Spurs wanted Burnley to play a team that would give them a good chance of winning a preseason match, but they did little of the asking. Redknapp, now Burnley manager, declined. It didn’t make him the manager of the summer.
The Clarets can win this friendly tonight. They’re not that good, but two of their best players will probably play. Robin van Persie, who was a little bit off all last season for Manchester United, will have a go at goals for the home side. Ross Barkley, arguably England’s best creative midfielder, could also have a good night. Burnley have had a season to settle in to life in the Premier League. Their confidence could rise.
A draw would be the tiebreaker in any normal season. Could Burnley beat Spurs? Maybe. Which probably makes this a borematch, a grueling, three-hour slog (or two, if you add the extra time).
Which Sky Fox channel to watch: Sky will broadcast the match for UK fans, but you’ll need a cable TV subscription to watch on satellite. UK fans can sign up here and hope for a live stream of the match.
