Tottenham Hotspur Preview

Last updated : 22 October 2004 By Mark Heys
Bolton travel to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday in what will be the first of two meetings against the London side over the next week.

The Trotters will travel to White Hart Lane at the weekend for a Premiership clash and then Spurs will make the return journey in the Carling Cup just four days later.

Spurs have suffered a mix run of form so far this season but overall their performances have improved under the new management of former French national coach Jacques Santini.

Bolton managed to find the winning streak again following last week's slender 1-0 success over Crystal Palace, but results prior against Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion had seen an air of concern creep in around the Lancashire club despite a fine start which saw the team take points off the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool.

Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce will be without midfielder Ivan Campo after he suffered a facial injury during the win against Palace so there could be a recall for top scorer Henrik Pedersen.

Kevin Nolan is expected to move back into midfield to compensate for the loss of Campo whilst skipper Jay-Jay Okocha and experienced Fernando Hierro are also set to return following recent injury problems.

Recent signing Khalilou Fadiga may once again be on the Wanderers substitutes bench following his impressive cameo appearance last weekend. Ex-Spurs forward Les Ferdinand is also expected to be named in the squad for the trip south.

Spurs boss Santini is without defensive pair Erik Edman (head) and Mauricio Taricco (banned) so either Anthony Gardner or Johnnie Jackson will come into the team at left back.

Ex-Liverpool ace Jamie Redknapp is expected to play despite his forthcoming ban but fellow midfielders Sean Davis and Thimothee Atouba are ruled out with knee injuries.

Last season an Okocha inspired Bolton gained victory at the Lane thanks to a second half goal by Kevin Nolan. The return trip to the Reebok in April also went the Trotters way with goals coming from Campo and Pedersen. Needless to say Spurs will be hoping to put Monday nights loss to Portsmouth behind them as opponents Bolton will be looking to build on their three points against Palace.

LAST SEASON

17/04/2004 BOLTON WANDERERS 2 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 0 (FA PREM)
01/11/2003 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 0 BOLTON WANDERERS 1 (FA PREM)

PLAYED FOR BOTH

Chris Armstrong
Gudni Bergsson
Chris Fairclough
Les Ferdinand
George Hunt
Don McAllister
Neil McNab
Ian Moores