Some complimentary comments from Chris Hughton:
Chris Hughton takes a look at Saturday's FA Cup fourth round opponents Southend United.
"IT'S DIFFICULT to say how much of a bearing the fact that we played Southend in the Carling Cup in December will have on Saturday's FA Cup game - you'll only really know afterwards.
In regards preparation and knowing a team, of course we're in a better position than we were first time around, even though we'd watched them play and knew Mark Gower and Kevin Maher on a personal basis having started their careers here.
We're far better off in terms of our preparation this time in the fact that we've played them and played them at White Hart Lane. But that counts for nothing if you don't get a result.
The only real difference from last time is in the central defensive area where Peter Clarke and Adam Barrett have played the last two games, against us it was Spencer Prior and Efe Sodje, but Prior picked up a knock agaibst us and Sodje has been suspended.
They've had a consistent line-up, certainly the front six with the likes of Gower, Maher, Cambell-Ryce, Lee Bradbury and Freddy Eastwood, the two full-backs Lewis Hunt and Steven Hammell and the goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan.
They've had a very good run apart from the last game when they lost at home to Derby - not such a surprise because Derby going well - but up to then they were unbeaten in six games.
I saw them play at Barnsley where they thoroughly deserved to win and what they have in their locker is that they are a footballing side. Why they haven't done better in the Championship, I don't know, perhaps it's to do with not having a bigger squad but every time I've seen them, I've been impressed, including the Carling Cup game at the Lane.
That was a typical cup-tie where the underdogs rose to the occasion and you could tell Gower and Maher both enjoyed the experience of coming back to White Hart Lane, it showed in their performances."
and Robbie Keane:
Robbie Keane expects a repeat performance from Southend at the Lane on Saturday - and that means another tough test.
We've already faced Steve Tilson's men at the Lane in the Carling Cup this season and needed a goal from Jermain Defoe deep into extra time to secure a 1-0 victory.
Now it's FA Cup time again at the Lane with the Shrimpers back in N17 for a fourth round encounter.
"They made it difficult for us in the Carling Cup and I'm sure it will be the same," said Robbie, who should skipper the side if he starts. "They are a decent side and they play good football - where they are in the Championship is a bit of mystery with how they play.
"It's a good draw for us in that we're at home and you want to avoid the Premiership sides, but having said that, it won't be easy for us.
"We all know the FA Cup has a great tradition here are we're all looking forward to it, an FA Cup tie is always a special occasion at White Hart Lane."
Chris Hughton takes a look at Saturday's FA Cup fourth round opponents Southend United.
"IT'S DIFFICULT to say how much of a bearing the fact that we played Southend in the Carling Cup in December will have on Saturday's FA Cup game - you'll only really know afterwards.
In regards preparation and knowing a team, of course we're in a better position than we were first time around, even though we'd watched them play and knew Mark Gower and Kevin Maher on a personal basis having started their careers here.
We're far better off in terms of our preparation this time in the fact that we've played them and played them at White Hart Lane. But that counts for nothing if you don't get a result.
The only real difference from last time is in the central defensive area where Peter Clarke and Adam Barrett have played the last two games, against us it was Spencer Prior and Efe Sodje, but Prior picked up a knock agaibst us and Sodje has been suspended.
They've had a consistent line-up, certainly the front six with the likes of Gower, Maher, Cambell-Ryce, Lee Bradbury and Freddy Eastwood, the two full-backs Lewis Hunt and Steven Hammell and the goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan.
They've had a very good run apart from the last game when they lost at home to Derby - not such a surprise because Derby going well - but up to then they were unbeaten in six games.
I saw them play at Barnsley where they thoroughly deserved to win and what they have in their locker is that they are a footballing side. Why they haven't done better in the Championship, I don't know, perhaps it's to do with not having a bigger squad but every time I've seen them, I've been impressed, including the Carling Cup game at the Lane.
That was a typical cup-tie where the underdogs rose to the occasion and you could tell Gower and Maher both enjoyed the experience of coming back to White Hart Lane, it showed in their performances."
and Robbie Keane:
Robbie Keane expects a repeat performance from Southend at the Lane on Saturday - and that means another tough test.
We've already faced Steve Tilson's men at the Lane in the Carling Cup this season and needed a goal from Jermain Defoe deep into extra time to secure a 1-0 victory.
Now it's FA Cup time again at the Lane with the Shrimpers back in N17 for a fourth round encounter.
"They made it difficult for us in the Carling Cup and I'm sure it will be the same," said Robbie, who should skipper the side if he starts. "They are a decent side and they play good football - where they are in the Championship is a bit of mystery with how they play.
"It's a good draw for us in that we're at home and you want to avoid the Premiership sides, but having said that, it won't be easy for us.
"We all know the FA Cup has a great tradition here are we're all looking forward to it, an FA Cup tie is always a special occasion at White Hart Lane."
