Entertainer Ramos ready to inflict pain on Pompey

TOTTENHAM games at White Hart Lane have produced 99 goals this season – and head coach Juande Ramos is predicting more fireworks against Portsmouth today.

Spurs fans have been given value for money this season with a 6-4 win against Reading, five victories by a four-goal margin and two 4-4 draws, the most recent on Wednesday against Chelsea.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp admits the FA Cup is his side’s best chance of European qualification and Spurs have already secured theirs with the Carling Cup – meaning the ingredients are there for entertainment in the weekend’s early kick-off.

“It is a game where the two teams are in the middle part of the table,” said Ramos. “Neither team has any great objective at this stage of the season. So it means we should see some good football for the fans.”

Ramos’ team at Sevilla played with style and pace, and he feels it is possible to mix entertainment with results.

He added: “Of course I always want more goals for the home side than the away side but it’s obviously a very attractive and passionate experience for the fans.

“The winning and entertaining can go hand in hand. It’s possible to win by playing well and I think if you play well you are more likely to win.”

Part of the reason for the thrills at Spurs this season has been Dimitar Berbatov’s partnership with Robbie Keane in attack, bringing 43 goals.

Berbatov has inevitably been linked with a move to a club playing Champions League football, with the Bulgaria striker’s representative this week suggesting he would want talks if an offer came in.

“It is the obligation of the agent to try to sell the players,” Ramos said. “Tottenham are very happy to have Dimitar.”

Redknapp could be forgiven for fearing today’s game. He takes a depleted side to White Hart Lane, with Jermain Defoe ineligible, Sol Campbell injured and Sulley Muntari and Papa Bouba Diop suspended.

The Pompey boss is impressed with the quality of Juande Ramos’ side, as he said: “Spurs have a fantastic squad. They have spent well over £100million on it and no doubt will spend more in the summer.

“They have won the Carling Cup and although they have not had a good season in the league you won’t see them struggling down there in 11th or 12th place in the years to come. They will be a top-four side, I reckon.”