Tues/Wed 22/23rd Carling Cup Semis

[slick]

Carling Cup
22 Jan 20:00 Tottenham v Arsenal 2.30 3.25 2.80
23 Jan 20:00 Everton v Chelsea 2.70 3.30 2.40

Odds Bet365

[kompressaur]

Tottenham haven't beaten Arsenal since the 20th century.

If you think that isn't as bad as it sounds it's a run of 21 games which is pretty woeful against your fierce local rivals.

However, Spurs fans may have reason to be cheerful as we reckon they could be heading for their first cup final since 2002, when they lost to Blackburn in this competition.

Tottenham weren't convincing at the weekend but they did eventually beat Sunderland 2-0 - their second victory in a row following their 1-0 FA Cup win at Reading. Crucially it was also their second successive clean sheet.

The last time Spurs kept two clean sheets in a row they went on to lose to Arsenal in their next game - but that was away from home in the league against Arsene Wenger's 'A' team.

Arsenal are set to make plenty of changes as usual for a Carling Cup fixture, and while it hasn't paid to oppose Wenger's supposed second-string this visit to Spurs could be a bridge too far.

A similar team was lucky to get a draw in the first-leg at the Emirates earlier in the month as Tottenham were the better side for long periods of the game.

Robin van Persie, who played in the first leg, won't be fit due to a thigh injury and if even if he wanted to Wenger cannot call on Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue and Alex Song who are all at the African Nations Cup.

Emmanuel Adebayor, who has scored three goals in his last two games, is not in the squad for the short trip to White Hart Lane.

While Wenger is set to rest his stars, Spurs are ready to bring back their big guns.

It goes without saying that this game is more important for Tottenham and Juande Ramos signalled his priorities by resting Ledley King at the weekend.

He returns as does Steed Malbranque from suspension.

I've a feeling Spurs might just be too strong for the Gunners on this occassion and they rate a decent wager at odds of 11/8 to win in 90 minutes.

Robbie Keane can be the man to guide his team through.

He has scored 16 goals for Spurs this season and will be on a high following his 100th goal for the club at the weekend.

He is 2/1 to score anytime and that looks a fair price for the in-form striker.

SPURS TO GUN DOWN ARSENAL: Betting Zone - Football Betting, Horse Racing Betting, Cricket Betting, Golf Betting, Rugby Betting, Sports Betting

[kompressaur]

details on watching hte game here later
MyP2P.eu :: Free Live Sports on your PC, Live Football, MLB, NBA, NHL and more...

[kompressaur]

Im only adding these as it would appear we dont have enough members that can discuss these games.

Spurs will need the King to rule supreme tonight
Dan "The Betting Man" Fitch tells us why Spurs v Arsenal will be a great game to watch and but tricky one to bet on

A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to see Rockney duo Chas n Dave at the 100 Club. Having belted out such hits as Margate, Aint No Pleasing You and of course, Snooker Loopy; Messrs Hodges and Peacock went out into the crowd to meet their adoring fans.

For some reason they were stood about 10 feet away from each other, so those hoping for an amusing photo opportunity had to choose between their idols. As there was a table between me and Dave, I posed for a snap with my arm around Chas. Having said 'cheese', I asked this most iconic of Tottenham fans the question that has been on the forefront of all Spurs supporters' minds.

"Chas, will we beat Arsenal?"
Chas shook his head and gave the following disappointing answer.
"All that matters is Chas and Dave."

Whilst I do concede that he's got a point, the answer was disappointing for two reasons. Firstly, though I can understand that Chas and Dave must get annoyed at being constantly asked questions about Tottenham by drunken fans at their gigs, what do they really expect, having recorded several singalongs devoted to the Lillywhites? I didn't see them trying to distance themselves from Spurs when they were raking in the cash from being number 4 in the charts with Ossie's Dream.

The other reason that this answer saddened me, was that it somehow summed up the feelings of every Tottenham supporter I know. We hope we'll win with all our hearts, but despite being the best team in the first leg and having scored an important away goal, none of us really believe it. When even one half of Tottenham's most famous cheerleaders, doesn't have faith, what chance is there for the rest of us?

Time and time again, Tottenham have lead in North London derbies, yet always seem to get pegged back. It has been suggested that Spurs are suffering from kind of mental block, but in truth there is not much difference in Tottenham's record against Arsenal than against either Manchester United or Chelsea. I believe that it's less of a psychological issue, than a simple fact of being persistently not as good as these teams.

Tottenham are the 2.34 favourites for this match, with the draw 3.5 and Arsenal 3.35. Spurs certainly looked the better side in the first game and spurned plenty of chances to kill off the tie. I would expect the same Tottenham team to be selected, with the mobility of Jamie O'Hara preferred to Huddlestone in midfield.

Ledley King has been rested since the first leg and his experience will be vital. Despite keeping a clean sheet at the weekend, Spurs' defending was often atrocious and it was a miracle that they didn't concede. It is up to King to organise this defence, as without him they are leaderless and unable to even do the basics, such as marking properly on corners.

Tottenham have scored more home goals than any other team in the Premier League, but only Fulham have conceded as many. Even with King, you wouldn't back Tottenham to keep a clean sheet, so the 1.87 for over 2.5 goals and the 3.1 for over 3.5, have to be considered. Arsenal may bring in Gallas for the injured Djourou, but otherwise Wenger will keep faith in his youngsters.

This creates a problem when it comes to North London bragging rights. Should Tottenham win, any celebrations will be met with the disclaimer that we only beat their reserves. Whereas if we lose... well that's just unthinkable.

To paraphrase Kevin Keegan (by the way, whatever happened to him?), I would love it if we beat them. Getting to Wembley would be great, but to be honest, just a pleasant side dish to the main course of beating Arsenal.

Knowing Tottenham, it won't be easy, whatever happens. As I write this, I'm currently laid up in bed with the Norovirus. So one thing is certain, when I drag my sickly body down to White Hart Lane on Tuesday night. Win, lose or draw, it's going to be squeaky bum time.

Betfair | Spurs will need the King to rule supreme tonight

good on you Dan the betting man

[fasteddy]

I think team news is very important for this one, as Arsenal's decision for midfield will make a big impact on my bets.

With 4-4-2 the likely choice , will he play Walcott on the left or right of midfield?.. as Bendtner and Silva most likely the front 2.

On the left he makes a powerful threat with Sagna behind him, both providing pace and an attacking force to be dealt with, and a Lee/dawson covering combo...and that's got to yield fouls and some lightweight errors when put under enough pressure.

On the right of midfield he has O'Hara and Lennon ahead of him, a far pacier combo to deal with, plus King/Chimbonda when he cuts inside.

I believe it will be an advanced left sided role, and therefore with Spurs more than likely going with the same side that faced them in the first leg, Arsenal will really have a clear area in which to play the ball and make their runs from.

Tottenham's midfield all like to get forward, and it's mainly Steed and O'Hara who sweep up the messes and mistakes. Jenas and Lennon are all about creating chances, so spaces will be left open.
If Huddlestone finds his way into the equation then it all changes again. Lee is a sure weak spot for me.

Arsenal have absentees and injuries to contend with , so their midfield is going to be different. Gilberto/Denilson don't make the grade for me , and if this is the set up then I'll take a punt on Spurs straight away.

But he could play Walcott up front and risk putting in a first team player, such as Rosicky or Fabregas in the mix early on in the game. depends on how it's progressing. I wouldn't be surprised to see Rosicky start, actually.

Lots of ifs and buts to this one, so making a bet before knowing the line up isn't the way to go tonight. I'll hold fire and see what's what.

Gut feeling is that Spurs have the stronger team this time, by a long shot, but they are such an attacking midfield that you just know they'll get caught on the counter a good few times, and possibly punished for it. An early goal would settle the nerves and allow their passing game to control it thereafter.

The Gunners line up won't want to be the side that loses the near 15yr unbeaten tag, so pressure is on. I'm struggling to see where the experience and maturity will flow from if they fall behind , even with Gallas present.
Bendtner loses it too quickly, while Da Silva is very hot n' cold under pressure. But with Adebayor, Fabregas , Clichy etc...all on the sidelines, then any stalemate at the 65th+ minute mark will take on a different look when they get introduced.

[kompressaur]

I can see Arsenal leaving Spurs broken hearted as ever Eddy. Infact i think its gonna be a boring 0-0 draw. I dont think its gonna happen enough for me to back it but good luck if you indulge Eddy and come on the spurs!!!!!

[Bigkegman]

3-0 SPurs with still 40mins to go

[kompressaur]

bl;oody hell that does suprise me Kegman. some fan i am sitting here refreshing livescore waiting for a welsh fulltime

[kompressaur]

Arsenal +3 @ 6/4

[Bigkegman]

4-0 after 59 mins

[kompressaur]

shit soz i forgot there was another game on tomorrow. We do need a live thread

[Bigkegman]

Originally Posted by Bigkegman

4-0 after 59 mins

Alan Smith is absolutely fecking gutted.

"Yip 4-0.... You' d think that would be the match now becasue I don't think Arsenal can come back."

Come back ffs - 3 sendings offs and a couple of own goals and they'll have a chance.

[kompressaur]

[Bigkegman]

ooops - maybe spoke too soon


abedabayoer scores a beaut 4-1 now

[Bigkegman]

Alan SMith is getting excited now

"20 minutes - you wouldn't put it past them - would you ?"