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For former Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov, tomorrow’s FA Cup match against Fulham at Craven Cottage is a homecoming. The Bulgarian striker was and still is a fan favorite at both Spurs and Fulham, since he played for both clubs, and he also has a history in the FA Cup — ten years ago he lobbed the keeper with a fantastic goal for Spurs in the midst of a 4-0 Tottenham win at Craven Cottage.
But while Spurs are challenging for the top four of the Premier League and Fulham are now in the Championship, Berba advised Tottenham not to underestimate their opponents, especially at home.
“When I watch a team I used to play for, or two of my former teams play each other, then I’m not in favour of anyone, I just want to see good football with brains, combinations and an effort to try to play football the way football is meant to be played, on the grass. Tottenham play this football now and that’s why they are in the top four in England.
Fulham, when I was there, tried to play that football as well. They are now in the Championship but again, they have a good coach (Slavisa Jokanovic), I remember him because he used to work in Bulgaria, he’s teaching them to play the same way and they are in good form.
“On paper, it looks like Tottenham are favourites to win, you can say that. But when you go there and play at Craven Cottage it will be difficult if you underestimate this Fulham team, because anything can happen in the FA Cup. When I watch, I will be hoping for a good game. Who is going to win? I don’t know.”
Berba’s a free agent now after spending last season at Greek club PAOK, but considering Spurs’ difficulties lately in finding the back of the net some Spurs fans I know publicly wondered about signing Berba on a flyer as a late game impact substitute. As much as I love Berba, I don’t see him meshing well with Poch, plus he’s closer now to 40 than he is to 30.
That said, I have fond memories of Berbatov lining up beside Robbie Keane back in the day and scoring 23 goals (along with Keane’s 22), taking what was otherwise a pretty meh Spurs team to fifth place. Whaddya say, Poch? Too late for a cheeky one day contract? Stick him in and let’s see what happens.