December is always an important month in the Premier League, as the lead up to Christmas hands all teams a frantic and testing fixture build-up, and gives an inclination into how the season will shape up. Spurs have impressed so much that a top four finish is being overlooked in favour of the a potential title contenders tag; a number of difficult games will test Harry Redknapp’s men over the next month.
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Tottenham vs Chelsea
This London derby on Thursday 22nd December has the potential to be a cracking game, but is also an acid test to measure Spurs’ progress. The White Hart Lane outfit have traditionally struggled against The Blues, but a number of more positive results over recent seasons have broken the hoodoo slightly.
Tottenham have nothing to fear in taking on a mis-firing Chelsea, and a win over Andre Villas Boas’ men would not only boost Spurs’ top four finish chances but be a mental boost for the players. As the January transfer window approaches Daniel Levy can most likely expect another approach from Stamford Bridge for star playmaker Luka Modric; a positive result in this fixture for the home side could persuade the Croatian that his chances of success are better with his current employers, and convince him to want to stay.
Thursday, 22nd December, 7:30pm on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports HD 1.
Stoke vs Tottenham
The Britannia Stadium is a ground that tests all opponents, as Tony Pulis’ men have evolved into a solid Premier League outfit and have added a footballing element to their direct approach.
The physicality of The Potters will test Spurs’ resolve, and any potential top four team would expect to be able to go toe-to-toe with the Midlands side. Tottenham will rely on the likes of captain Ledley King and revitalised centre half partner Younes Kaboul to command their back-line, and deal with whatever the home team throw at them.
Stoke have suffered from a European hangover this season and are not looking as menacing as in previous campaigns, but on their day have the ability to rattle even the top teams. This term Pulis’ men have beaten Liverpool and drawn with Chelsea and Manchester United at home, so this will be not be an easy fixture for Spurs by any means.
Sunday, 11th December, 3:30pm on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports HD 1.
Norwich vs Tottenham
Spurs’ failure to reach the Champions League qualification spots last year was categorised by their inability to beat the supposed weaker sides in the division, especially towards the end of the season.
Harry Redknapp will know that Norwich will be no pushovers, especially at Carrow Road, but will expect the superior quality in the visitors’ midfield and attack to tell come the final whistle. Arsenal beat Paul Lambert’s men away from home recently; if Spurs are to be the top team in North London this season and qualify for Europe’s top club competition they must do likewise.
Tuesday, 27th December, 7:30pm on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports HD 1.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
What about Sunderland and Swansea also in December?
Oh I get it, neither of these games are on Sky!!
That’s too bad — Spurs vs. Swansea is a game I’d love to watch.