Swansea vs. Tottenham Hotspur Preview

Barclays Premier League

Football
Published: 07/01/2012

Swansea City take in their second home game of the Christmas period against Tottenham Hotspur on December 31 and an old fashioned defence vs. attack scenario looks a distinct possibility.

Brendan Roger’s side will need to show all of their resolve in this one if they are to prevent Spurs running riot and banking another three points in their quest for the Premier League title.

Spurs face another newly promoted side in the shape of Norwich City on Boxing Day and the festive fixtures certainly seem to have offered Harry Redknapp’s side the chance to put themselves right in amongst the thick of things going into 2012.

Redknapp has been known to rotate his team fairly frequently in the past and he could well tinker with his line-up for this match depending on how Spurs fare at Carrow Road.

Whoever lines up for the visitors should give the Swans a hard time as the club continues to grow in confidence in spite of their exit from the Europa League.

Redknapp subsequently now has the chance to focus fully on domestic matters and it would be no surprise to see him chop and change things on a regular basis in order to keep everyone fresh.

Garry Monk will be earning his keep as captain and Swansea’s defensive anchor and he will have to use all of his nouse to keep tabs on Rafael Van Der Vaart and England marksman Jermaine Defoe who is just starting to creep into form. This will be a real test for Spurs and their title credentials and potentially one of the most vital results of their season.

If they can break down the Welsh outfit’s resolve and secure a victory, they will be only the second side to do so this campaign.

And Brendan Rogers will be hoping his back four can maintain the high level of consistency which has seen them concede a mere two goals in eight home fixtures.

Tottenham’s pre-match odds of 5/6 are unlikely to stick around for too long – especially if they come out of the games with Chelsea and Norwich with a four point haul or better.

Swansea and Rogers are relying on their strong home form to see them safely through the season and their record to date warrants a great deal of respect.

But many top teams have succumbed to the likes of Gareth Bale and Luka Modric and Tottenham should be too powerful if in the right mood.

Swansea will look to get the likes of Leroy Lita and Wayne Routledge involved on the counter attack but patience may be the key to any potential result as Tottenham are so proficient at holding on to the ball and using it well.

Jermaine Defoe looks a decent bet to hit the net in this game and he could thrive if Spurs can make a quick break through – consequently forcing Swansea to open up.

It would be no great surprise to see Swansea fight out for a draw in this fixture but Tottenham have looked the real deal so far and can spike another three points in comfortable fashion.

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Any odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of publishing (07/01/2012) but are subject to change.

07/01/2012     © Frixo 2024

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