27/01/12 - WFC vs Spurs (FAC4): Poll,Preview,Discussion,Reaction

FA Cup 4th Round Special. Thanks to OptimisticHornet for posing questions to some Spurs fans.





FA Cup 4th Round
Friday 27th January 2012 @ Vicarage Road, Watford. Kick-Off: 7.45pm (Live on ESPN)

In what has been deemed one of the more glamorous ties of the 4th round, Watford find themselves up against one of the best footballing teams in the country, and probably the world at the current time. Both sides tasted defeat last time out in their respective away games, with the ‘Orns slumping to a 3-0 defeat away at Birmingham, and with Spurs coming so close, but falling yet so far from picking up 3 points away at league leaders Manchester City, denting their Premier League Title chances.

Under Harry Redknapp, Spurs have undoubtedly become a force to be reckoned with in the English game, and it’s no surprise the Englishman is highly touted to become Fabio Capello’s successor as England manager after the European Championships at the end of the current campaign. Redknapp, despite his court case regarding his tax-dodging antics during his time as Portsmouth boss, has managed to guide Spurs to an admirable third place in the Premier League. No doubt a key factor in this has been his ability to hold onto his key players such as Luka Modric, and also his shrewd dealings in the transfer market, that have seen the likes of Rafael van der Vaart and Emmanuel Adebayor and long-serving keeper Brad Friedel arrive at White Hart Lane. This combined with the North-London club’s ability to develop youngsters and other talents such as Gareth Bale has delivered a great style of football, that has the ability to retain possession, control the pace of the game, and hit teams on the break – a formula that’s proving difficult to beat!

Watford on the other hand, who had looked to have turned things around over the festive period, seem to have suffered since winger Michael Kightly’s departure back to parent club Wolves, and are yet to pick up a league point in 2012. It would seem that a few niggling injuries, and the lack of creativity down the flanks are the main routes of Watford’s problems, resulting in little service
to the forwards. As a side that have struggled to find the net this season, the players will need to take any chance that may fall their way in this encounter. The only win so far this calendar year has come in the FA Cup 3rd Round, whereby the ‘Orns eliminated Bradford from the competition, winning 4-2 at Vicarage Road. Before this run, Dyche’s men had only lost one game in their previous 11 outings. A game like this one might just be the distraction needed to help turn the current run around.

In past meetings between these two sides, Spurs definitely have the upper hand, winning 15 times to Watford’s 6. However, with only 4 meetings since the turn of the Millennium, games have
been few and far between, with the last meeting being in the Carling Cup at Vicarage Road in 2008. Spurs emerged 2-1 victors after Tamas Priskin had put the hosts in front. In the meeting prior to this one, many will remember keeper Paul Robinson scoring from inside his own half when these sides met in the Premier League.

Without doubt, Spurs have taken their game up a notch since then, and have established themselves as one of the best sides in the country. With the depth of squad available to Mr. Redknapp, and the desire to win silverware, and with Manchester City already out of the running, and another “Top 4” side to fall this weekend, this competition will seem winnable in the eyes of Spurs fans, even at this early stage. Watford will no doubt be up against a strong XI, and will have their work cut out if they are going to stand any chance of progressing to the 5th Round of the FA Cup in the 2011/12 season.



Niko Kranjcar (Midfielder)



Whilst other star players such as Gareth Bale may be an obvious choice for a key player, it is unlikely Redknapp will opt to name his best starting XI against Watford. Spurs fans are of the opinion that Niko Kranjcar could be a key threat to the Hornets. The Croatian International, aged 27, joined Spurs at the end of the summer transfer window in 2009, and has since made near 50 appearances for the North London Club, finding the net 8 times. During his 11 year professional career, he has had spells at Dinamo Zagreb, Hadjuk Split and Portsmouth prior to his move to White Hart Lane. He has also featured 66 times for the Croatian national team, where he has scored 15 goals. Kranjcar has found it difficult to hold down a place in the starting line up in recent seasons, mainly due to the form of Wales International Gareth Bale. He’s likely to get the nod on Friday night, and will definitely be one for the Watford defenders to keep quiet.



Watford’s Stephen McGinn has commenced training once again, but is still absent following his long term knee injury, and following a set-back (Broken Toe) in his recovery, Martin Taylor is also sidelined. Aside from this, Dyche will have a relatively fit and suspension-free squad to choose from, Martin Taylor is also sidelined. Aside from this, Dyche will have a relatively fit and suspension-free squad to choose from.

WATFORD Starting XI vs Birmingham (L 3-0):

Loach
Hodson – Mariappa – Nosworthy – ****inson
Deeney – Eustace – Hogg – Yeates
Buaben
Sordell

Subs: Bond, Doyley, Forsyth, Jenkins, Iwelumo

Tottenham have a reasonably fully-fit squad to choose from going into this clash, with Emmanuel Adebayor likely to be in contention following his ineligibility against parent club Manchester City.

TOTTENHAM Starting XI vs Manchester City (L 2-3):

Friedel
Walker – Kaboul – King – Assou-Ekotto
Lennon – Parker – Modric – Bale
Van der Vaart
Defoe

Subs: Cudicini, Bassong, Dawson, Kranjcar, Livermore, Pienaar, Pavlyuchenko



-------------Head-to-Head--------------
Watford-------Draws------Tottenham
-----6--------------3-------------15-------

03/12/08 Watford 1-2 Tottenham
17/03/07 Tottenham 3-1 Watford
28/08/06 Watford 0-0 Tottenham
25/03/00 Watford 1-1 Tottenham
26/12/99 Tottenham 5-2 Watford
02/01/99 Tottenham 5-2 Watford

Fact: Watford have lost all 4 previous matches against Spurs in the FA Cup.

Thanks to CmonyouSpurs (CYS), ToDareIsToDo14 (TD), marcgiu (MG), Charspurs88 (C88 ), and grottim (GT) over at www.tottenhamhotspurs.tv/forum/ for answering some questions ahead of Friday’s FA Cup 4th Round clash. Their answers are seen below:

1) Spurs are absolutely flying in the premiership this season; can you go all the way?

CYS: We're absolutely delighted with where we are until now. Honestly, if you told me we'd be in 3rd at this stage after the two thrashings we had at the hands of the Manchester clubs, I'd probably have checked you into a mental hospital. Can we win it? It's most definitely possible, but I'd say highly unlikely. Lack of top quality backups, lack of rotation and certain other factors may ultimately see us come up short, but I'd be delighted with a 3rd place finish this season.
TD: We've definitely got the talent, but over the course of the season you need a bit of luck too. If we get that, then we can do it.
MG: I hope so , its goinG to be tough but if we can come through the next 9 games ok we have a nice(ish) run in. Playing very well though and seem to have our best 11 fully fit now.
C88: We are having an unbelievable season so far! Playing great football and getting good results! If we win at City on Sunday its definately up for grabs! Realistically though I'd be happy with a 3rd place finish and a good FA cup run.
GT: I'd like to say we could go all the way but i think it could be a bit out of our reach this season. We maybe lack the quality upfront that united have with rooney and city have with aguero. However adebayor is a good player and has done well for us this season. If we were to sign a quality striker either now or in the summer then I would certainly say next season we should be considered with united and city.

2) Harry Redknapp has obviously been a revelation at Tottenham, but what exactly do you feel he has brought to the club?

CYS: Mainly confidence, I guess. Most of the players are playing with a certain swagger that you'd never have imagined seeing in the Ramos days. The confidence levels are extremely high and it's showing out on the pitch.
TD: Would agree with @CmonyouSpurs on that. And a couple of "his" signings, like VDV, Parker, Friedel and Gallas have been important to us. Comolli brought in a lot of talented players, but Harry has added some experience to that.
MG: Motivation, common sense and organisation. He also seems to be able to attract/keep players who could get more money elsewhere.
C88: I think the biggest thing Harry has brought is confidence and he is obviously a very good man manager. He's also brought in experienced players and managed to hold on to big names like Modric.
GT: No doubt he has brought confidence to the team which was so poor under Juande Ramos. However I think he has brought a simplicity to our play which not only makes us entertaining to watch it makes things less confusing for players giving them numerous different jobs like what happened under Ramos. I also think he has got the team enjoying playing for us which certainly wasn’t happening under Ramos as basically from what we could tell he was a bit of a miserable c*nt.

3) Who do you think will be the Spurs player to watch in our FA Cup Fourth Round tie?

CYS: It really depends on what kind of line-up we field. I'd assume it would be mainly 2nd string players, so probably the likes of Kranjcar, Defoe and dos Santos (if he's still here) may be our danger men.
TD: I think this could be one for the likes of Rose, Krancjar and Defoe too. Doubt he'll risk too many first team players, especially seeing as we have quality on the bench.
MG: Depends what team we put out - I would imagine Dos Santos will play and he has a bit to prove at the moment.
C88: It depends what team we put out. If Defoe plays he will obviously be a threat as well as Niko Kranjcar. Livermore had a great game in the middle against Everton so him too if he plays.
GT: Really depends who plays and who hasn’t been sold etc but dos santos may do well against you but it really just depends on our lineup.

4) What do you think of Watford as a club?

CYS: Rather indifferent, to be brutally honest. Coming from Malta I can't exactly say I've had any encounters with any Watford fans or fans of any club that would make me pay attention to Watford. I do vaguely remember your season in the Premiership a few years back, though.
TD: Not really followed Watford that much, they aren't one of the clubs that get many headlines, so must be a reasonably well run club. One moment I remember is that Paul Robinson goal when you guys were in the Premier League.
MG: Good family club who have a good FA Cup history. I remember you in the final in '84 and us playing you in the '87 semi's
C88: I will always have a soft spot for Watford as my Mum supports them and my uncle is a season ticket holder. I only like about 10 miles down the road from Watford as well so always look out for their results and like to see you doing well. A good community club.
GT: Like you fairly local to us and have always struck me as a fairly friendly club with good family values.

5) If you were to sign a Watford player, who would it be and why?

CYS: No disrespect, but I doubt any of your players could break into our first team. Perhaps Scott Loach, but I've heard consistency can be a problem with him.
TD: Don't know. Not looked into it really.
MG: Stumped me  - who so you think would be good for us to sign?
C88: I think Loach is a good player and as hes still quite young may be a prospect for the future. I know Watford develop good youth players so there may be some more prospects coming through the ranks!
GT: Im not saying id maybe have him at spurs but sordell is certainly a very good player he's been impressive when i've watched him play he's a fairly decent finisher and i think deceptively strong when running with defenders but no doubt his pace helps as well.

6) What is your favourite FA cup moment?

CYS: Ricky Villa vs City or Gazza's free-kick against Arsenal. Magical moments.
TD: Every time we won it.
MG: Gazza goal in '91 Semi + of course Villa in '81
C88: It’s got to be Gazza's free kick against Arsenal in '91. Also, Villa's goal against city in '81 was amazing! Even though I wasn't born at the time I've watched it so many times!
GT: Can't say i was alive but the Villa goal was obviously brilliant i've even got it framed on my wall. Gazzas free kick also springs to mind.

7) And finally, what do you predict the final score will be when we meet on Friday 27th January?

CYS: Gonna say 2-1 Spurs, though it will be hard-fought, especially considering the fact that we will put out quite a few reserve players.
TD: I think it will be 3-1 to Spurs. But it'll be a tough match, I'm always wary of away matches in the cup. There's just something about them which makes me nervous.
MG: Will be close but I reckon 2-0 to us.
C88: I was at Watford when we played you in the Carling cup in 2008 and think the game this season will be a tough one like that game. We probably won't field our strongest side so I definitely think you have a chance. My prediction is either 2-1 or 3-1 to Spurs
GT: Sorry but i'm gonna say 3-1 spurs, however as you're at home it should be a good open game with both sides going for it as we certainly don’t want the replay.

​

Whilst many may see this as a potential “Cupset”, I find it hard to see past the fact that Spurs are one of the best teams in the country at the moment. With the quality, depth and style of football available at their disposal, I don’t envisage Watford actually seeing much of the ball in terms of possession. With chances few and far between in the league this season, it’ll take something special from the likes of Sordell if we’re going to so much as trouble Tottenham. I’d like to think the result will represent “The Magic of the Cup”, but in reality, I just can’t see Dyche’s men progressing beyond the 4th Round. Watford 1-3 Tottenham.​

At The Bookies:

Watford Win @ 6/1
Draw @ 10/3
Tottenham Win @ 4/9

Special: Sordell to score 1st and Spurs to win 3-1 @ 185/1

(Odds courtesy of www.williamhill.com)

Or visit the vBookie prior to kick-off on the 27th January to throw some vCash at the ‘Orns FA Cup 4th Round encounter.​

 

i going to be incredibly optimistic and go for a draw. sordell to grab a counter attacking goal before spurs score a late equaliser.

 

Im going 2-1 to the hornets,sordell with a penatly and eustace with a header

 

0-3. Even with a 2nd string team they'll be too strong for us. Play like we did against Reading and Brum and it could 5 or 6!

 

Brilliant preview Ashdon. Much appreciated.


COYH!

 

Agreed, it's excellent and on the front page now.

 

Cheers guys. Hoping for an entertaining game tomorrow night now! Busy day or two at uni to get through first, and I have a feeling that my football tomorrow night clashes with the first half which is a bit gutting.

 

Got 100-1 on Spurs to win 4-1, although I think we might sneak a win in this one!!!!

 

Great stuff Ashdon :sign15:

Very comprehensive and I think we all appreciate the effort you go to each week

 

Great stuff Ashdon was a good read:sign15:

I can see us losing this one by a few goals, hopefully we will put in a good performance though.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16739392.stm

Good news that they've got a few knocks and injuries, and an important game 4 days later to consider.

 

Good news that 'arry's not taken a training session this week.

 

Good preview, cheers.

A comfortable Spurs win for me.

 

This is the predicted Spurs team for tonight.
Cudicini
Corluca, Bassong, Dawson, Rose
Livermore, Carroll, Kranjcar, Pienaar
Defoe, Pavlyuchenco

I think that gives us a decent chance of an upset......put a couple of quid on the goldenboys.

Our chances have even further improved. Mark Lawrenson has predicted a 2-1 win to Spurs. :biggrin:

 

That midfield looks weak, strikers and centre backs look strong

 

I'll go for:

Cudicini

Corluka
Dawson
Bassong
Rose

Pienaar
Livermore
Sandro
Kranjcar

Defoe
Pavlyuchenko

They'll obviously have game changers on the bench such as van der Vaart, Lennon, Adebayor but I'm still going for 2-1 'orns. They could start with Adebayor actually as he didn't play last week against Man City so they might want to give him a run out.

 

Just seen Sandro is injured, could be Lennon starting. Tough night for ****o or Hodson!

 

Right I'm off to get ready to leave. See you down there, COYH! :badge:

 

We will definataly 100% get a draw during the warm up !

I think it will be a cup classic, both sides going for it, our pace will cause them trouble at the back. Expect goals from Forsyth, Yates and Doyley

 

Watford will win this tonight....I just get that feeling....

 

Murray starting, I think.

 

Wwwwwhat??!

 

Jon Marks' twitter: "Tottenham include Parker, Adebayor, Van Der Vaart, Modric & Defoe in their starting line-up"

Spurs 1st team v WFC U18s?

 

Yep - Murray starting !

 

3 changes for #watfordfc tonight. Doyley for ****inson, Sean Murray & Joe Garner for Yeates & Hogg. Matt Whichelow on the bench.

EDIT: Again, from Jon Marks

 

I like the look of our line up personally. Bit shocked about Murray but we've clearly tried to include as much pace as possible. Told you Spurs would go full strength though!

 

Cracking news that Whitchelow is on the bench. Watch out 'Arry!

 

Good that Murray is starting but Hoggs not starting, I think he has been a key player for us this season, is he injured???

 

Yeah, it's taht knee injury. Big loss if you ask me, our best player in my opinion.