|
Tottenham boss David Pleat has been preparing himself for the nightmare scenario of Arsenal winning the league at WHL (again), saying that Arsenal have already won the title, on every other ground. There is some truth to that, although I'm sure it would be little consolation to the Tottenham faithful. But it's worth remembering as we go into this game that they've got more to gain here than we do. We'll win the league regardless of today's result, but if they beat us and become the team that ends the unbeaten season, they'll be crowing about it for decades. I'm almost hoping that Chelsea win and take the pressure off.
Tottenham could upset the odds today. They have a strike force that's capable of scoring against us, and as we all know, Arsenal have not always reacted well to going behind in recent years.
After missing the Leeds game with ankle and knee injuries, Ashley Cole and Freddie Ljungberg are back to fitness and expected to start. In fact, the only players thought to be excluded from the Arsenal squad are Cygan and Taylor.
For Spurs, Stephen Carr is serving a 3 match suspension (and is injured anyway). There are rumours that Dean Richards will be fast-tracked back from injury, which could work in our favour if he's not up to pace. But maybe the fact that Ledley King, Simon Davies, and Michael Brown are all definitely back from injury will persuade Pleat not to gamble on Richards. Arsenal old-boy Rohan Ricketts appears to be out of favour at the moment.
Arsenal can become champions today only if Chelsea fail to win at Newcastle in the earlier game. Then, a win at White Hart Lane would be enough to clinch the title (see table). The St James's Park clash should be a hell of a game. Chelsea need to pull their fingers out to get over their recent slump and to keep themselves in pole position for second. But with Liverpool winning again yesterday, Newcastle are desperate for the points too.
Deepest apologies for the recent break in service. Arseweb is back now, and I'm the process of filling in some gaps.
|
