Tottenham has the chance to regain top spot in the Premier League this weekend when it goes up against Manchester City on Sunday (1.30am).
It was briefly top of the table just before the international break two weeks ago – before Leicester returned to the top of the pile – the same could happen again this weekend.
That, however, doesn’t worry former National Sports Council and National Sports Institute chief Datuk Dr Ramlan Aziz as he is just enjoying watching his beloved Lilywhites.
“I’m just a long-suffering Spurs fan with no league titles to celebrate,” said Dr Ramlan, who is enjoying his retirement.
“Once in a while, we win some knockout competitions – I remember 1981, 1982 and 1991 FA Cup wins as well as our last trophy (League Cup 2008).
“But league success has eluded us. Spurs’ philosophy has always been about entertaining the fans – swashbuckling type of football. Damn the torpedoes … as long as we play good football!”
It was this attractive style that lured Dr Ramlan to become a Spurs fan.
Looking ahead to this weekend’s match, Dr Ramlan has confidently predicted a home victory for Tottenham.
“At home, of course we will win. If we don’t have faith in our team then what’s the point of supporting.”
“This season (Jose) Mourinho has got the side firing on all cylinders. (Harry) Kane and Son (Heung-min) have been on fire in front of goal,” said the avid drummer and guitarist.
“Kane has matured into the fine all-round footballer we all knew was inside him. Previously, he could only score goals but now, he is creating and assisting goal chances and has even had some good defensive clearances in matches.
“His partnership with Son is the driving force.”
Asked if he was worried about Mourinho’s reputation as a boring, defensive manager, Dr Ramlan replied: “I suppose it depends on the tools (players) he has to work with.
“At Spurs, he has some good attacking players. Don’t forget Gareth Bale is yet to be back at his best.
“It certainly is exciting times.”
Is he confident Tottenham can win its third league title in history?
“I’m not a betting man. I don’t gamble but I hope for a great season.”
Separately, the other big match of the weekend is between first-placed Leicester and third-placed Liverpool (Monday, 3.15am).
The Reds face a defensive crisis with long-term injuries to key centrebacks Virgin van Dijk and Joe Gomez.
Rightback Trent Alexander-Arnold is also out injured while leftback Andy Robertson will undergo a fitness test before the match. Reserve centreback Rhys Williams and rightback Neco Williams are also a doubt.
Captain Jordan Henderson suffered a slight injury in England’s defeat to Belgium while top scorer Mohamed Salah has tested positive for Covid-19!
Leicester, managed by former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, is top with 18 points after eight matches, one ahead of Tottenham and Liverpool.
The Foxes have their own problems as they are without five defenders – injured quartet Timothy Castagne, Caglar Soyuncu, Christian Fuchs and Ricardo Pereira – while Jonny Evans is suspended.
Despite these problems, Leicester has won six of its eight matches and all three of its Europa League games.
There could be plenty of goals in this one – hope that doesn’t jinx it!
FIXTURES (Malaysian time)
SATURDAY
Newcastle vs Chelsea (8.30pm)
Aston Villa vs Brighton (11pm)
SUNDAY
Tottenham vs Manchester City (1.30am)
Manchester United vs West Brom (4am)
Fulham vs Everton (8pm)
Sheffield United vs West Ham (10pm)
MONDAY
Leeds vs Arsenal (12.30am)
Liverpool vs Leicester (3.15am)
TUESDAY
Burnley vs Crystal Palace (1.30am)
Wolves vs Southampton (4am)
