Written by Geofspurs
Our journey on the Glory Road to an FA Cup final at Wembley has now reached the business end of the competition. We have had, arguably, one of the easiest Cup paths in our history to reach the semi-final. But now, if we are to win this icon of British sport, we will have to beat two of the best teams in the Premier League …. which would mean that we thoroughly deserved the victory should it happen!
First up we have to face United in the semi-final. Fortunately, the match is a home game that will be played away; a match that will see the lads emerge from the away changing room on their home turf. Football can be so confusing! But, however it is seen, it does appear to give us an advantage.
Statistically, Spurs do have the edge on goal difference over the two league games played this season. Despite the fact that United sit in second place on the PL table and Spurs are fourth, there is little difference in the performance statistics of the two teams in the league. United are not the attack-minded team from past years and adopt a more defensive style of play that even its own fans do not enjoy. In Jose, United seem to have a manager who prefers not to lose than a manager who sets his team up to win at all costs and this places more pressure on the team’s defence.
Both teams have a number of match winners. Both teams are capable of owning the mid-field and bossing games. What it will come down to on the day is which team wants it the most; which individual players will give everything they have for their team, and which team are the better organised and fitter.
Spurs have only lost one game in the last three months, are playing with confidence, and there is a sense that everything about their game is coming together at the right time. But with United, although playing well, there is a sense that something in their game is missing and that they are there for the taking.
Both clubs are desperate to win silverware this season and this is the last opportunity for either club to do so. The semi-final winners will have the trophy firmly in their sight, with one last hurdle to overcome …. albeit a difficult one. On the day, the result will come down to mental toughness as much as physical strength, teamwork, individual flair, commitment, and skilful football …. all of which Spurs currently have in abundance. For Spurs, it is a very winnable game …. but far from an easy task.
My opinion is that Spurs will win. Who do other supporters think will win, and why?