A 1-2 defeat at home against Crystal Palace two weeks ago stunted the Teesside club’s sense of momentum, however, and Aitor Karanka’s men ceded a 0-1 lead en route to a 1-3 loss at Everton last weekend to slip down as far as 13th in the table.
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Hosts Middlesbrough opened the season well with five points from their first three games, but have now lost their last two games in a row. Mauricio Pochettino likes to play two holding players but in games like this, now opponents know how Spurs want to play, they need to go for it a bit more.
The Spurs are now four points of the pace of Manchester City and are looking as serious contenders for a top four finish again.
“They have top players and we have to know one mistake in the Premier League and we will be punished”, Karaoke told reporters.
What’s your prediction for Middlesbrough v Tottenham? He’s yet to score in the Premier League this season but has the pedigree from Holland to suggest with the right service he should be able to score.
However, former Republic of Ireland defender Lawrenson can’t see past a Tottenham win at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday afternoon given Boro’s dwindling momentum.
“He has an important game against Tottenham here this Saturday and it could be his worst mistake to start thinking about the national team when he’s only played five games in the Premier League”.
Since the start of 2014-15, Kane has missed just four Premier League games for Tottenham.
All five of Middlesbrough’s Premier League goals this season have come before half-time, while both the goals Spurs have conceded have also come in the first half.
As for Spurs, Harry Kane is the most significant absence, while Eric Dier and Mousa Dembele are carrying knocks.
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“It’s my first time, but when you have squad like I have and, in a club like I am, I have to stay confident”.
