – 08/02/2008)

Derby to win - 5/1
Draw - 11/4
Tottenham to win - 4/7

Virtual Betting

No bets had been placed at the time of writing.

Jourdan predicts....2-1