So that was a white lie, but it will hurt seeing Martin Jol at another Premiership side if today’s papers are to be believed. Maarten Cornelis Jol should never have lost his job as Tottenham manager and the way he was treated still gets my goat when I think back to it. Obviously it’s all water under the bridge now, and I wouldn’t swap Harry for anyone, but I was very disappointed when the Dutchman was replaced.

His record since leaving Spurs has enforced the fact he is an excellent manager having tasted success at both Hamburg and Ajax. It’s easy to forget what he achieved at Tottenham and how much improvement and consistency he got from the squad during his tenure. Winning the League Cup under Ramos vindicated the club’s decision to replace Jol in the short term, but Ramos’ overall record did nothing of the sort.

I’ve always had a lot of time for Fulham as a football club anyway but now I’ll be keen for them to do well, just so long as it isn’t at Tottenham’s expense. If Martin Jol does take the reigns at Craven Cottage, it will certainly make for a couple of very entertaining fixtures this coming season and it would be no surprise to see Jol’s Fulham side turn us over in at least one of those Premier League meetings. As much as I’m a fan of our former manager, I just hope it isn’t at White Hart Lane!

We will never know what might have been under Martin Jol. I realise he was going through a slightly rough patch when he was removed from office at Tottenham but that was likely due to the fact his position had been undermined by both Levy and Comolli. Fingers crossed it will be a successful 2010/11 season for both Tottenham and Fulham.

Merry Christmas everyone. I got a cracking present from the Mrs, the new Spurs Player by Player book, signed for me by one Ricky Villa!

I quite fancy us to get a result tomorrow, Hodgson has Fulham playing as a solid unit but I think they will come unstuck soon and it’s more likely to happen away from Craven Cottage. Their home form was always good, there was just a blip under Sanchez. They are yet to win away this season.

Team News
Spurs could be struggling at the back with both Woodgate and King facing late fitness tests. Darren Bent and Jermaine Jenas should be back.

Fulham are without Zoltan Gera.

Current Form
Spurs have won 5 of the last 10 league games but went down 2-1 at the hands of Newcastle on Sunday.

Fulham are on their best run of form for some time but they are yet to win away from home this season.

Head To Head
Fulham have only ever won twice at the Lane in 29 attempts. If they were to win, it would be only the 2nd time in their history they have completed a league double over Tottenham.

Other points to note
Tottenham have won their last 4 Boxing Day fixtures, Fulham are 0 form 4.

Conclusion
Fulham are managing to go lockdown for 0-0 away from home but there is only so long they can use these tactics and not score before they come unstuck. I fancy Luka Modric to pick them apart tomorrow and Spurs to run out comfortable winners.

Best Bets
Luka Modric 1st Goal Scorer @ 10/1 with Betfred

Tottenham to win 3-1 @ 14/1 with BlueSq