Let's try this one again, shall we?
Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton will again meet at White Hart Lane in FA Cup action on Tuesday, just a little over a week after Fabrice Muamba collapsed to the ground in a moment that has unified the football world. What could have been a tragedy has instead turned into the sports story of the year, as Muamba continues to show signs of improvement with each day. You can be sure that Muamba will largely be on the minds of all at the Lane and those of us watching via TV during what will likely be an emotional contest.
3 thoughts heading into Spurs vs. Bolton FA Cup clash: It must be said
Bolton aren't the only team physically and emotionally drained by the events of the past week and a half. Everybody at Tottenham has been affected by what occurred on March 17, and Spurs have also played two matches since Muamba nearly lost his life at the Lane. They were the better overall side in both the home contest against Stoke City and the away match at Chelsea, but Spurs managed to pick up just two points in those games. Bolton, meanwhile, defeated Blackburn 2-1 this past Saturday in a game that was about more than just a relegation battle.
It seems safe to assume that it could all catch up with either Spurs or Bolton (or both) this Tuesday evening. For Tottenham, winning the FA Cup may not erase the sting of finishing outside of the bottom three in the league table if they were unable to again pass Arsenal. Every game from now until May will be a true test for Bolton for several reasons. It's these types of games where managers and captains make a big difference. In Harry I trust.
3 thoughts heading into Spurs vs. Bolton FA Cup clash: A return?
Depending on the latest report you have read, manager Harry Redknapp may/may not have Aaron Lennon as an available option on Tuesday. While Spurs have proven that they can win without the speedy winger in the lineup, there's also no question that they've missed not having Lennon, who has been sidelined due to a hamstring problem. Lennon doesn't necessarily have to play a full 90 minutes to be a key man in Tuesday's game. Having a fresh and fully fit Lennon available for the final half-hour of play would make the Tottenham attack just that much more dangerous during what could be the most pivotal moments of play.
3 thoughts heading into Spurs vs. Bolton FA Cup clash: Don't panic
I understand that Spurs haven't beaten a league opponent since February 11. It's not as if they have been complete garbage during the past month and a half. Tottenham were unlucky to not sneak away with a point against Everton back on March 10. Spurs were the better side against Manchester United until they fell down 2-0 at the hour mark of that match. Had a few things gone their way, they would have defeated both Stoke and Chelsea in the past week. Continuing to play solid football and actually cashing in on opportunities that arise is the key. No disrespect intended, but Spurs can beat Bolton without putting in an A-plus performance. From what I've seen in the past month, I am confident that they are close to again finding their winning form. I expect some sloppiness, of course, but a 2-1 result in favor of Tottenham seems a realistic hope.
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