Spurs go for Euro goals

Tottenham take on Inter Milan at White Hart Lane in a match which should see plenty of goals (2-2 12/1 – Correct Score) if their previous encounter was anything to go by.

Boss Harry Redknapp will be hoping for big things from San Siro hat-trick scorer Gareth Bale, and there will surely be a hat-full of goals with the attacking flair on show.

Inter do not possess the best record against English sides on their travels – winning four, losing seven and drawing one match over the years and a 2-2 draw looks a good bet for the Group A clash (Spurs 13/8, Draw 12/5, Inter 8/5 – Match Betting).

Werder Bremen and FC Twente shared a 1-1 draw last time out with both sides desperate for three points. With so much at stake and goals at a premium for both sides, the Germans are fancied to claim their first win of this year’s competition by a solitary goal.

In Group B, high-flying Lyon travel to Benfica but history is not in their favour as no French side have ever beaten the Portuguese giants on their own patch – infact Lyon have only won once in European competitions in Portugal.

Records are there to be broken but Benfica have not leaked many goals and this one could be Lyon’s trickiest test so far, with a low-scoring draw looking good value.

Hapoel Tel Aviv have yet to break their duck in this season’s Champions League but they will have their work cut out against Schalke 04, who beat them 3-1 in their previous meeting.

Spanish legend Raul netted twice and is 5/1 to score the first goal in a match which will surely see defeat for an Israeli side that have scored just two goals but conceded eight in their first three matches, with Schalke, at 21/20, tipped to take the points.

Group C sees Manchester United face Bursaspor (Bursaspor 19/5, Draw 13/5, Utd 8/11 – Match Betting) and the Red Devils can concentrate on matters on the pitch with the resolution of the Wayne Rooney saga.

The England international will be absent through injury but, despite being away from home, United will not be fazed by a side who have yet to score a goal in the competition.

The Turkish outfit have offered little going forward in the group and will struggle to get past a United defence (6/5 to keep a clean sheet) that has yet to concede a European goal this term.

Rangers are the surprise team in the group and have yet to taste defeat, but Valencia will be a lot tougher at home and a Spanish win by two goals to nil looks decent value (5/1).

Walter Smith’s men have looked solid but it will be another backs-to-the wall effort for the Gers to try and get anything from this fixture and it surely only a matter of time before they finally slip up in Europe this season.

Group D looks a two-horse race and the top two meet on Tuesday in Copenhagen, with Barcelona looking to keep up their excellent record in Denmark. The Spanish giants have won all their previous matches in the country and will look to add another success against aside just one point behind them in the standings.

But the Danes are no mugs and will draw confidence from Rubin Kazan’s 1-1 result with the Catalans earlier in the campaign.

Finally, Panathinaikos travel to face Rubin Kazan with both sides in need of three points. They played out a goalless draw last time but the Russians, very strong on home soil, are favourites (8/13) and are tipped to win this one.

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We can earn our Spurs – Redknapp

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp reckons his side can challenge for the Premier League title in a couple of seasons – providing he can add two world-class players to his White Hart Lane ranks (Spurs 80/1 – Premier League 2010/2011).

The 63-year-old is preparing to lead Spurs into battle against European champions Inter Milan on Wednesday in the Champions League at the San Siro – a fixture the north Londoners’ fans could only dream about given their failure to crack the top four domestically until last term (Inter 8/13, draw 14/5, Spurs 9/2).

Redknapp has selection problems for the Italian job with Rafael van der Vaart banned and Sandro ineligible, while the likes of Jermain Defoe, Michael Dawson (both knee) and Jamie O’Hara (back) are still sidelined.

In addition, Younes Kaboul (hamstring) remains a doubt for the Group A encounter with the Serie A giants as Tottenham look to build on their unbeaten start in Europe.

And while the Champions League looks to be a long shot for Spurs at their first attempt (33/1 Outright), Redknapp is in no mood to take the foot off the pedal at home as he looks for the funds to compete with Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal.

He said: “I think Tottenham may be one or two big signings away from being a team that could win the championship.

“One or two players in the right positions – and I’m talking about two top, top players in the right positions. If we could go and do that I think Tottenham are a team that could win the championship in a couple of years.”

Redknapp added: “This squad is just so full of talent anyway, players who have made their mark and (chairman) Daniel Levy has done a great job backing my judgment and improving the squad and the club, that I really believe we’re not far away from that level.”

“We’ve got a lot of players here who could play for any club.?

Group A’s other fixture tonight sees Dutch champions FC Twente (13/10 to win the game) entertain Werder Bremen (19/10) of Germany.

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Spurs ‘the bigger club’

Rafael van der Vaart has stoked the fires ahead of Arsenal’s trip to White Hart Lane in the Carling Cup third round (11/8 – 90 minutes) by insisting Tottenham are the bigger club.

The north London rivals have been paired together in the tie of the round and while the match is unlikely to feature all the top stars from both clubs it’s likely to be a competitive affair.

Overall Arsenal have the better recent record against their local counter-parts, although they were beaten 2-1 by Spurs on their last trip to White Hart Lane.

The last time the two sides meet in the Carling Cup it was Tottenham who came out on top again, drawing the first leg of their semi-final 1-1 at the Emirates before spanking the Gunners 5-1 at home as they went on to lift the trophy in 2008.

Despite the opportunity to add some much needed silverware to their trophy cabinets the Carling Cup is likely to take a backseat with both sides in the Champions League this season.

Each side also have injury concerns to deal with and are unlikely to risk anyone who isn’t 100% fit for the game.

Tottenham (12/1 Carling Cup outright) will more than likely be without Ledley King, Jermain Defoe, Michael Dawson and Jonathan Woddgate while Arsenal (16/1) won’t be able to call on Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott and Thomas Vermaelen.

Despite the lack of star players on show White Hart Lane is a sell out and new signing Van der Vaart says he has been made aware of the importance of the game by Holland team-mate Van Persie.

The Dutch midfielder only joined Tottenham three weeks ago but has already settled into life in English football.

Van der Vaart tucked away a penalty on Saturday to help Spurs on their way to victory over Wolves and has further endeared himself to the Tottenham faithful with his comments about Arsenal.

Despite Arsenal’s success since the Premier League was formed Van der Vaart has stated that Tottenham remain the bigger club in his eyes.

“Spurs are the bigger club,” said the midfielder.

“Everybody has been talking about the Arsenal match all week.

“Robin told me when we were together in the national team what a big game it is. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Tottenham (11/4 top-4 finish) have made a solid start to the season, picking up eight points from their first five matches to leave them fifth in the Premier League.

Van der Vaart says he is really enjoying himself at Tottenham having been frustrated with his lack of first team opportunities while with Real Madrid.

“We are a team who love to play football,” he added. “Although I have only been in England two weeks, I love it.

“The speed of the game is much higher than in Madrid. Teams like Wolves are really strong and run all the time. You don’t get a break.”

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Spurs to face champions Inter

Tottenham have been drawn with defending champions Inter Milan (14/1 in 2010-11 Champions Outright) in the group stages of the 2010-11 Champions League.

Harry Redknapp’s men were rewarded for their aggregate win over Young Boys by being drawn in Group A along with Inter, Werder Bremen and FC Twente.

Spurs club secretary Darren Eales told Sky Sports: “They say there are no easy games and it’s certainly true of the group we’ve got.

“We’re certainly not looking too far ahead, we’re just looking to give a good account of ourselves and we’re looking at getting into the knockout stage first, that’s our first aim.”

There is also a ‘Battle of Britain’ clash to look forward to in the first round, with Manchester United drawn to face SPL champions Rangers in Group C.

Sir Alex Ferguson will come up against his former assistant Walter Smith, while Spanish side Valencia and Turkish debutants Buraspor make up the group.

Reacting to the draw, United chief executive David Gill admitted: “There is the Rangers connection, we played them back in 2003/04 and Alex and Walter Smith go back a long way.

“It will be a great occasion, I’ve spoken to Sir Alex and he’s looking forward to it.”

Premier League (England 7/4 Champions League Winning Nation) champions Chelsea will start their bid for a first European Cup success in Group F, where they will face Marseille, Spartak Moscow and MSK Zilina.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have a tough looking group, with Arsene Wenger’s men paired with Shakhtar Donetsk, Braga and Partizan in Group H.

This year’s ‘Group of Death’ appears to be Group G, where three previous winners will go head-to-head.

AC Milan will come up against Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid (9/2 to win 2010-11 Champions League), while Ajax and Auxerre make up the four-team group.

2008-09 winners Barcelona are in Group D along with Panathinakos of Greece, Danish outfit Copenhagen and Russians Rubin Kazan.

Last year’s runners-up Bayern Munich will be confident of their prospects, with Roma, Basel and CFR Cluj making up Group E.

Group B looks the weakest of the eight groups, with former semi-finalists Lyon paired with Benfica, Schalke and Hapoel Tel-Aviv.

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Gallas completes Spurs switch

Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of former Arsenal (11/2 to win the Premier League) captain William Gallas on a one-year-deal.

The Frenchman became a free agent when his contract ended at the Emirates and the defender has decided to make the short journey across North London to Spurs.

Gallas underwent a medical on Friday but the deal was finally completed on Sunday after the player agreed terms.

The 33-year-old was offered a new deal at rivals Arsenal however the player has taken a cut in wages to join the White Hart Lane club.

Spurs (10/1 to win the Carling Cup) boss Harry Redknapp has insisted that the player has not moved to the club for a big money deal and thinks he will be a good addition to the squad.

He said: “He’s a no-brainer on a free transfer.”

“He’s never asked for big money here. The chairman’s agreed a one-year contract with him and the wages are more than reasonable,” he added.

Redknapp has been looking for cover in defensive roles throughout the summer as Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate have ongoing injury problems.

Michael Dawson, Sebastien Bassong and Younes Kaboul have all been battling for a place in the starting eleven and Gallas will add more experience to the defence.

The outspoken player has played plenty of matches in the Champions League with the Gunners which will help Spurs if they manage to qualify for the group stages of the competition.

Tottenham lost the away leg against Swiss side Young Boys 3-2 and will be hoping to overcome the deficit when the two sides face each other at White Hart Lane.

Gallas could feature in that match if King’s knee problems rule him out of action for the game.

Arsene Wenger has thanked his former skipper for his efforts in the last four years at the Emirates.

He said: “At the moment he’s looking for a club, he’s free. He has chosen the best possible option for him.

“We are thankful for what he has done for us and we wish him good luck in his new club.”

Spurs picked up their first win of the Premier League season on Saturday when they beat Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

The North London side will be confident of picking up another three points this weekend when they take on a struggling Wigan Athletic side who have conceded 10 goals in their first two Premier League games.

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Forlan reacts to Spurs talk

Uruguay (10/1 to win the World Cup) striker Diego Forlan claims he is not interested in joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

The former Manchester United frontman insists that he is happy at Atletico Madrid and he does not want to return to the Premier League.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has made no secret of his desire to sign a forward with Champions League experience as the London side compete in the prestigious tournament this season.

Forlan has been one of the stars of the World Cup, scoring three goals in Uruguay’s progression to the semi-finals of the competition. They now face the Netherlands in Cape Town in Tuesday’s first semi-final.

La Celeste’s last semi-final was 40 years ago and the side are hoping to emulate the World Cup winning sides of 1930 and 1950 (Uruguay 5/1, draw 13/5, Netherlands 8/13 – Match Prices).

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, the 31-year-old forward stated; “I am very happy in Madrid and I have three years left on my contract with Atletico.

“I will not go. Now I want to have another season as good or better than the one just completed.”

Meanwhile, Redknapp has once again expressed his desire to bring former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole to White Hart Lane.

Cole was released by the Blues after his contract at Stamford Bridge expired and the Spurs boss has been a long-time admirer of the England international.

The duo worked together at West Ham but Redknapp has admitted that the club is not close to doing a deal with him. He has hailed his professionalism, however, describing him as an “outstanding player”.

Cole?s England colleague, Jermain Defoe, has also expressed a desire to work with him, hailing his passion, desire and commitment to the cause.

Defoe told Sky Sports News: “When we were in South Africa (you could see) every day his passion and his drive to want to improve.

“In training he was sharp and he was strong, he just loves football – that’s Joe. So if we could get someone like that at the club it would be good for everyone.”

Spurs have been linked with several players during the close season and Redknapp has admitted he is hoping to sign one or two to bolster his squad for the challenges which lie ahead. However, he admits that his squad is already very talented and it’s tough to find players who are better than the ones they already have.

Spurs are 33/1 to win next season’s Premier League and face Manchester City in the first game of the 2010/2011 season (Spurs 5/4, draw 23/10, City 7/4 – Match Betting).

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Forlan could earn his Spurs

Reported suitors Tottenham have been offered encouragement in their bid to sign Uruguay striker Diego Forlan from Atletico Madrid to strengthen their squad for a crack at next season’s Champions League and Premier League (Spurs 50/1 – Premier League Outright 2010/2011).

White Hart Lane chief Harry Redknapp has transformed Spurs from relegation candidates to a top-four outfit since he was drafted in to replace Juande Ramos in October 2008.

At the time Ramos had managed to win just two points from the opening eight games of the 2008/09 Premier League season but Redknapp guided the north Londoners to an eighth-placed finish before a four-place improvement last time around.

Spurs will be in the Champions League for the first time next term and although they can boast England World Cup strikers Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe in their ranks, the futures of Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane and Russia star Roman Pavlyuchenko are far from secure.

Keane ended last season on loan at Celtic and is wanted back at Parkhead by new Bhoys chief Neil Lennon while Pavlyuchenko, despite hitting some good form towards the end of the 2009/10 season, looks set to move on in search of first-team football.

So Redknapp will need to do some wheeling and dealing in the transfer market which has led to links with former Manchester United forward Forlan who was part of Atletico’s Europa League-winning squad last season.

However, Los Rojiblancos only finished ninth in La Liga last season so cannot offer Forlan Champions League football and, at the age of 31, the South American predator is unlikely to want to spend any time away from Europe’s top table.

Forlan famously took 27 games to break his goalscoring duck for Manchester United after joining the Red Devils in January 2002, but he insists he has not been put off trying his luck in the Premier League at some point in the future.

The former Villarreal star said: “If there is an offer and it’s good for Atletico and good for me I would be really happy to go back to England. But it will have to be good.

“If a big chance to return to England came up, I would have to look at it. I loved my time in English football – the people, the fans, the football, everything.

“I wasn’t sad the way it ended at United to be honest. I was really happy during my time there and thank the people at United for how they treated me.

“During my period there I learnt a lot of things and had a good relationship with everyone. The reason I left was because I didn’t have the chance to play as regularly as I wanted.”

Forlan and Uruguay kick off their World Cup campaign against France on Friday (Forlan 33/1 – To Score A Hat-Trick).

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Modric signs deal to stay at Spurs

Luka Modric has ended speculation regarding his possible transfer from Tottenham Hotspur, by signing a new six-year contract with the club (Spurs 50/1 to win the 2010-11 Premier League).

Manchester United and Chelsea had been linked with a move for the playmaker, who arrived at White Hart Lane from Dinamo Zagreb in 2008.

Modric was instrumental as Spurs qualified for the Champions League last season and he revealed that he feels that they can continue to progress: “Tottenham Hotspur gave me my chance in the Premier League and I want to go on to achieve great success here with them.

“Yes, there have been enquiries from other big clubs, but I have no interest in going anywhere.

“Last season’s Top 4 finish was an indication of where we are as a club and I feel I can continue to improve and go on to achieve everything I want to at Spurs.”

The news is a major boost for Spurs’ ambitions next season. Modric was only two years into a five-year contract, but his performances ensured that the Croatian international secured a major pay increase (Croatia are 10/11 to win Euro 2012 qualifying Group F).

Earlier this week, the Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp had spoken out about his reluctance to sell Modric: “There’s no chance of it happening at all. Luka’s key to everything that’s happening at this place.

“Everybody knows what I think of him. And if you want to move on to higher levels you don’t start flogging off your best players – to anyone.

“I have an excellent squad and I stress, Luka Modric is going to remain a part of it.”

In his two seasons at Spurs, Modric has made 77 appearances and scored eight goals. He has played mainly on the left side of Redknapp’s midfield, but featured in a more central role during Tottenham’s crucial Premier League run-in as they secured fourth place.

Modric has been described by Redknapp as, “Tottenham’s one world class player.”

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How Spurs can beat Arsenal to Premiership third spot

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Arsenal FC 150x150 How Spurs can beat Arsenal to Premiership third spotAll the midweek excitement in the Premiership centred on Tottenham’s win over Manchester City which guaranteed the North London club their first crack at the Champions League. However, they still have something more to play for.

Spurs win took them to within two points of Arsenal who lie in third place. If Harry Redknapp’s side could overtake the Gunners it would be worth more than just bragging rights in North London.

Though finishing fourth in the table offers a shot at the main European competition, the fourth English participant has to go through tough qualifiers to reach the lucrative group stage.

Arsenal had to go via that route in this campaign and Arsene Wenger would desperately like to avoid that again, as the games take place almost before the league season has begun and new men are being bedded in.

  • You can bet on this outcome: Can Arsenal Finish Third?

The new rules adopted for the Champions League qualifiers mean that the last English side could face opponents from top leagues like Italy, Spain or Germany.

Harry RedknappThe Gunners still hold the advantage over their bitter rivals, although they have to assume that Spurs will take maximum points from their trip to Burnley on the final day of the season.

Unless Burnley suffer a complete collapse, a point in their home game against Fulham will be enough for Arsenal as they are currently ten goals to the good on goal difference.

With the Europa League Final coming up, Roy Hodgson is very unlikely to send out a full strength Fulham team but that can have its dangers for Arsenal. There will be players trying to clinch a place on the bench for the final against Athletico Madrid- and they will be more motivated than is normal for a mid-table side.

  • You can bet on this outcome: Can Spurs Finish Third?

Other members of the side will relish the chance to start at the Emirates and players like striker Erik Nevland could see this as his last game in the Premiership- and want to go out in style.

The pressure is all on Arsenal to make sure they don’t slip up at the death. Their players will be kicking themselves for allowing this situation to develop when third place seemed a certainty just a few weeks ago.

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Premiership Predications: Spurs Can Damage Manchester United’s Title Hopes

Harry RedknappAfter a week when Tottenham ended Arsenal’s challenge for the title and put a severe dent in Chelsea’s challenge Harry Redknapp’s squad have the opportunity to spoil the party for Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The way that Spurs came back from their FA Cup semi-fnal defeat by Portsmouth says a geat eal about the character of the team. Thy ae beginning to look like a team that deserves to play Champions League football and United’s victory over Manchester City opened the door for the London club again.

Manchester City must negotiate a difficult fixture at Arsenal later on Saturday. Spurs kick off at 12.45 and would dearly love to put some more pressure on the Blues but they have to take something from the trip in Manchester.

A win would really push Spurs to the fore but even a draw could keep them in the hunt as City will find three points hard to come by at the Emirates. Redknapp’s side look capable of scoring goals against anyone at the moment- Crouch, Defoe and Pavlyuchenko are all in decent form and give the manager a variety of options.

The star of the show recently has been Welsh left sider Gareth Bale; his marauding runs from left back or left midfield have created a host of chances for the strikers and kept the opposition on the back foot.

Bale was identified as a future star at Cardiff even before he left school but as a 17 year old he endured a difficult beginning in a Spurs team that performed poorly under Juande Ramos. Now confidence is restored and he’s adding a new dimension to Spurs play.

Wayne Rooney should be available to add vigour to United’s attack but Michael Dawson is winning plaudits at centre back in the absences of Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate. With King possibly fit to play, the home team will find scoring hard work.

The hard fought win over Manchester City thrust United back into the title picture but they haven’t fired properly in their last three or four matches.

This game is a real shootout, because a defeat would ruin the chances of both sides in their respective races. Spurs have momentum after their performances against Arsenal and Chelsea and are unlikely to cave in with Champions League football in sight.

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