Forward to this week and as the tension builds for Martin Jol’s men the fans are feeling it too. The outcome of the first leg was catastrophic. The game hinged on the appalling penalty decision which gifted Sevilla a way back into a match they were losing in both score and performance and despite calls for the referee to be suspended the events became overshadowed by what followed, with police randomly laying into the traveling support.
I am yet to read one account that suggests tension and trouble existed between the rival sets of fans, which makes the Spanish ‘police’ even more culpable. The fear and anger exuding from the Spurs support led to there being a break from the singing and cheering which would doubtless have had a knock-on effect for the players, who were already reeling from the dubious equaliser
Focusing on the upcoming return leg the news for Spurs is mixed. Team news suggests that Ledley King and Danny Murphy return to the squad but in a huge blow Bruce is out for the rest of the season leaving us no recognised left back for the match. The news about King is to be taken with a pinch of salt. He is our talisman and leader and certainly one of the finest players in our squad but he has been absent from the side for four months now and it is hard to imagine he is match fit. Hopefully we will see Chimbonda (or Shimbomba if you are David Pleat) return to his best position at right back where he can get forward and threaten the Seville defence. The left side could fall into the lap of Stalteri who will have to have a top game with opposing full back Alves regarded as the best attacking full back in the world.
Up front I expect to see the return of Keane and Berbatov who have linked up superbly in Europe and whose lack of speed is no issue with the slower pace of play. Lennon will be looking for a return to form having been quiet lately regardless of which position he is played. I feel that there is a case for him on both sides, on the left he can pin Alves back with his pace, reducing the threat going forward and on the right we can see him at his best, maximising his ability to dribble and cross with his right foot. Zokora and Jenas are a given in the centre of midfield and it is no coincidence that Spurs return to form began when Jenas returned from injury. The left side is more of a quandary. Tainio operated there in Spain and I would be tempted to go with him again in order to stifle Sevilla on that side and look for Spurs to attack via other avenues. It remains to be seen whether Steed can operate with enough discipline for this match but with Spurs a goal behind there is still a significant case for his inclusion.
After the events of the first leg I can see there being a rip-roaring atmosphere at White Hart Lane, the fans felt cheated and angry both on and off the pitch and I think the club as a whole will be determined to come back from the troubles of Seville and progress, keeping our season alive. I have faith in Jol and the boys but it is quite honestly the biggest match so far this season and a true test of character.
IN JOL WE TRUST!!
