Strikers Steal the Weekend

Today’s Premiership fixtures toss up two of the most intriguing ties we’ll see all season: star-studded attacks versus stalwart defenses, the super rich versus the super stingy, disgraced former heroes versus terrace legends. We’re counting the minutes until kick-off…

Tottenham v  Man Utd –  Sir Alex’s stuttering champions travel south to face high-flying Spurs at White Hart Lane. In Jermain Defoe, Harry Redknapp possesses the hottest striker in the country. His quick feet, pace off the mark and scintillating finishing point to a difficult afternoon for United’s defense. But, buoyed by the return of Rio Ferdinand, can the experienced and dynamic Vidic/Ferdinand partnership stave off Defoe’s goal threat? Potentially the most important player of the day will be watching from the stands. Luka Modric’s broken leg deprives Tottenham of their tireless playmaker and his absence could see the North London club’s unbeaten run come to an abrupt end. Step forward Aaron Lennon. Fresh from his 5-star performance at Wembley on Wednesday, can the speedy winger fill the little Croatian’s boots and provide the defense-splitting passes and penetrating dribbles in the final third? A feeble record of 3 wins in 34 Premiership matches against United doesn’t bode well for Spurs fans but historically the United machine takes a while to shift into top gear.

Spurs hopes hang on Defoe and Lennon.

Man City v Arsenal – Tottenham’s bitter London rivals travel north to Manchester’s big spenders. An impressive summer transfer spree has helped Man City dispatch their first four opponents without leaking a goal. While question marks hang over their title credentials, this match is all about new hero Emmanuel Adebayor. With Tevez and Robinho sidelined due to injury, Adebayor will be tasked with leading the line and breaking down an all too familiar Arsenal unit. Having left the Emirates under a cloud, the Togolese striker will be looking to show Gunners fans what they forced out. Usually an excellent judge of a player’s demise, initial evidence indicates Wenger made a mistake by letting Adebayor depart and today’s encounter could prove that point. An Arsenal side reportedly  without the influential and energetic Andrei Arshavin will find it hard to compete with City’s attacking prowess. One for the top games, Arshavin’s possible absence lays the goal scoring chores firmly on the shoulders of Robin van Persie. Incidentally, Van Persie’s recent criticism of City’s spending spree puts the Dutchman under pressure from the get go. A formidable recent home record against Arsenal, including a 3-0 win in 2008, indicates smiles for City fans come quarter to five.

Things certainly do change quickly.