Tag Archives: Spurs

Spurs set to rock Rovers

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Tottenham Hotspur could have a thankless night ahead of them when travel across the Irish Sea to take on Shamrock Rovers in the Europa League on Thursday (Shamrock 6/1, draw 7/2, Spurs 4/9 in the match betting).

Spurs could pick up all three points at the Tallaght Stadium and still find themselves out of the second tier competition as they currently sit in third place in Group A.

The north London outfit will require all three points, PAOK to beat Rubin Kazan and a five-goal swing, if they want to reach the knockout stages of the tournament.

It looks like a tall order for Spurs, who are challenging near the top of the Premier League table and will have a return to the Champions League on their minds this season.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is likely to play a weakened side for the trip to Ireland but with the strength in depth at White Hart Lane, the likes of Jermain Defoe (4/1 first goalscorer), Roman Pavlyuchenko and Giovanni Dos Santos set to feature against Rovers.

The Irish outfit almost caused an upset when these two sides last met in north London as they took a one goal lead before crashing to a 3-1 defeat.

Striker Gary Twigg was the dangerman for Rovers in the first leg and Spurs will have to keep an eye on the front-man.

It’s unlikely Tottenham will reach the knockout stages of the Europa League this time around but they should have enough strength in depth to win this one comfortably.

Birmingham’s European campaign also hangs in the balance as they prepare for their clash with NK Maribor (Birmingham 8/15, draw 3/1, NK Maribor 5/1 in the match betting).

The Blues can consider themselves unlucky not to have picked up any points from their last outing in the competition, after they were on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline against Braga in Portugal.

Only a deflected goal from Hugo Viana was the difference between the two sides, in a game which saw Nikola Zigic miss from the penalty spot.

Birmingham will be confident going into Thursday’s game as they have already beaten Maribor 2-1 in Slovenia earlier in the season.

Dalibor Volas got on the scoresheet in the last meeting between these two sides and is priced at 10/1 to get the first goal at St Andrews.

City need a win if they are to stand any chance of qualifying for the last 32 and in front of their home fans, manager Chris Hughton and his side should be celebrating three points on Thursday.

The other British interest in the Europa League will see Celtic make the tough trip to Italy to take on Udinese (Udinese 8/13, draw 11/4, Celtic 9/2 in the match betting).

This Serie A outfit could have their star striker Antonio Di Natale (7/2 first goalscorer) available for selection and he can be a thorn in any teams’ side.

Udinese have enjoyed an impressive season so far as they sit in second place in the Serie A table, level on points with leaders Juventus.

Celtic will be without the likes of Joe Ledley, Glenn Loovens, Adam Matthew and Kris Commons for the trip to the continent which makes a tough test even harder.

Udinese should win this one against the Old Firm side, who might just be out of their depth in the fiery atmosphere at the Stadio Friuli.

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Spurs to continue winning streak

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After another interesting week of European action the Premier League returns on Saturday, with eight matches in total. While Manchester United v Newcastle might be the standout game, we look at three which might offer a bit more value for money, headed by in-form Tottenham.

West Brom v Tottenham (3pm)

After taking a beating at the hands of the two Manchester clubs in their opening two matches, Tottenham have been on a storming run of form which has seen them climb up to third in the table. Monday’s win over Aston Villa was as complete a performance as Harry Redknapp could have wished for on his return to the dugout. The likes of Luka Modric, Scott Parker and Gareth Bale have all be in excellent form and they look set to carry that into Saturday’s clash at the Hawthorns.

The Baggies might have won last week against Bolton, but they looked so tame before that against Arsenal and Liverpool that you can’t help but fear for them.

You know what you are going to get with Roy Hodgson’s team, a well drilled unit that will be tough to break down. However, going forward they have looked decidedly toothless without Peter Odemwingie, who looks unlikely to face Spurs.

If recent performances are anything to go by Tottenham will probably have this game wrapped up at half time, therefore the bet to go for could be Spurs HT/FT @ 15/8.

Bolton v Everton (3pm)

With six points separating 17th-placed Bolton and Aston Villa in eighth, both these clubs know a win at the Reebok Stadium could shoot them up the league and give them a bit of breathing space.

Bolton’s problems have been well documented this season, the Trotters starting the campaign with a run of results against Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea that have seriously dented their confidence.

While their last home game resulted in a 5-0 win over Stoke, Everton will be a much tougher nut to crack. Last week’s defeat to West Brom might have knocked some of the stuffing out of Owen Coyle’s men and the Toffees come into this game off the back of a win over Wolves.

Much like Bolton, Everton have had a nasty run of fixtures, which saw them play Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea all before November arrived. However, against teams in and around them David Moyes’ men have done the business, winning four out six against those sides in mid-table. With that in mind Everton to win @ 13/10 looks a good price.

Norwich v Queens Park Rangers (3pm)

These two teams have made very respectable starts to life back in the Premier League after promotion last season, Rangers picking up 15 points and the Canaries just two less. In their two meetings in the Championship last season it was Norwich who got the better of things, beating QPR 1-0 at home and picking up a point at Loftus Road.

At home this season, Norwich probably haven’t picked up as many points as they would have liked, winning just two of their six matches on their own patch so far. In contrast, Neil Warnock will be very pleased with R’s away form, aside from a 6-0 defeat to Fulham. The Hoops have won three out of six on the road, including last week’s impressive victory against Stoke.

On paper these two look fairly well matched. QPR might have a few more star names but Norwich have proven how much a club can achieve if they share a mindset and stay as a collective unit. With that in mind, it is time to sit on the fence and plump for the draw @ 23/10.

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Spurs to do it for Harry

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Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp may not be travelling with his side to Russia but the north London outfit will be expected to get something out of their Europa League clash with Rubin Kazan on Thursday (Rubin Kazan 8/11, draw 11/4, Tottenham 7/2 in the match betting).

The Spurs manager has been forced to have an operation on a minor heart problem and has not been able to travel with the side for their European night.

However Redknapp should not have too many concerns about his side, who have been playing some exciting, attacking football in recent weeks.

The Lilywhites do come up against a Rubin Kazan side which has proved difficult to beat in Europe, with even Champions League title holders Barcelona learning to their cost.

Spurs sit top of their group and a point in the heart of Russia would be a decent result for the Premier League outfit.

Stoke City will have endured an exhausting week of football, as they get set for their second of three games this week against Maccabi Tel Aviv (Maccabi 15/8, draw 23/10, Stoke 7/5 in the match betting).

A long trip to Israel will be the last thing the Potters wanted after they were on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline at the Britannia Stadium on Monday, before they take on Bolton Wanderers this Sunday.

The Staffordshire outfit are yet to taste defeat in Europe this term and will come up against a Tel Aviv side who are yet to win in the competition this season.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis and his men should be able to seal all three points in Israel, but a lot will depend on how the team copes with the hectic schedule.

Fulham are in the midst of arguably the closest group in the Europa League this term, with just four points separating top and bottom in the table.

Martin Jol’s side looked strong in their 2-0 away victory over Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium last weekend and a return to Craven Cottage will also be welcomed.

Fulham’s strikers are starting to prove their worth with the likes of Andy Johnson, Bobby Zamora and Moussa Dembele scoring goals in recent weeks.

With the London outfit coming up against bottom of the table Wisla Krakow, Jol’s men should seal all three points in this one (Fulham 4/11, draw 7/2, Wisla Krakow 17/2 in the match betting).

Birmingham City continue their journey in Europe from their base in the Championship with a home clash with Club Brugge (Match Prices – Birmingham 11/8, draw 12/5, Club Brugge 15/8).

The Belgian outfit go into this game on the back of a thrilling 4-5 defeat at the hands of Genk in their domestic league but still sit in fourth place in the table.

Birmingham were frustrated in their last outing in a 0-0 with Brighton on theweekend but will go into this game with confidence after a decent run of results.

The Blues sit top of their group in the Europa League but look set to struggle against a Brugge side who have plenty of experience in Europe and should come away from St Andrew’s with all three points.

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Spurs too sharp for QPR

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There is just one Premier League encounter on Sunday to preview as Tottenham host QPR in a London derby at White Hart Lane.

Harry Redknapp’s Spurs go into the game looking to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches following defeats to Manchester United and City in their opening two matches of the Premier League campaign.

Indeed they have picked up 16 points from their opening eight matches, which is their joint-best start to a Premier League season and they will hope to improve on that this weekend.

Redknapp’s side, who have not lost a London derby in the league on home soil in 16 matches, also have history on their side having done the double over the R’s when they were last in the Premier League back in the 1995-96 season.

Spurs could have Williams Gallas back in the side if he passes a fitness test, while Steven Pienaar is in line to make his first appearance of the season, but Tom Huddlestone, Michael Dawson and Ledley King are still out.

Neil Warnock’s R’s make the 13-mile trip across the Capital boosted by last Sunday’s 1-0 derby win against Chelsea in a controversial clash at Loftus Road.

QPR’s last all-London clash away from home resulted in a 6-0 thrashing at Fulham, but they have also won on the road at Everton and Wolves this season so should not be underestimated by Spurs.

Warnock will hope to have defenders Danny Gabbidon and Armand Traore available following their recovery from respective knee and thigh complaints in the past week.

Looking at the game and Spurs have managed to score at least two goals in each of their last six league outings, while loan striker Emmanuel Adebayor has a habit of finding the net against Londoner clubs and must be worth considering at 7/2 First Goalscorer.

QPR’s talisman Adel Taarabt has failed to score in his last 11 league and cup games for the club and will be looking to break his duck against his former club at 5/2 Anytime Goalscorer.

However, it is Tottenham who are in a hot streak of form and there should be only one outcome in this match.

Prediction: Spurs Home 90 Minutes @ 2/5
Value Bet: Van der Vaart 1st Scorer Spurs 3-1 Scorecast @ 30/1

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Spurs out to put record straight

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There is another North West versus London clash to round off this weekend with Manchester United hosting Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Monday night, with honours even so far.

The away sides have prospered in those regional clashes as well with Liverpool upsetting Arsenal 1-0 at the Emirates while QPR put their 4-0 thrashing on the opening day behind them with a surprise 1-0 victory at Everton.

United of course opened their title defence with a 2-1 win at West Brom and, given their record at Old Trafford last season, it is no surprise to see them installed as 8/13 favourites in the match betting.

However, there is a case to be made for Harry Redknapp’s side causing an upset on the road at a big price of 5/1, with the draw on offer at 14/5 – if you forget Spurs’ wretched run against the Red Devils.

Summer signing David De Gea has come under fire following less than convincing performances for United in the Community Shield and opening Premier League game and is sure to be nervous as he tries to fill the shoes of Edwin Van der Sar.

Add to that the fact that the first-choice central defensive pair of captain Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand have both been ruled out with injury, while right-back Rafael Da Silva is sidelined for 10 weeks, and De Gea will have a new-look defence in front of him.

Jonny Evans looks likely to be partnered by Phil Jones at centre-back with Chris Smalling continuing to fill in on the right, although there is some good news for Ferguson as Patrice Evra looks set to return from a knee injury.

Javier Hernandez is also unavailable with concussion sustained pre-season so there are worries for United – and it appears to be a question of whether Spurs can capitalise.

This will be Spurs’ first game in the Premier League as their scheduled opener was called off due to the riots but they did enjoy a comfortable run out in midweek with a 5-0 win at Hearts in the Champions League qualifying first leg.

Chelsea target Luka Modric is available again after missing that game with a groin problem, providing a massive boost for Harry Redknapp, who will be without Ledley King, William Gallas and Alan Hutton, while Peter Crouch faces a fitness test on an ankle problem.

Rafael van der Vaart and Jermain Defoe both scored in the midweek rout and are both on offer at a tempting 8/1 to open the scoring at Old Trafford, although United will not afford them the time and space they enjoyed against the Jambos.

Wayne Rooney opened his account against West Brom and is the 7/2 favourite as First/Last goalscorer but United were far from impressive as they struggled to the victory.

Rooney’s goal, according to Opta, was the only effort on target for United, and they are sure to need more to take maximum points against a side looking to get back into the Champions League.

This fixture though is at Old Trafford and United are a different beast on home territory, winning 18 of 19 matches there last season on their way to claiming a record 19th title.

Spurs also have an awful record against United and have not won any of their last 24 matches against Sir Alex Ferguson’s men – last tasting victory with a 3-1 at White Hart Lane ten years ago.

Die-hard Lilywhites’ fans may find it difficult to remember their last success in Manchester as it came 22 years ago with a 1-0 success, while this fixture last year ended 2-0 to the home side.

However if you can put that run to the back of your mind, 5/1 on the away win offers good value, particularly with inexperience running through the United rearguard – while the game looks like it will offer plenty of goals.

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Can Spurs pull off a miracle?

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Tottenham’s Champions League dream seems almost certain to come to an after being thrashed 4-0 at the Bernabeu last week but midfielder Jermaine Jenas believes the north London outfit still have a chance of reaching the last four (Barcelona are the evens favourites to secure the Champions League, Real Madrid 10/3, Spurs 150/1).

It will take a massive effort and a great deal of luck if Spurs are to overcome a four-goal deficit, but Jenas reckons it is too soon to write off their chances.

“If anyone is going to do it, we can,” he told Talksport. “We’ve produced some amazing comebacks already this season.

“There is always a chance. You just don’t know what will happen here. Who is to say they don’t get a player sent off or something like that happens.

“We know we have to go out and score goals, we’ll go all-out to attack and see where it takes us.”

Spurs need to secure a massive 4-0 victory, which is priced at 100/1, if they’re to force the tie into extra time and smashing Real Madrid by such a margin may seem a mighty task, but they’re still good enough to beat the Spanish giants.

Tottenham were reduced to 10 men in the early stages of the first-leg after Peter Crouch was shown his marching orders and from there on in it was never going to be easy in the intimidating home of Spain’s capital club.  However, with home advantage and, hopefully at least, calmer heads Spurs will be desperate to at least restore some pride after their hammering in the Spanish capital and Spurs are 13/8 to win the tie over 90 minutes.

The White Hart Lane side will have to go out on the attack from the off if they’re to stand any chance of extending their European run, but that will of course leave space at the back for Real’s stars to exploit.  The game should see plenty of goals and both teams to score is priced at 8/15, while over 2.5 goals pays out at 8/13.

Former Real man Rafael van der Vaart will be eager to grab a goal against his former employers after his unsuccessful spell with Los Blancos, the Dutchman is 6/1 to score first or 7/4 to grab a goal at any time.

Reigning champions Inter Milan also appear doomed to stumble in the last eight after slumping to a 5-2 defeat at home to Bundesliga outfit Schalke 04 last week.

The Italian outfit have a three goal deficit to recover but will have to score at least four due to the away goals rule, and like Spurs they will have to attack from the start if they’re to stand any chance of retaining their title.

The Nerazzurri are 6/4 to win the match in 90 minutes and 7/2 to be winning at half-time and full-time in the Half-time/Full-time market, both of which could well be worth some consideration considering Inter need to come out flying if they’re to progress further than the last eight.

Schalke striker Raul, who is the leading scorer in the UEFA Champions League from the 1992-93 season onwards with 70 goals, found the net in the first-leg and is 13/8 to help himself to a goal in the second-leg on Wednesday.  The veteran frontman has a fantastic pedigree in European competition and will be looking to get on the score-sheet against the Italian giants in front of the Schalke faithful.

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In-form Milan to earn their Spurs

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The Champions League returns this week with two games on Tuesday night and Tottenham face another trip to the San Siro, this time to take on seven-time winners of the competition AC Milan (both 22/1 in the outright betting) in the first leg of their last-16 clash, while Valencia also host Schalke at the Mestalla.

AC Milan v Spurs

These two sides enjoyed contrasting fortunes in the group stages with Spurs defying all the doubters to win Group A which included defending champions Inter, losing just one game and ending the phase as the tournament’s joint-leading scorers with 18.

Milan, though, made it through as a runner-up to Real Madrid with the fewest number of points as a qualifier, just eight, while they were the joint-lowest scorers of those teams that made it after mustering just seven goals.

The Italian powerhouse have struggled against English opposition since last lifting the trophy in 2007, having been beaten at this stage by Arsenal in 2008 and Manchester United by an aggregate 7-2 last year, while they were also held to a draw by Portsmouth in the UEFA Cup group stages in 2008/09.

However, it is hard to see that run continuing this week and Milan look good value at 8/11 in the match betting to at least establish a first-leg lead with a win.

Milan have found their form since the turn of the year and are unbeaten in 2011, preparing for this clash with a 4-0 demolition of Parma at the San Siro last Saturday to maintain a three-point lead at the top of Serie A as the Rossoneri look for their first domestic league title since 2004.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (4/1 to score the first goal) has found a new lease of life at Milan, leading the goal-scoring charts with 18 for the season, and will head a quality attacking triumvirate alongside the Brazilian duo of Alexandre Pato and Robinho.

There are one or two injury worries for coach Massimiliano Allegri as Andrea Pirlo and Massimo Ambrosini are ruled out, while January arrivals Antonio Cassano, Mark van Bommel and Urby Emanuelson are cup-tied.

However, Spurs have greater problems over selection despite the return of Rafael van der Vaart and will struggle to contain the Rossoneri on Tuesday.

Gareth Bale’s impressive performances against Inter in the group stages catapulted him into the transfer limelight but he has been ruled out of the first leg as he has not recovered from a back problem.

Although the Wales ace scored a hat-trick on Spurs’ last trip to the San Siro, it should be worth noting that the visitors were played off the park in the first half, trailing 4-0 at the break, and ultimately lost the match, albeit 4-3.

Playmaker Luka Modric is also a major doubt following appendicitis, Peter Crouch is struggling with a back injury and Jermaine Jenas is suspended – while Tom Huddlestone, Ledley King and Younes Kabboul are long-term absentees.

Spurs go into the game on the back of a three-match Premier League winning streak but have been eking out results rather than dominating – and look set to struggle against an in-form Milan outfit.

Valencia v Schalke 04

Valencia do not boast a great record against German opposition but are the form side going into this encounter and look worthy 7/10 favourites in the match betting on Tuesday, with Schalke on offer at 18/5 and the draw at 13/5.

Los Che have failed to win any of their last six home games against German sides, drawing five and losing one, with Schalke holding the hosts to a goalless affair in 2007/08 in the Champions League group stages.

However, Unai Emery’s men have gone on a six match-winning streak since a 4-2 reverse against Villarreal in the Copa del Rey and have now climbed to third in the table.

Schalke’s form domestically has been erratic, although they have been creeping up the table after an awful start to the campaign.

Felix Magath’s men were able to put their Bundesliga troubles behind them in the group stages, topping Group B after winning four matches and losing just one.

Valencia’s recent form has been too good to ignore though, and after warming up with a 2-1 at Atletico Madrid, they are expected to edge a low-scoring affair (Under 2.5 goals at 8/13).

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How Harry can earn his Spurs

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Tottenham have taken most of the tabloid headlines so far in the January transfer window with their move for David Beckham. But Harry Redknapp is never one to rest on his laurels and will bring in new faces during the month, but which ones could make a real different and help Spurs (28/1) take that next step and win the Premier League title?

The revolving door at White Hart Lane will be busy as it looks likely that Robbie Keane, David Bentley and possibly Niko Kranjcar could be on their way out, but the bigger question bothering Spurs fan must be: who will come in? And can they help them win the big prize? The signing of Beckham would undoubtedly increase shirt sales but might make little difference on the pitch, so who could really help make Spurs genuine title contenders?

Gary Cahill

One signing who could make a huge difference to help Spurs is Gary Cahill. The Bolton defender has been a revelation in recent seasons and it is no surprise to see his name linked with the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal (10/3 to win Premier League title).

Cahill, 25, has been very impressive during his time at the Reebok Stadium and he looks a defender who could be a star at club and international level for years to come.

Harry has prided himself on having quality English talent among his Spurs squad and arguably he would have the best English centre-back pairing around if he had Cahill alongside Michael Dawson.

At this point in time there are a lot of defenders at White Hart Lane, but with constant question marks over Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate when it comes to fitness, William Gallas when it comes to age and temperament and the questionable quality of Younes Kaboul, then getting Cahill’s signature would benefit Spurs not just this season, but for years to come.

Andy Carroll

Up front Spurs’ strikers have not sparked as you would expect. Jermain Defoe can score goals but does little else, while Peter Crouch is good in the air but struggles to really score consistently. So Harry should sign someone who can do both and there is no better in the Premier League at the moment than Andy Carroll (8/1 to be top Premier League goalscorer).

While there may be questions about the Newcastle striker’s off-the-pitch antics, there is no doubting the new England man’s qualities when it comes to football. He has terrorised the best of defences in the Premier League so far this season and can offer more to Spurs than Crouch, Keane or Roman Pavlyuchenko.

A big-man, little-man combination of Carroll and Defoe – with Rafael van der Vaart in the hole behind and Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon like lightning on the wings and getting balls in the box – would make Spurs (11/8 for a top-four finish) a potent attacking force, giving Harry the best attack in the entire Premier League.

Leighton Baines

This may sound daft, but there is some good logic behind it. Benoit Assou-Ekotto is an able enough full-back, but if anything happens to him Harry will have to bring Bale back into defence. This would be hugely detrimental to Spurs’ attacking potential, so the best thing the gaffer could do would be to sign a quality left-back.

There are not many of these around at the moment and Baines at Everton certainly catches the eye, and he is also handy with a dead ball.

Harry has been linked with his Toffees colleague Phil Neville, but if he seriously wants a quality left-back then he should look no further than Baines. He could be the first choice at White Hart Lane, allowing Assou-Ekotto to provide cover.

Add these three top-notch English Premier League stars into the squad already assembled at Spurs (13/2 to win FA Cup) and they would have the quality and strength to win silverware this season.

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Spurs & City main January movers

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Bet on the Premier LeagueIt’s that time again as teams across Europe look to shake up their squads in the January transfer window.

Once again the same big clubs are being linked with top players in the UK and across the continent, with Tottenham Hotspur (20/1 to win the Premier League) and Manchester City leading the way.

According to manager Harry Redknapp, the former England skipper David Beckham is keen on making a return to the Premier League with a loan deal at White Hart Lane.

The 35-year-old has been strongly linked with the north London club as LA Galaxy are currently in their off-season.

Spurs are also said to be interested in bringing in Everton’s Steven Pienaar who is out of contract at Goodison Park in the summer.

Toffees boss David Moyes has been desperate to keep hold of the key midfielder but may be resigned to losing the South African in January or risk him walking out on a free at the end of the season.

There has been speculation that the Whites are set to make a £1.5m move for Pienaar but Everton want at least £3m for the player.

A striker who could be on his way out of White Hart Lane is Robbie Keane whose whole career has been spent moving from club to club.

The Irishman could be making a return to his first employers Wolves as Mick McCarthy looks for more firepower up front.

David Bentley has been linked with a move north to Newcastle United who are said to be interested in bringing the midfielder to St James’ Park.

As for the Premier League big spenders Manchester City (4/1 to win the Europa League), they could be adding yet more quality to their attacking line up which already includes the likes of Carlos Tevez, Mario Balotelli, Emmanuel Adebayor and Jo.

Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko could be on his way to Eastlands this month in a deal worth £30m.

With more signings potentially on their way, there could be a mass exodus of talented players who are no longer part of Roberto Mancini’s plans.

The likes of Roque Santa Cruz, Shay Given, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Wayne Bridge and Jo could all be on their way out of Eastlands as Mancini looks to trim down his squad.

There are a couple of players who have impressed in the Championship who could make the step up to the Premier League too.

Middlesbrough’s David Wheater looks set to leave the Riverside in the current transfer window, with a number of Premier League clubs looking for a decent central defender said to be keen.

Meanwhile, QPR star Adel Taarabt has been attracting plenty of attention as he has been one of the best players in the Championship this season and could possibly make a move to the top flight too.

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‘Amazing’ Bale vital for Spurs

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Spurs managed to secure a famous Champions League victory over reigning champions Inter Milan at White Hart Lane last night and boss Harry Redknapp was quick to praise the performance of one of his players in particular – Gareth Bale (Spurs 5/6 to win Champions League Group A).

Two weeks ago the north London club suffered a 4-3 defeat at the San Siro, after Inter had raced into a 4-0 first-half lead.

A second-half hat-trick from Bale did nothing for Spurs other than claw back a bit of pride but the talented left-footer was crucial for Spurs on Tuesday night as they avenged their defeat in Italy (Spurs 25/1 to win the Champions League).

Bale did not find the net himself at White Hart Lane, but the youngster turned provider for both Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko, as Spurs enjoyed a European night to savour.

Redknapp hailed Bale as “amazing” and claimed the 21-year-old has “everything”.

“Maicon is rated as the best right-back in the world and what he’s done to him in the two games is amazing,” explained the Spurs boss.

“He can cross, his left foot is great on the run, he can shoot, dribble, head it, he’s got everything.”

Spurs may be enjoying life in Europe’s top competition, but if the north London side want to compete in the Champions League next season they will need to finish in the Premier League’s top four.

Spurs are currently fifth in the league, two points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, and remain in contention to finish in the top four for a second successive season.

Chelsea are currently 1/200 with totesport.com to finish in the top four and after the reigning champions’ fine start to the season  – they’re already 10 points clear of Spurs – few would suggest the Stamford Bridge side could fail to land a Champions League spot.

The form of Manchester United has been questioned by many but Sir Alex Ferguson’s men remain the only unbeaten side in the Premier League.

United’s star man Wayne Rooney has failed to hit the heights he achieved last season and is currently injured, but the Old Trafford side have still managed to grind out results and you get the feeling that when they do find top form, and when Rooney is firing on all cylinders, they will mount a serious title threat.

United are 1/14 to finish in the top four and, although not completely out of the question, it seems safe to suggest Old Trafford will be hosting Champions League football next season.

Arsenal and Manchester City complete the top four at present (Arsenal 1/7, City 2/5 to secure a top-four finish) and given the Gunners’ Champions League pedigree and current form, a top-four finish appears to be on the cards for the Emirates side.

The most likely scenario is that Spurs will again battle with City for the right to appear in Europe’s premier tournament next season.

The London club won the battle last time out but City, once again, spent some serious money in the summer transfer window.

Eastlands boss Roberto Mancini is under pressure to deliver a top-four finish, at the very least, and Spurs will face a serious battle to secure the final Champions League spot.

However, with the talented midfield Redknapp has at his disposal, at 5/2 Spurs appear good value to land a Premier League top-four finish.

Rafael van der Vaart arrived in a last-minute deal from Real Madrid on transfer deadline day and the Dutchman has managed to adapt quickly to life in England.

Luka Modric and Aaron Lennon have also produced impressive displays but it could well b Bale who provides the ingenuity and guile to secure a second successive season in the Champions League for Spurs.

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