Stevenage vs. Tottenham Hotspur Preview

The F.A Cup Fifth Round clash between Stevenage and Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday February 19 sees a showdown between two clubs very much on a long term upward curve – albeit at widely different levels amidst the English football hierarchy.

Whilst Tottenham continue to fight out matters in the Premier League race, with Champions League qualification almost assured, Stevenage are holding on dearly to a League One play-off place which could potentially give them a chance of another promotion at the end of the season.

It may be Spurs who are creating the most headlines courtesy of their rapid rise towards the brink of the footballing elite and major silverware, nevertheless, Boro’s progress over the past few years has been equally as rapid and impressive in its own right.

Stevenage undoubtedly have it all to do if they are to continue their superb F.A Cup run and get within touching distance of the Wembley showpiece in May, however they will be driven on further by their previous experience of the big national stage having lifted the F.A Trophy at the expense of Kidderminster in 2007.

Recent back to back promotions have seen Gary Smith’s men emerge as a serious force to be reckoned with outside the top two tiers of English football and they have already made in roads above and beyond their current standing having accounted for Championship outfit Reading in the third round.

A comprehensive victory over Notts County three weeks later earned the club a chance to test themselves against high flying Tottenham at Broadhall Way in the last 16 – and although nothing other than an away win can be anticipated, the hosts are sure to keep in tandem with their respected profile and reputation by giving Harry Redknapp’s side a difficult ninety minutes.

Apart from Cypriot forward Michael Thalassitis, Stevenage’s squad consists entirely of home grown English and Irish players – a telling, contributory factor perhaps towards their excellent organisation and teamwork. They will be stretched to the limit however by the likes of Gareth Bale and Rafael Van Der Vaart - who lead a team, which are quite simply, too strong and classy even for the majority of Premier League clubs, never mind those of Npower League One.

Stevenage can be mightily proud of their recent development and will unquestionably be candidates for promotion to the Npower Championship sooner rather than later if they continue to improve at the same rate.

Their fine cup run should be put to an end nonetheless by a Spurs side that look the real deal and can probably be considered as true favourites for the competition outright.

The 1/3 about a Tottenham success is actually quite reasonable, especially for backers who like to play with sizeable stakes.

However, it will probably pay to be a little more ambitious as Tottenham should run away with things – even if it takes them the first 45 minutes to administer their superiority.

Spurs are 10/11 giving a goal start to their tricky opponents and that task can be fulfilled late in the second half, so backers be prepared for a tough resistance from Stevenage.

With a quarter-final place looking nailed on, it may also pay to take some of the 7/2 about Spurs lifting the cup beforehand – as they will be significantly shorter should they advance as expected and receive a soft draw in the last eight.

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12/02/2012     © Frixo 2024