Tottenham Hotspur v Sunderland: Bent seeks revenge on Redknapp
Darren Bent returns to his old stomping ground this weekend with a real point to prove. The former Charlton and Ipswich frontman believes he was never given a fair crack of the whip at White Hart Lane and was way down the pecking order in Redknapp’s eyes. However, the England international has rediscovered his scoring boots at the Stadium of Light and he may prove to be the most important signing Steve Bruce has ever made.
The Premier League goal machine has been on hot form since he arrived on Wearside and he would love to put one over his former employees. Bent is the leading English scorer in the league and his goals have helped the Black Cats climb to eighth in the table. A win against their capital counterparts on Saturday would not only rub Redknapp’s nose in it, it would also see them leapfrog Spurs in the league.
Tottenham go into this weekend’s clash desperate to put their north London derby defeat behind them but they face the Black Cats who will be brimming with confidence following their two goal fightback against West Ham United. Sunderland showed tremendous spirit to beat the Hammers, especially after going down to 10 men, and were unfortunate not to have gone on to win the game.
Sunderland beat Spurs at White Hart Lane for the first time in 30 years last season and they will be looking to inflict more pain on Tottenham following their shock defeat at home against Stoke City a fortnight ago. However, the Black Cats have not been prolific on the road. They have lost away at Burnley, Stoke City and Birmingham City. But then Spurs have lost three games at home themselves, although two of them were against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Spurs have managed to keep just one clean sheet all season and Sunderland have only failed to register once. The last draw between the two sides was a six-goal thriller in 1990 so I think everything points to a game with plenty of goalmouth incident. However, who will be the top dogs come 5pm?
