Premier League preview: Tottenham v Blackpool

Two teams who have punched above their weight in 2010-11 meet on Saturday, with Tottenham and Blackpool facing off in a crunch match for both sides.

Although situated at opposite ends of the English Premier League table, Spurs and Blackpool are two sides who have impressed football lovers this season with their bold, attacking styles.

Spurs have been a revelation this term, playing some of the most daringly attacking football of the season on their way to sixth place in the league, and enjoying a thrilling Champions League run that saw them reach the quarter-finals.

Spurs had a magical run in Europe this season, with wins over Inter Milan, Werder Bremen, Dutch champions Twente and AC Milan before they were eventually eliminated in the quarter-finals by Real Madrid.

But despite the glittering highs, Harry Redknapp’s men are now in danger of missing out on European football altogether next season.

A 2-1 loss to Chelsea in their last league start saw them relinquish fifth place to Liverpool on goal difference, with both teams locked on 55 points.

With the top four reasonably settled, both Spurs and Liverpool will be looking for maximum points from their three remaining games to maximise their chances of claiming the crucial fifth place and the resulting Europa League berth.

Ian Holloway’s Blackpool side have been a surprise packet in the league this season, and looked like certainties to stay up at Christmas on the back of some inventive play and a never-say-die attitude.

But a long campaign looks like it is catching up with the Seasiders’ thin squad, and they have claimed just nine of a possible 54 points this year, and are winless since February 22.

Their opponents that day were Spurs – and goals from Charlie Adam, DJ Campbell and Brett Ormerod lifted Holloway’s men to a 3-1 triumph, ensuring the home side will be keen for revenge on Saturday.

Recently Blackpool have arrested the slide somewhat, with draws from their past two games, most recently playing out a goalless draw at home with Stoke to see them sit in 17th place in the table with only goal difference keeping them out of the bottom three.

Holloway’s squad certainly looks healthier at this time of the season, with Australian left-back David Carney the only first-team regular out as he recovers from a shoulder injury.

Redknapp, meanwhile, has numerous concerns from the treatment room, especially at the back with Ledley King, Alan Hutton and Jonathan Woodgate all unavailable, and midfielder Wilson Palacios still troubled by a knee injury.