We “try to win every game” and we’re “fighting for everything” are phrases that are constantly coming out of the Tottenham Hotspur camp, and again they prove to be relevant again.
As the North London club continue to push for a top four spot they look increasingly likely to secure one. A title challenge is also on the cards as the Lilywhites continue to dominate teams by playing impressive fluid football. The belief and team spirit within the squad is high as they recently took a midseason trip to Barcelona, and three points against Norwich City at Carrow Road will launch Spurs into second.
Last time the Lilywhites met the Canaries was earlier this season on Boxing Day. Tottenham won with a convincing 3-0 score line after a Harry Kane brace and a wonderful Tom Carroll strike.
Due to Norwich’s relegation, the last time the two teams met previous to Boxing Day was in February 2014, when a Robert Snodgrass goal saw Norwich clinch the win. The other game that season saw Tottenham win 2-0.
Spurs are excellent away from home
Tottenham have seen incredible away form this season having only lost once on the road in the Premier League- this was on the opening day of the season and due to an own goal by Kyle Walker. In addition to this, Tottenham are also scoring goals galore. Spurs have scored 13 goals in their last four matches in all competitions and also hold one of the best goal differences in the league.
Norwich, on the other hand, have lost their last three Premier League games. One was last week, when a late Adam Lallana goal clinched the win for Liverpool in a thrilling end to end game that the Canaries lost 4-5. Norwich were unfair to lose all three points as they led 3-2 until the 75th minute in which James Milner equalise. They looked to have secured a point in extra time with a Sebastian Bassong goal, but Lallana scored in the last minute to steal the win for Liverpool.
Team News
Ryan Mason has returned to full training with the team today after injuring his ankle in a goalless draw against Chelsea at White Hart Lane. Jan Vertonghen remains sidelined after sustaining a knee injury last weekend against Crystal Palace and Clinton N’Jie is still yet to return to training.
Alex Pritchard and Federico Fazio both secured deadline day loan deals to West Brom and Sevilla and so also will not feature.
The loss of Vertonghen will be a blow for the Tottenham defence. Toby Alderweireld and Vertonghen had played every minute of Tottenham’s league campaign before the latters injury, and have reaped the benefits having only conceded 19 goals. Even though Kevin Wimmer looks more than capable to step up to the challenge the consistency of Tottenham’s defense has been one of the keys to their success.
Possible XI: Lloris, Walker, Alderweireld, Wimmer, Davies, Dier, Dembele, Lamela, Eriksen, Alli, Kane
Norwich will be without Gary O’Neil as he serves the final suspension of his three-match ban. Timm Klose is close to being involved as he trained well in the last 10 days. In addition, Alex Tettey who missed the defeat to Liverpool due to illness, will be returning. However, Alex Neil also commented that “a little bit of a bug” is spreading through the team and so that could cause some changes to the squad.
What would a win mean for both teams?
Three points for Tottenham will further cement their place in the top four as a win will put them into second position- one point above Manchester City and North London rivals Arsenal. If both Arsenal and City draw then Tottenham will remain in second due to goal difference.
Norwich however currently sit two points above the relegation zone and so will impact their survival belief massively.