Ramos hoping for 'spectacle'

Last updated : 22 March 2008 By Gareth Davies
As entertaining as Wednesday night was, the reality is that we should be conceding four goals at home to any side, title-challengers or not. Were it not for lax Chelsea defending, some excellent set-pieces and a piece of individual brilliance, we would have been comfortably beaten.

Ahead of the game against Portsmouth tomorrow, Jaunde Ramos is hoping for more of the same in terms of entertainment: "We are hoping for a good spectacle. There is no pressure on the result, so we hope for a good game.

"Neither team has any great objective at this stage of the season, so it means that we should see some good football for the fans.

Ok Ramos is only stating the obvious but, while entertaining football is always welcome, perhaps using these remaining fixtures to test younger players and new tactical approaches would be more rewarding than simply hoping for a good game of football.

His words are in contrast to Harry Redknapp who will no doubt be irked by the suggestion his team have nothing to play for. "Everton are only six points in front of us in fifth. But at this stage that's still a lot and they must still be favourites" confirmed Redknapp who clearly feels his side still have an outside chance of qualifying for Europe through the league.

The history books point to a home win. Spurs have an 100 per cent home record against Portsmouth in the Premier League and the players, unburdened from fear, should enjoy themselves against a team missing several key players.

The most notable of Portsmouth's absentee's is Jermain Defoe. The Premier League ruled that because the deal had to be rushed through as a loan, the diminutive England striker cannot make a return to White Hart Lane. Another former Spur won't feature is Sol Campbell, who is out through injury.

Defoe's absence is a big loss for Redknapp, as are the suspensions to Bouba Diop and Sulley Muntari. Criticising out team spirit before the reverse fixture earlier in the season, Diop has this time chosen not to tempt fate.

In that match we eventually ran out 1-0 winners after a rare impressive away display. Pompey were going through a woeful patch in front of their own fans but have maintained their lofty position by a superb set of results away from Fratton Park. For that reason alone, we should be wary of the threat the pose.

Prediction: 3-1 Spurs. With several key players missing Portsmouth will struggle tomorrow. Its been a great season for Redknapp, who must concentrate on the FA Cup if he is realistically to qualify for Europe next season.