Burnley vs Spurs

Though they might have been beaten on away goals in extra time, Burnley’s 3-0 battering of Spurs inside 90 minutes made our lay of Spurs pay off in a big way

If it weren’t for a crazy 20 minute spell in the first leg then the return at Turf Moor tonight would be very nicely poised indeed. The fact that Spurs grabbed four second half goals at White Hart Lane a fortnight ago clearly changed the nature of the tie massively however and Burnley, having done so well for 45 minutes when taking the lead, now have a mountain to climb.

Having already advised a small play on Burnley to qualify for the final it looks like I’ve already done my cash. I’m keen to try and recoup some of the likely losses by fielding against Spurs tonight however and, at under 2.50, they look a decent lay.

While it is true that the London side have saved their best performances for the Carling Cup this season I prefer to take a look at the bigger picture and there is no escaping their overall shaky form. Before Spurs stuttered to a draw against Pompey on Sunday they propped up the Premier League and are no doubt in a relegation fight.

Although he started so well, Harry Redknapp is now feeling the heat in the Tottenham dugout and while players are almost certain to arrive before the end of January, they won’t be available tonight. Jermain Defoe is free to play, having not featured for his former club in this competition, but captain Ledley King misses out once again through injury and he is joined on the sidelines by Gomes, Corluka, Jenas and Lennon.

The hosts are virtually at full strength, although Steve Caldwell is suspended, and they are sure to take the game to their opponents.

Without a Premier League win in six and with no incentive to gain victory tonight, Harry’s brief will surely be to keep it tight early on but the personnel at his disposal don’t look capable of performing such a task and it could be quite an open game.

I’m looking forward to seeing Chris Eagles in action once more, he is surely a player of Premier League class, and Burnley will not go down without a fight. They’ve had a terrific run in the Carling Cup and an early goal might just have the visitors looking over their shoulders. The Clarets were unlucky to be beaten at Preston last time and can earn at least a draw this evening.