The final game of the season sees us welcome the visit of Liverpool. Like us, Rafa Benitez's side have underachieved this season and have been similarly undermined by 'behind the scenes' squabbling. However whilst Juande Ramos maintains the unequivocal support of his chairman, as shown by Levy's willingness to back his manager in the transfer market, Benitez's future will remain uncertain as long as boardroom squabbling between Hicks and Gillette continues. It already threatens to disrupt the merseysiders pre-season plans with the manager unsure as to what funds are available to strengthen his side.
On the face of it, today's game should be an entertaining end of season spectacle, with both sides playing out an attacking match free from pressure and in the knowledge that their summer holidays are just days away.
The only honour spurring either side on (save innate will to win) is the possibility that we may finish ahead of West Ham and jump into the top half of the table if we win and the Hammers lose to Aston Villa. I think the words I'm looking for are 'small victories' .
More significantly, the match may well be the swan song for several players on both sides. Doubts remain over the futures of Dimitar Berbatov and Pascal Chimbonda whilst Peter Crouch, John Arne Riise, Jermaine Pennant and even Xabi Alonso are not guaranteed to be at Anfield come next August.
One player who is likely to have played his last game for Tottenham is Paul Robinson. The former England number one has aggravated an ankle injury and miss this afternoon's match. Ramos has made attempt to disguise his search for a new 'keeper and in the summer Robinson will be told that he is surplus to requirements, if he hasn't already. It's a shame when it happens to a player who is dedicated to the club but Ramos' ruthlessness is essential. In order to move forward the sentiment that too often held sway during Jol's reign must be forgotten.
Berbatov's case is much trickier. Having paid Bayer Leverkusen a little under £11m for his services two seasons ago the Bulgarian's value has shot up to somewhere around the £25m mark. He has two years of his contract remaining so the club are in a strong position. Financially there is no need to sell so the figure of £30m being touted as an acceptable amount is a realistic one if he is to be sold this summer.
On the one hand we could always just say no, thus testing his determination to leave. At the moment the impression given is that his agent is the driving force behind his desire to move to a 'bigger' club but Ramos might find that he has the clout to convince him to give it one more year. Continuing to bring in players like Luka Modric and the serially impressive Jonathan Woodgate may well be a significant factor in such an effort.
That said, if Berbatov has told Ramos he wants to leave, then he should be sold. No one at the club - not the fans, the manager or players - should want to keep a player who doesn't want to be there. If he is so keen on leaving then we'd be better off getting shot of someone who will only be showing himself to be a mercenary whose services are available to the highest bidder. Ambition is one thing but so then again so are loyalty and professionalism. If he kicks up a fuss - sell him and use the substantial fee to bring in a player of similar ability.
That may sound a little simplistic but I for one have faith that Ramos has the 'pull' to attract a player of the same calibre as Berbatov. Samuel Eto'o has been mentioned and the rumours have not been denied by any of the parties involved. Even if that deal doesn't materialise then there are many other alternatives. What Europe certainly isn't lacking in is top class strikers.
I have a feeling that there will be a glut of goals this afternoon and I wouldn't be surprised if Berbatov's name appears on the list of scorers. It would be just like him to pull a performance out of the bag, even if it just to catch the eye of a visiting scout. Regardless of whether he goes or whether he stays, fans should console themselves that there was a Tottenham Hotspur before he came and there sure as hell will be one when he leaves.
There will also be other Dimitar Berbatovs.