After a disappointing 1-0 loss to Leeds at Elland Road, it will be easy for Spurs fans to bring back their negative outlook and think that the poor run will return. But will that be the case?
As a Spurs fan myself, I can understand the frustration that all of us Spurs fans go through in having such high expectations to then seeing them dismantled as every game goes by. However, this season seems to have a slightly different script.
After a poor start that saw Tottenham fall to the bottom of the table, we fought through and managed to pick up some form. Having won three games in a row against Coventry, Chelsea and Crystal Palace, we all thought that Spurs are back. Leeds, however, gave us a slight reality check where we figured that we may not be the imperious side that we thought we were just yet. But the signs are better.
Spurs vs Ipswich
After the international break, Tottenham’s first game back is against Ipswich at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Personally, I think this should get us back to winning ways. Ipswich sit 14th in the table, three places below Spurs. As a newly promoted side, I would say they are still viewed as an ‘easy game’. They have struggled recently in the league, having not won in four games. So this seems to be playing into Tottenham’s hands. However it will not be this easy. Last time Ipswich came to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium they shocked the home side with a 2-1 win which gained them their first win of the season. So as we all know with Spurs, anything could happen.
In my opinion, if Spurs play the way that they know they can then they should find the game pretty self explanatory. If we play the way where we maintain the pressure and attempt to break down the low block then it should work. Ipswich have not managed to get a clean sheet yet this season and I highly doubt that this will be the first one of the season. Spurs will break them down, control possession and dominate the game. I do also think that once the first goal goes in, the game will open up massively as it will invite a response leading to Spurs potentially scoring multiple goals.
My final prediction is: Spurs 3 – 1 Ipswich
Sunderland vs Spurs
Spurs then find themselves travelling all the way up north to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland. It will be interesting to see how Sunderland will do against Aston Villa after their incredible win against Chelsea and I think that will be key for our game. After their poor start to the season saw them at the bottom of the table, a win like that is a huge statement and boost of confidence that their form from last season could return. But their game against Villa is huge. If they are able to keep their form going and get themselves another win against a team who are playing well themselves, then that may be exactly what they need to properly kick off this season.
In the occasion where they do beat Villa, I think the game against Spurs will be very interesting. With a good supporting crowd who offer a lot of support, just like in the game against Chelsea where they seemed to carry them through to the end, it could pose to be extremely tricky. I think this is one of those games where it truly could go either way. I would have more chance in putting my money of Sunderland as they would have won two again big sides in the two games before and that may be able to get them through with a win.
A player like Brian Brobbey will be key for them as well if he is able to get back from his injury in time. His physicality and presence up top helps them out massively and as much as it has not worked as of recently, we are all still aware of what he is capable of. Then, of course, with Granit Xhaka out it is a huge miss for the Black Cats but there is still the possibility that he makes it back in time for this game.
Last time out at the Stadium of Light between these sides, the home team came away with a 1-0 victory but I do not think that this will be the case on this occasion. As mentioned I truly think that it depends on whether they can keep their form up or not. If they do not manage to overcome Villa and they get another loss this season then I can see Spurs capitalising and grabbing a victory but it could go either way.
My final prediction is: Sunderland 1 – 2 Spurs
Tottenham vs Fulham
This game I think will be slightly more simple to talk about. I think that this would be a pretty simple win for Spurs. Spurs, if my predictions are correct, will be in great form and playing a team who seem to be struggling a little. As much as Fulham managed to get two 1-0 wins against Hull City and Coventry, I do not think that this is enough for them to confidently go into their games with the idea of winning. I think simply enough, an away day against Spurs this season simply does not see them walking away with three points and maybe not even one.
Once again, the way that Tottenham will play will break down the Fulham midfield and Spurs will be able to capitalise on this to walk away with an easy win. As much as you can never guarantee anything with Spurs, I can confidently say that I think there is not much chance that we do not walk away extremely happy after that game as we prepare for the North London Derby the following week.
My final prediction is: Tottenham 3 – 0 Fulham
Personally, I am a big fan of Roberto Di Zerbi (currently…) and you can see that his tactics are working. We struggled against Leeds but he put out his gameplan and it worked relatively well in the first half. The second half was simply just a capitulation from the players and he had nothing to really do. In our three wins prior, his tactics shut every team out immediately. Fast closing down. Keeping possession. Trying to find gaps in behind. He did exactly what was needed to do and that is the reason why we won those games.
All he needs to do is keep this up. His tactics will work against these sides, the players just need to be more clinical. Put chances away when we are in front of goal. We need to put quality crosses into the box into players who are confident that they can score. I am excited for these fixtures and I do think we can really get going and set ourself in a positive place and maybe near the top four as we approach our fiercest rivals.
Thank you very much for reading and look out for more content in the near future.
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