Spurs have the worst scoring record in the league to date, having scored just two goals (both against Sheffield United). On the other hand Pompey have the best defensive record in the league and are yet to concede away from home.
Sods law says we'll lose this one then....
White Hart Lane hasn't been good to us in past Premiership encounters (see Premiership Past) and a team of Tottenham's quality will have to win again surely. From what I have seen of Spurs, their performances on the pitch have not matched the results they have been getting at the likes of Old Trafford and Anfield. So make no mistake about it, despite the home side lying in 18th position this will be a tough test for us.
If you don't believe in sods law then we genuinely have a chance of taking all three points in what promises to be a fiesty encounter. Sean Davis and Pedro Mendes will have points to prove whilst Sol Campbell is guaranteed a heated reception being branded as a Judas after signing for Arsenal from Spurs in 2001. What will further spice things up is Mido's comments in the media about how he finds Sol Campbell the easiest defender he has ever played against. No doubt that comment was to get the Spurs fans on his side but Martin Jol has since expressed his outrage at Mido's attempt to be a vocal hero and has instead made himself look like a twat. Mido has also done Harry Redknapp a favour as his pre-match team talk has been said for him.
More news in our favour is that Ledley King and Jermain Defoe; who scored the last time we met Tottenham, are injury doubts whilst Aaron Lennon, Paul Stalteri, Edgar Davids, Anthony Gardner, Dimitar Berbatov and Steed Malbranque should all miss out.
That huge injury list should be a boost to a Harry Redknapp who doesn't have any new injury worries ahead of the game but will have a selection dilemma as Niko Kranjcar, Manuel Fernandes and Andy Cole will all be pushing for a start. Personally, I think Harry should stick with the same team that lost to Bolton as despite losing we played pretty well at times but the main reason for fielding an unchanged side is that I'd fancy Sean Davis and Pedro Mendes to have a significant impact on the game and also the fact that Kanu has a knack of scoring against Tottenham. Reports suggest that Lomana Lua Lua will start with Benjani up front however.
I think we have a fair chance of winning this game if we play to our full potential though I have a bad feeling about this game because of our record at White Hart Lane. Having said that I had the same feeling about Charlton and we came through that one. Despite Spurs' struggles they have plenty of quality throughout their side and if we aren't up to scratch, we'll get punished. Pompey will be playing this game sporting the new third kit which is all black with a gold trim.
Ultimately, this game will be a real test of how far we have come since that amazing day at Wigan.
Premiership Past: Tottenham Hotspur vs Pompey
03/04: Tottenham Hotspur 4 Pompey 3
This was a very strange encounter as a glut of new signings from both sides featured in a game that was a perfect example of how not to defend. Jermain Defoe gave Tottenham the lead on his debut but Eyal Berkovic scored his first Pompey goal to equalise. Robbie Keane then scored but Lomana Lua Lua got his first goal for Portsmouth to level once again.
Keane then grabbed his second for the home side to re-take the lead but yet again Pompey equalised as Ivica Mornar scored his first and only goal for the club late on. Just when the travelling fans thought they'd seen their team get a point Gus Poyet headed in from a corner right at the death to break their hearts.
04/05: Tottenham Hotspur 3 Pompey 1
Pompey got off to a great start as Diomansy Kamara scored to give us an early lead but Spurs had just signed someone named "Mido" and he would introduce himself to the Premiership by scoring twice to turn the game on its head. Robbie Keane would then score to wrap the game up as Velimir Zajec's side tasted defeat once again.
05/06: Tottenham Hotspur 3 Pompey 1
Once again, Pompey took the lead as a long range effort from Lua Lua wrongfooted Paul Robinson to give us the lead well against the run of play. After the break however some slack marking would allow Ledley King to head in an equaliser. Pompey still looked OK in Harry Redknapp's first game back in charge until Uriah Rennie gifted Tottenham a penalty after a "handball" by Gary O'Neil in the area. Mido converted, heads dropped and Defoe scored to make 100% sure that Tottenham would keep the Pompey curse at White Hart Lane going. This year we'll never have a better chance to break it.
Pundit Watch
Lawro: Home Win (2-1)
Sky Sports: Draw (1-1)
Matt Le Tissier: Draw (2-2)
Soccernet: Away Win