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Last time we played Birmingham City in the Premier League I missed the game as I was away in Brussels for the weekend. Not wanting to miss out totally, I managed to persuade the girlfriend to come for a drink in the nearby Irish bar where the match was being shown.
I might as well not have bothered and used the time to sink a few more waffles instead. It was an absolutely miserable fixture with a result that spoilt the rest of my trip.
But this picture brings a smile to my face just because of the look Juande Ramos is giving Brum boss Alex McLeish. Just look at that scorn on his boat-race. What on earth has the Scot said to make the Spaniard crack that expression.
If you've got an idea what Alex McLeish is saying, post a comment below and tell us - and make us laugh...
Picture: Getty Images
Here's the view of the Spurs Pies team on tomorrow's Premier League match against Birmingham City at St Andrews. COYS!!
Jonathan Weinberg
Team: Robinson, Gilberto, Kaboul, Dawson, Hutton, Malbranque, Jenas, Huddlestone, Lennon, Berbatov, Bent
Score: 0-2
Ashley Lawrence
Team: Robinson, Gilberto, Kaboul, Woodgate, Hutton, Malbranque, Jenas, Zokora, Lennon, Berbatov, Keane
Score: 1-2
Chris Laker
Team:
Score:
Zoe Weston
Team:
Score:
Freddy Davies
Team:
Score:
The start of March traditionally marks the start of constant talk of 'run-ins' for sides both at the top and bottom of the table. Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, Spurs occupy neither territory, and thus discussions of our run-in has been few and far between. So we felt it was only right that we got in on the act by having a look at exactly what lies ahead in the next 12 games, and what we can expect to see come May.
Birmingham AWAY
Last year: Four points from three games away against relegated sides
Prediction: WIN
Our last visit to St. Andrews was a very happy one indeed, as we ran out 2-0 winners, but Birmingham's subsequent relegation means this will be our first visit in just under two years. Our record away against the sides who Birmingham have replaced this season was somewhat dodgy, with the draw at Watford and defeat at Sheffield United both very disappointing results. However, with the Carling Cup victory still fresh in the minds of supporters and players alike, we will go into tomorrow's game as huge favourites, and I personally believe we will have enough to beat a side that may still be recovering from the aftermath of last week's encounter with Arsenal.
West Ham HOME
Last year: WON 1-0
Prediction: WIN
Always a tough game to call, and though last year a rare Mido goal was enough to earn three points, West Ham have changed almost beyond recognition in the sixteen months since that game. However, I'm going to let my current optimism rule on this one, and I expect us to have too much for the Hammers at White Hart Lane.
Man City AWAY
Last year: WON 2-1
Prediction: DRAW
Incredibly, Spurs have won every single game against Manchester City in all competitions since that infamous 4-3 FA Cup defeat in 2004. However, I have to be honest and admit I can't see that run extending past this game. I know City have recently lost their impressive home league record, but our away form is still incredibly patchy, and I would be satisfied to come away from Eastlands with a point, especially if the chance to return in May is still on the cards.
Chelsea HOME
Last year: WON 2-1
Prediction: DRAW
After last Sunday, and, of course, last November, playing Chelsea suddenly doesn't have that horrible sense of inevitability surrounding it. Admittedly, our recent league game at Stamford Bridge was something of a disappointment, but with the memory of Wembley still in the back of both teams' minds, I think we have enough to take at least a point from this one. Chelsea's title challenge may be well and truly put to bed by this point, which would mean them focussing all their efforts on the Champions League, and this could well play straight into our hands.
Portsmouth HOME
Last year: WON 2-1
Prediction: WIN
This game will see two ex-Spurs players return to very differing receptions. Whilst Judas Campbell will be almost accustomed to the abuse that will be thrown his way, Jermain Defoe can expect a hugely welcoming home crowd. The problem is he is almost guaranteed to get on the scoresheet, such is his knack of scoring in games such as this. I still think though, that with home advantage, and having already put Portsmouth's undefeated league home record to bed, we will be able to pick up a win, regardless of Defoe's contribution.
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Our Premier League campaign begins again tomorrow against Birmingham City after a couple of weeks break. Even though we don't need to qualify through the League to win a place in next season's UEFA Cup, it's still crucial we pick up points on our travels.
So Juande Ramos needs to play the strongest team possible to avoid another slip-up against Brum like the one back in December at White Hart Lane. But who do you think he should select and what tactics should he use to secure three points?
Jonathan Woodgate is a doubt with a sprained ankle but Michael Dawson (hamstring) and Gilberto (calf) are both close to a return. Other than that, we're not doing too bad on the injury front.
Post your verdict below on who should be in the first XI and how the Spaniard should line us up in his first game since that awesome Carling Cup Final victory over Chelsea...
Picture: Getty Images
We know they are leaner, meaner and fitter since Juande Ramos took charge of Tottenham and here's some snaps taken yesterday at the training ground to show just what a hard taskmaster the Spaniard is.
But the boys seem to be enjoying their new fitness regime and even Senor Ramos was getting in on the act with some ball-juggling skills. He's obviously still cock-a-hoop over Sunday's Carling Cup Final victory over Chelsea.
To view the larger image just click on the thumbnail and then leave us a comment as to how crucial you think the new diet and exercise is to Tottenham's plans for the rest of the season...
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Ok, here's our last bit of Carling Cup Final crowing (maybe!). Chelsea gaffer Avram Grant is not looking happy as he appears to launch a touchline broadside towards Didier Drogba.
But what is he saying? Is he telling him to get up and play football instead of falling over every few minutes? Maybe he wants him to do what he's paid to do and knock the ball into the back of the net from open play rather than a set-piece. Or possibly he's just annoyed and embarassed that Tottenham are outplaying his Blues side in front of his boss.
Whatever you think he is saying, post a caption below and make us laugh...
Picture: Getty Images
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