Tottenham have not won in their last four Premier League games, which is their longest run in the league since January 2009. They have also not kept a clean sheet in their last 11 games and no doubt manager Harry Redknapp will want to change that statistic with a win over Rovers on Saturday.
However, the Spurs boss will be boosted by the fact that Dutch talisman Van der Vaart has scored in all six appearances he has made at White Hart Lane this season and enhancing his growing reputation as one of the Premier League’s top players, having endured a torrid time at Real Madrid last year.
Rovers Woes At The Lane
Blackburn Rovers on the other hand have failed to beat Tottenham in their last seven outings at White Hart Lane, but after back to back wins, they will sure to be going in to this game full of confidence.
Manager Sam Allardyce might not be the best at teaching his players the art of attacking football but he has a strong physical team strong enough to topple any team in the league.
Although with Rovers conceding the most fouls this season, 176, maybe they are a bit too strong at times.
TEAM NEWS
Tottenham
Manager Harry Redknapp has no fresh injury concerns ahead of his team’s clash against Blackburn Rovers, so could stick with the majority of the team that started in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland on Tuesday.Winger Aaron Lennon is still suffering with a hamstring injuring, while Jermain Defoe could make a surprise appearance after recovering from an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, Redknapp still continues to lack bodies in the centre of defence with Ledley King (groin) and Michael Dawson (knee) both being sidelined, which has prompted the former Portsmouth manager, according to press reports, to line up a move for Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson.
Also missing for Spurs for the clash at White Hart Lane will be long-term absentees Jonathan Woodgate (knee) and Jamie O’Hara (back) as well as striker Robbie Keane (ankle).
Possible starting XI: Gomes; Hutton, Kaboul, Gallas, Assou-Ekotto; Kranjcar, Huddlestone, Modric, Bale; Van der Vaart, Crouch.
Blackburn Rovers
Following their impressive win over Newcastle United on Wednesday night, Sam Allardyce could keep faith with most of his starting line-up.However, Jason Roberts could earn a place in the starting XI after he scored the winner for Rovers at St James’ Park with a neatly placed finish.
Midfielder David Dunn could also regain his starting place but Allardyce will continue to be without Benjani, Steven Nzonzi, Martin Olsson (all hamstring) and Keith Andrews who is suffering from a groin strain.
Possible starting XI: Robinson; Salgado, Samba, Nelsen, Givet; Emerton, Jones, Pedersen; M Diouf, Kalinic, Roberts.
Prediction
Despite coming into the game on the back of back to back wins, I believe that the attacking threat of Spurs will be too much for the Rovers backline. Although Allardyce will set his team up to be tight and compact in defence and midfield, the likes of Van der Vaart and Modric will eventually wear that steady defence down.
Tottenham 2-1 Blackburn 
