Kick-off 1:30pm Sunday, 24th August 2014, White Hart Lane.
Preview
The Premier League is once again in full swing and this Sunday’s match up between Spurs and QPR throws another sub plot into the ring, with Harry Redknapp returning to White Hart Lane for the first time since his failed managerial spell at the North London club. The QPR man will have a point to prove after being dismissed from his role at Spurs despite securing two top four finishes during his tenure, a feet which is yet to be replicated by any of his three predecessors.
For Redknapp’s counterpart, Mauricio Pochettino, Sunday’s game will be all about continuing the run of good results his side has been on since the start of the season. After last weeks late winner at West Ham, which saw Spurs end a 3 game losing streak against the Hammers, the Argentinian’s side came from behind to secure a 1-2 victory over AEL Limassol in Cyprus. A win against QPR, a side who are expected to be near the relegation zone at the close of the season, is vital if Spurs want to prove that they are capable of pushing for a much sought after Champions League spot.
QPR on the other hand will be looking to avoid the drop again as they return to the top flight after being relegated only just over a year ago. With Premier League survival having such major financial benefits and the club struggling to reign in their spending, having handed several lucrative contracts to players now viewed as superfluous, this season could be vital for the West London sides future. Life in the Premier League is never easy and Redknapp’s side would have been reminded of this as they fell to a harsh 1-0 defeat against Hull City on the opening weekend. Sunday’s game represents an opportunity to get vital points on the board that at the end of the season could make all the difference.
Team News
QPR will go into the clash with nearly a full roster of players to choose from, with only new recruit Eduardo Vargas unavailable due to his continued lack of a work permit. The R’s will also be boosted by the potential debuts of recent signings Mauricio Isla and Leroy Fer.
Spurs will be without long term absentee’s Kyle Walker (Pelvis) and Vlad Chiriches (Back) and will also suffer from the absence of Kyle Naughton who is suspended after he picked up a Red Card against West Ham. Emmanuel Adebayor, Christian Eriksen, Younes Kaboul, Aaron Lennon and Etienne Capoue are all without injury and in contention despite not featuring in Thursday’s Europa League playoff clash with AEL Limassol.
Possible Line-ups
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(Image via www.lineupbuilder.com)
(Image via www.lineupbuilder.com)
Prediction: QPR have been incredibly savvy in this transfer window. The arrival of the experienced Ferdinand and the promising Caulker really add some well needed steel to their defence and the more recent additions of Isla and Fer add some experience to a midfield that is already filled with grit. The West London side should have enough to avoid the drop but the relegation war will be won in games against the teams around them. Tottenham should have too much class for the West London side and be able to comfortably see off their old manager in style. 3-1 Spurs