Oppositions view vs Tottenham Hotspurs

Before this week`s televised game at the Britannia Stadium, Lloyd Reddin spoke to a Tottenham Hotspurs based fan; Glen Allen for his views on how Spurs have started the season and how he views the mighty potters.

1. What were your expectations for this season? And have they now changed?
Our expectations at the beginning of the season were to finish in the much sought after top four. After the fantastic run which we enjoyed in last season`s Champions League there was no better motivation than to qualify again. Most supporters believe that with the current squad that we have it should be a realistic target.


2. Who would you say is your danger man?

You could take your pick from several players, Adebayor, van der Vaart, Lennon or Modríc but the more consistent threat will come from Gareth Bale. Combining pace with a good touch will always be a danger to any team.

3. What would you say are your strengths as a team?

With the wealth attacking players we have at our disposal, you would have to say we are always going to create plenty of chances during a game. Any player could get on the score sheet from our forward player to full-back Kyle Walker.

4. What would you say are your weaknesses as a team?

A weakness that does seem to me is defensively just not quiet tight enough and teams do tend to score. The acquisition of Gary Cahill from Bolton on transfer deadline would of been ideal. Maybe this deal can happen in the January window.


5. How do you feel about your manager?

Harry Redknapp has done a fantastic job in turning around the fortunes of the club. Supporters now have genuine optimism for the season ahead and beyond.

6. Fabio Capello's contract runs out at the end of the Euro's. Harry Redknapp is the favourite for the job. Do you think he will take it & if so who would you like to succeed him?

Harry has always said on record on many occasions that if the FA came calling and were to offer him the job, it would be difficult to turn it down as it is the ultimate role for any English manager. We just hope that with continued success at Tottenham and keeping key players to match his own ambitions it will persuade him to stay. If he did leave there are plenty of options out there both home and abroad. Carlo Ancellotti has been suggested, as has this week in the press, our chairman`s liking for a member of the coaching staff, Tim Sherwood. I personally would love to see José Mourinho given the role, something of a point to prove to Chelsea for letting him go. No better motivation.

7. Stoke raided you for a few players in the summer... Is there any other fringe players that would fit in at the Britannia?

I think the close friendship our managers have, have made many of the recent transfer dealing between ourselves happen. A player i believe would do very well at the Britannia would be Roman Pavlyuchenko. Stoke always just seem to lacking a good finisher since the days of Mark Stein.

8. Which player (s) do you fear from the Stoke City side?

The main threat in the Stoke team I`m sure will come from a fired up Peter Crouch. Sure his wife Abby will certainly have a word or two to say for making her move away from London's fabulous shopping attractions.

9. Is there any Stoke players you would like to add to your squad?

I mentioned earlier that Gary Cahill would be a good acquisition, so would Ryan Shawcross. Proven himself very comfortable with the Premier League and was also called up to the full England squad not so long ago. He is definitely one to watch in the near future.

10. How do you think Stoke will do this season?

Stoke's place in the Premier League will be assured for another year I`m certain. There are teams with less quality squads who will struggle more than Stoke. The only problem that could distract them would be progression in the Europa League competition. Stoke will finish in the top ten.

11. What is your likely line-up for the match?

Likely line up;
Friedel
Walker, Kaboul, Gallas, Assou-Ekotto
Lennon, Modric, Parker, Bale
van der Vaart
Adebayor.

12. Finally, what`s your score prediction for the match?

A hard fought 2-1 victory for Tottenham.

I would like to thank Glen for taking some time out to answer these questions. His views show that Tottenham are having a good season and are definitely a team on the up with some explosive players that can change the game in an instant. Stoke will have to defend as a unit and counter well, I believe the midfield battle will be vital to proceedings.

My score predictions are that Stoke will fight hard and nick a point off Spurs.
Stoke 1 (Crouch) Tottenham 1 (Adebayor)

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