Tottenham – Everton 09.02.2014

With just one place and one point separating these two outfits in the table,

it goes without saying that this could be one of the most important fixtures of the weekend. Both of these clubs are trying for a top four finish and after impressing so many pundits throughout the campaign this might prove to be a hugely entertaining clash for the neutral.
However, home side Tottenham might be a little concerned about the encounter when they take a look at their recent form. Under Tim Sherwood, Spurs embarked on a superb run which saw them collect thirteen out of a possible fifteen points. However, just like a lot of teams, the wheels well and truly fell off in a game against Manchester City as they were thrashed 5-1. They still don’t seem to have recovered from that heavy defeat, with their most recent game being a 1-1 draw with lowly Hull. As such, they’re in something of a rut at the moment and considering Sherwood’s inexperience as a manager, it will be interesting to see how he addresses their problems and whether he can take them forward.
Everton actually suffered a heavy defeat at the same time as their opponents, with the Toffees going down 4-0 to Liverpool at the end of January. It would be fair to say that this result was a huge shock for Roberto Martinez’s men, although unlike Tottenham, they have recovered well and recorded a narrow 2-1 win over Aston Villa last week. Admittedly, they were hardly convincing, but if this is going to be the sticky point in the campaign for them Martinez won’t care about how they accumulate points. He will be looking to improve their fortunes on the road though, with the Goodison Park outfit managing just one top flight away win in their last five attempts.

Tottenham have been handed a huge boost for the clash with Andros Townsend poised for a start following a two month spell on the sidelines with a hamstring problem. There’s good news for Tim Sherwood in other areas as well, with Mousa Dembele also poised to return following an ankle injury. Spurs aren’t the only side approaching the game with returnees though, with Gerard Deulofeu finally available following hamstring problems over the past month. Lacino Traore is also pushing for a debut, while there could be a place for Seamus Coleman who has been another Toffee on the treatment table recently.
Everton’s chances for this game have been improved considerably because of their team news, and the returning players should have a huge impact on their chances. However, let’s not forget that home side Spurs still hold plenty of quality and bearing these in factors in mind, my tip is going to be an entertaining over game.