Champions League October 20th: Inter Milan vs Tottenham
The last time I was at the San Siro in a Spurs top it was during the dark days of Juande Ramos' reign and I was heckled by some fellow British tourists for languishing in the relegation zone. This evening it is a very different story as we take on Inter equal on points in the Champions League table. All the Lilywhites who have made the journey to this great stadium can wear their strips with pride as we are riding high in the Premiership and have shown great spirit and form in recent fixtures, particularly in our outing to Craven Cottage last weekend when we came from behind to claim all three points.
It is a shame that van der Vaart is suspended as he has proved to be a great signing for us and unfortunately Ledley King is injured and joins Defoe, Dawson, O'Hara and Woodgate in the sickbay. Hopefully Gallas and Kaboul will be available however. Additionally to give the game some extra spice both Crouchy and former Inter player Keano are both available to start and both have some personal demons to fight in the shape of demonstrating to Benitez how he hunder-rated them during their spells under him at Liverpool, which should play in Spurs' favour. Inter are also missing one of their strongest players - striker Diego Milito - but unfortunately for the away fans Samual Eto'o is likely to start and having already put 16 in the back of the net this season, he is at the top of his form and is to be feared.
Spurs fans are quick to point out that they were victorious in their last away encounter with a Benitez-managed team (2:1 last season at Anfield) but Inter fans would be just as eager to argue that Inter are just too strong at home for Spurs to pose a serious threat. Their last home defeat in this competition came in November 2008.
Contrary to popular belief Spurs have played in the San Siro before though, although we've never played against Inter. We managed a draw against AC Milan in the 1972 UEFA Cup semi-final, which got us through to the final against Wolves due to having won the home leg with 2 Steve Perryman goals. Carlo Cudicini's father actually played in goal for A.C!
Personally just as in 1972 I'd settle for an away draw and then we'll thrash them at White Hart fortress.
It's an amazing stadium, it's an amazing fixture ... COYS ... COYS
