Getting one over Fergie will prove Harry Redknapp's boys are for real

Tom Collomosse
11 Sep 2009

The Premier League season may be only four matches old but the next nine days will give a strong indication of whether Tottenham really have the capacity to challenge the elite this season.

Four straight victories have left Harry Redknapp's team second in the table, behind leaders Chelsea on goal difference alone, and three points clear of tomorrow's opponents, reigning champions Manchester United.

The contrast with the start of last season - when Spurs managed two points from their first eight games under Juande Ramos - could not be greater. Yet to prove they are the real deal, Spurs must give a serious test first to United, and then to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday week.

Good as Tottenham's form is, the omens are not encouraging. Their 1-0 win over Chelsea at White Hart Lane in March was only the second victory over their London rivals in 38 League matches, while the last time Spurs got the better of United was in May 2001 - 18 competitive games ago.

Make no mistake: if Spurs beat United tomorrow, the other Premier League powerhouses of Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool will start to take notice. And if they can take points from Chelsea next weekend, Redknapp's hardest task will be to contain the excitement of the club's players and supporters.

Unfortunately for Redknapp, his team's chances of success are reduced by a significant injury list. Luka Modric, Spurs' most creative player, will be absent for at least another month after breaking a bone in his leg in the 2-1 win over Birmingham on 29 August.

Spurs also have worries in central defence, where Ledley King (groin) and Sebastian Bassong (knee) hope to be fit, but Jonathan Woodgate and Michael Dawson remain sidelined with longer-term problems.

Gareth Bale and Jermaine Jenas have also missed the start of the season through injury.

In Modric's absence, Niko Kranjcar is expected to make his debut for Spurs on the left flank, following his move from Portsmouth, while all eyes will be on Aaron Lennon after his sparkling display on the right for England in their 5-1 win over Croatia.

Lennon's has picked up where he left off at the end of last season, and his electric form has vindicated Redknapp's insistence that the club hold on to him at all costs. Liverpool were known to be keen on the former Leeds winger but Redknapp knew he had a jewel on his hands.

"I didn't feel we needed to make a lot of changes this summer because we already had a lot of quality within our squad," said Redknapp, who made five signings during the transfer window, but only three - Bassong, Kranjcar and Peter Crouch - are likely to be first-team regulars.

"Sometimes I think that you can have too many players and it does nothing but give you problems. I think we have bought well and it is a well-balanced squad now in all parts of the field."

The arrival of 25-year-old Kranjcar will help fill the gap left by his fellow Croatian Modric's injury, but Redknapp said: "It was always my intention to bring Niko in, regardless of the injury to Luka.

"Niko is a great talent. I know there were other Premier League clubs trying to take him, but I felt he would be a terrific signing for us.

"He knows how to play and has got really good ability on the ball. He can play in several positions, and he is still young enough to improve further."

Redknapp must also decide whether to hand Crouch his first League start, after the England striker came on as a substitute to such good effect in the win over Birmingham, or to stick with Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane in attack.

Although Crouch is yet to force his way into the starting XI, it is certain that, as long as he stays fit, the former Liverpool man will play a key role.

It is the fourth time Crouch has played under Redknapp, and the Spurs boss said: "It has not been easy for Peter. He has come in here and he didn't start the first few games but has come off the bench and shown a fantastic attitude.

"He hasn't sat about sulking, or feeling sorry for himself. He has trained well, he's been good around the dressing room, he's been part of the team, and those are the type of people you need.

"His chance is going to come soon and when it does he is going to be a real threat to everybody."

The prospect of Defoe and Crouch in tandem would worry any defence, yet the key to Spurs' attacking success is undoubtedly Lennon, especially with Patrice Evra expected to play at left-back for United.

In last season's Carling Cup Final and in the League fixture at Old Trafford, Lennon's speed and skill had a dizzying effect on Evra, who simply could not cope.

Few things boost a player's confidence more than coming up against an opponent against whom he has had success, so don't be surprised to see Spurs look for Lennon every time they are in possession. It will surely be their best hope of ending that 18-game hoodoo.