Spurs last played Coventry on 16th January, 2002 in the FA Cup 3rd round, when we won 2-0, with goals from Les Ferdinand and Gus Poyet. Only 6 of the players who featured in the 16 are likely to feature in tomorrow night's game.See the report here
Spurs did play 3-5-2 that night, and this was just one week before what must have been Glenn Hoddle's most glorious moment as Spurs manager, when we thrashed Chelsea 5-1.
David Pleat stepped in at short notice to act as caretaker manager for Spurs last Premiership fixture against Coventry which took place at White Hart Lane on March 17th 2001.See the report here
On that day we also played 3-5-2, which was a continuation of the style being played at the time by the sacked predecessor, George Graham. We beat the Sky Blues 3-0 with goals by Iversen, Ferdinand and Rebrov. David Pleat held to the 3-5-2 when he retained charge at Highbury the following week, before Glenn Hoddle had been officially announced.
Mr Pleat also had a brief spell in charge after the sacking of Christian Gross and before the appointment of George Graham 5 years ago. On the whole this was a successful cameo, and the formation was 4-4-2.
It is therefore not certain that Pleat will change the playing style for tomorrow at short notice, but he does of course have the option, with the absence of Ledley King. Jamie Redknapp will also be absent with a knee injury. Dean Marney, John Jackson and Jonathan Blondel are all in the squad, and I do know that Mr Pleat is a lover of pace. Simon Davies makes a welcome return, and I would hope to see him in a traditional role on the right, in front of Stephen Carr, with a four man defence being deployed.
I note that Konchesky is in the squad, so maybe he will play a part despite being a loanee, and possibly cup-tied for any future run by Charlton if and when he returns. (I suspect this is a BIG if).
No doubt Robbie Keane will be begging to play in front of his old fans, when otherwise he might have been rested for Sunday's game at Manchester City's new ground.
So, the Spurs team may look like this tomorrow:-
Keller; Carr, Richards, Gardner, Konchesky; Davies, Anderton, Ricketts; Keane; Postiga, Kanoute
Subs:- Burch; Taricco, Doherty; Poyet; Zamora.
Coventry have won three of their 8 games so far this season, which includes their 2-0 defeat of Peterborough in the first round. They lie 18th in the Nationwide Division One, but will be in good heart, having beaten managerless Reading at the Majeski Stadium last week-end. Rumour has it that Glenn and John may go to Reading. Spooky, isn't it, how things keep going round and round in this game?
We will have to look out for Dele Adebola, acquired in the summer by Coventry from Crystal Palace. Just in case you had forgotten, this man scored twice for Birmingham in November 2000, when we lost at home 3-1 in the same competition. See the report here Adebola has scored three times this term, and twice in his last three games.
My prediction? 3-1 to Spurs.
· Read Brian Judson's Preview of this game
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