Wigan V Tottenham

Wigan take on Tottenham at the JJB Stadium in the Sunday televised clash on Sky Sports.

All games against Tottenham Hotspur are lively at the JJB and I won't be watching it. My nerves I think wouldn't be able to take it but for once, I hope we can win. However I think this time it will be a thrilling 1-1 draw.

Two seasons ago, Wigan managed a greatly entertaining 3-3 draw with the London club and the season will always be remembered for Wigan retaining their premier league status for another year.

Wigan go into the game in good form despite a few setbacks which are largely irrelevant. We were unfortunate against league side Arsenal and we got beaten by Tottenham at White Hart Lane in the cup but it was a much changed Wigan side.

This will not be the same game that was played at White Hart Lane - Wigan will give Spurs as good as they get and Spurs don't travel well either so this will be a good opportunity for Wigan.

However the big talking point is the return of Jermaine Defoe and he is a lethal finisher when he is in the mood, but then again Wigan have their good share of decent finishers, too.

It would be nice to see Wilson Palacios get his first goal in Wigan colours as I think he deserves it. He will aid the midfield driving force of Lee Cattermole and Antonio Valencia. I think Michael Brown may make a start as I think he is vastly underrated and with Palacios, Brown and Cattermole in the midfield, Spurs won't like that one little bit.

Spurs though are a very good side under Harry Redknapp and will pose Wigan no end of problems. I have been impressed with the way Harry has changed the team around and never for a moment did I believe they would end up in the bottom three and I can't see that happening now.

WIGAN: PLAYER TO WATCH: AMR ZAKI
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Can Amr get his fine goal scoring form back against Tottenham Hotspur? He could be the equivalent of Jermaine Defoe on Sunday if he plays to his absolute best.

TOTTENHAM: PLAYER TO WATCH: JERMAINE DEFOE
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Jermaine has returned to Spurs which could be very bad news for Portsmouth. I think he could cause problems for us this weekend.

ROB'S PREDICTION
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This is tough to call as Spurs are a very good side and will be difficult to play against. They are a quality side. That side, Wigan are a really nicely established English Premier League side and have players that will show their worth this weekend and it will be a real battle as both sides express their qualities.

I think that we'll be seeing the best from players like Defoe and Valencia as they are both high profile at the moment. I think Defoe will score for Spurs and Valencia will get a goal for Wigan.

Wigan 1 Spurs 1

ROB'S FINAL THOUGHT
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Spurs won't go down in a month of sundays and Wigan would be unfortunate not to get another 12 points to more or less guarantee their survival from the majority that are available.

On a final note, happy new year.

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