Spurs Vs Reading

It's 13th vs 12th at the Lane today as an in-form Reading side visit a Spurs side rejuvinated since the arrival of Juande Ramos.

After a 5-1 drubbing over Fulham on Boxing Day, Spurs look to finally be finding their feet following a miserable start to the season.

Reading on the other hand seem to have expelled any worries of second-season syndrome and are unbeaten in five.

Royals' boss Steve Coppell on Spurs;

'I don't care where they are in the table, they are top five.

'If they don't finish above fifth it'd be a disappointment for everyone. They have a wealth of talent, though they are in a period of transition now.

'Ramos seems to be making an impact, especially with their fitness. Ledley King coming back is massive for them.'


Spurs assistant Gus Poyet on Reading;

'Reading are organised, strong, they defend together and it will be difficult to break them down.'

Tottenham will welcome back Jermaine Jenas and Ricardo Rocha, while captain Ledley King should start after coming through is come back against Fulham unscathed.

Spurs are still without the injured Michael Dawson, Anthony Gardner, Gareth Bale and Benoit Assou-Ekotto, and the suspended Didier Zakora.

After a slow start to the season, the Bulgarian is slowly getting back to his best. Even if he has a quiet game, he is still a major threat as he showed at Arsenal.

Reading have no fresh injuries ahead of the trip to North London, as John Oster and Glenn Little remain sidelined.

Brynjar Gunnarsson will start a three match suspension following his two footed lunge at West Ham, Kalifa Cisse will be the man to replace him.

If Reading are to get anything today, their strike force will need to be in top form.

Doyle and Kitson worked well and looked very sharp at West Ham before the sending off, and even then Kitson managed to get himself a goal.

The big striker is always a threat both in the air and on the ground.

Despite their recent form, Reading are still yet to win away from home this season.

Matches involving Reading or Spurs this season have produced a combined 128 goals from just 38 matches.

Keith Stroud (Hampshire)

Both teams have hit a bit of form and are heading in the right direction up the table. After giving Fulham a thumping on Boxing Day, I just feel Spurs will be too strong for the Royals. I think a brave performance for Reading, will end in a narrow defeat. My prediction: Spurs 2-1 Reading

Portsmouth (h) 01/01/08

Tottenham (a) 05/01/08

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