Tottenham face a tricky trip to South Wales to face Swansea as they continue their attempts to close the gap at the top of the Premier League.
Brendan Rodgers side will be keen to cause a huge upset when they welcome the title challengers to the Liberty Stadium on New Years Eve and ease their fears over being dragged towards the relegation zone. The Swans have enjoyed an impressive debut season in the top flight but a run of one win in seven has caused them to start looking over their shoulders. Their impressive home form has been the main reason why they’ve continued to keep their heads above water with Manchester United the only team to leave South Wales with three points. Rodgers will certainly be relying on two of his summer signings to deliver the goods against Spurs this time around. Goalkeeper Michael Vorm tasked with keeping the goals out whilst record signing Danny Graham will be expected to hit the net at the opposite end and put to bed any fears the Swans may have about battling relegation in 2012.
Tottenham, on the other hand, will be keen to secure victory as they continue their challenge for the Premier League trophy. Harry Redknapp’s side sit third in the table seven points behind both Manchester clubs at the top following a run of one defeat in their last 15 which has included 12 wins. Spurs have been in blistering form this season with Gareth Bale destroying teams single handily from the left with Luka Modric and summer signing Scott Parker have tightened up the centre of midfield. Up front Emmanuel Adebayor has added a physical presence that has been lacking in Redknapp’s side whilst Brad Friedel has solved their long running goalkeeping problem. All the ingredients are there at White Hart Lane for a real shot at the title and they’ll be confident of securing victory over Swansea.
Swansea City 14th : 19 points
Team news: Angel Rangel and Neil Taylor could return after injury to boost the defence although the former might only be fit enough for a place on the bench
Key Player: Michael Vorm
The Dutch keeper has been a revelation this season and could be in for a busy afternoon against Tottenham. Vorm has kept seven clean sheets in his debut season in England and he’ll need to be at his best to keep out free scoring Spurs.
Tottenham Hotspur 3rd : 38points
Team news: Roman Pavlyuchenko, Sebastien Bassong and Jermaine Defoe are all doubts whilst Ledley King is definitely out
Key Player: Gareth Bale
Many thought the Welsh winger would struggle to replicate his performances from last season but, unsurprisingly, he has raised them considerably. Bale’s second goal at Norwich on Tuesday incorporated everything that is good about his game and he’ll be key to
PREDICTION
Swansea have a fantastic home record but that might not be enough to half Tottenham in their tracks. Harry Redknapp’s side are in full flow at the moment as they chase down the two Manchester clubs at the business end of the Premier League table.
Score: 0-2
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