Tottenham Hotspur face Norwich City on Boxing Day in the round of festive games this year at White Hart Lane.
The Spurs are currently fourth in the Premier League table and are looking to cement their position and a win over Norwich will help to keep Louis van Gaal’s struggling Manchester United behind them, who were beaten 2-1 by the visitors last week in a shock outing at Old Trafford. A similar upset here would move Alex Neill’s squad clear from the bottom three. Norwich currently lie in 16th just two points clear of Swansea in the relegation zone, but will take the confidence and drive from the United victory into the game with them.
Among claims that the Christmas period is too much for the players and English football, particularly from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, attention will be on all games to see whether it is worth keeping the tradition.
Key Battle – Harry Kane vs Declan Rudd
Tottenham are only one goal away from scoring 100 goals against the Canaries in all competitions and all eyes will be on Harry Kane once more this week after his stunning solo goal against Southampton. Already in fourth place, the side will want to maintain that position, while also pushing forward to try and challenge for the elusive Premier League title.
John Ruddy is being investigated by the Premier League for apparent footage showing the goalkeeper in a fight on a night out, and did not face van Gaal’s team and will most likely stay on the bench. Declan Rudd will take his place again and will have to face the wrath of a seemingly always in-form Kane.
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Team News
Ryan Mason is back for Tottenham after four weeks out with an ankle injury and Norwich are still without Matt Jarvis who has just signed a permanent deal with the club, after being on loan from West Ham. The 29-year-old will join the side when the transfer window opens, but is currently out with a knee injury. Spurs defender Danny Rose should also be back in the line-up after suffering from an illness last week.
Mauricio Pochettino’s young squad will most likely stay the same, but will include notable players on the bench who are returning from injury. Neil’s lineup will look similar to the one that beat Manchester United.
Head-to-head
The last six meetings in the Premier League involve two wins each, two losses and two draws, so his looks to be an exciting game if the match follows the previous history between the two. However, Norwich City are the club that has the least wins in the Premier League on Boxing Day ever, and Tottenham has never lost to them on Boxing Day.
Previous Meeting
Last time out in 2014 the Lilywhites lost 1-0 to the Canaries at home. Robert Snodgrasss scored the only goal which limited Tottenham’s top-four hopes, but helped Norwich to move away from the dangerous relegation zone. At the time Tim Sherwood was in charge of the North Londoners.
Prediction
Considering the history between the pair it will be a tough game, particularly with Tottenham’s performances against the lesser teams of Newcastle, Swansea and West Bromwich Albion, ending a loss and two draws. The home advantage and in-form attackers will be enough to secure a holiday win though.
Tottenham 2 Norwich City 1
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