Tottenham Hotspur

West Bromwich Albion V Tottenham Hotspur

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 26 November 2011 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: The Hawthorns

Preview

Unstoppable Tottenham take their imperious form to The Hawthorns this weekend, where their record is anything but. Not since April 2003 have Spurs claimed all three points away to West Brom in the Premier League, whom are unbeaten in four versus the north London club at home, winning two.

So a tricky outing is this for arguably the country’s in-form team at the present moment. Monday’s comfortable 2-0 win over Aston Villa was their fourth in succession in the Premier League, where they now reside in third after eight wins from their last nine in an unbeaten sequence which has encouraged bookmakers to install them as odds-on to make the top four frame come the end of the season.

The future also looks a lot brighter for the Baggies, too. Their 2-1 victory at home to Bolton last Saturday saw them rise several places to 10th in the table, but more importantly move five points clear of the bottom three. Although, their record against the top six this season does make for somewhat ominous reading: narrow losses earlier on in the campaign to Chelsea (2-1) and Man Utd (1-2) were far from routine, but recent defeats to Arsenal (3-0) and Liverpool (0-2) most definitely were.

Vast improvements are thus required from West Brom if they’re to contest the spoils on Saturday, that is, of course, unless Tottenham finally drop their level of performance. The onus, then, falls on the hosts, who simply must find a way to take the game to Spurs, the Londoners who are bidding to stretch their unbeaten league run into double figures.

West Brom

League Position: 10th

League Form: WWLLW

For those merely striving to maintain their status as a Premier League club, it is the taken of points from those with similarly modest aspirations which are most coveted. With 11 of their 14 accumulated points this season having been earned against sides currently residing in the lower half of the league, you could say it’s been a job thoroughly well done for Roy Hodgson’s Baggies who, with a third of the season gone, boast an element of comfort what with the gap between them and the relegation places a healthy five-points going into this weekend’s round of matches.

So far, so good. Nothing spectacular, just more steady progress under Roy Hodgson. Fans, though, are desperate to see their team record more big results, like those from last season, when the Baggies recorded memorable wins over Arsenal in London and Liverpool at The Hawthorns.

In fairness, they have come excruciatingly close on a couple of occasions this season; earlier in the term they pushed both Chelsea and United close, only to lose both 2-1. More recently, however, Arsenal and Liverpool – two teams who were embarrassed by the Baggies last season – strolled to victories, which does make it mighty difficult to rate West Brom’s chances against high-flying Tottenham.

The Hawthorns could play a significant role, though. West Brom have only lost one of their previous four Premier League fixtures there, which was a 2-0 loss to Liverpool at the end of October, dispatching Bolton there just last week. Striker Shane Long, scorer of the Baggies’ winning goal in that match, is unfortunately rated doubtful for the visit of Tottenham, along with several other influential figures. Paul Scharner, Graham Dorrans and Peter Odemwingie are all facing a race against time to be fit.

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 3rd

League Form: DWWWW

What we are witnessing over at Tottenham is the impact winning matches can have. Not only does the team grow in confidence, but fans start believing in the impossible also – but is it that unrealistic to think Spurs could stun everyone by becoming only the fifth different team in the history of the competition to be crowned Premier League champions?

Few could argue that Tottenham’s recent form is not the stuff of potential champions. You have to have something different, something special about you to go on a nine-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, a league notoriously difficult for going undefeated for long periods of time, but to win eight of those truly is remarkable. And no-one could question the strength of the run, not when there’s victories over Arsenal and Liverpool in there, not least four away wins.

Personally, I think talk of Spurs winning the league is healthy. It’s a sign of the confidence and belief circulating through the club at this moment in time. It also keeps everyone in the team hungry and wanting more. Of course, the goal for them this season is a top four finish, but if they can maintain this level of consistency up till Christmas, which they may considering they’ve played almost all of the top six already, then they’ll certainly be in the reckoning.

It is, however, important to stick to the old cliché of one game at a time, though I stick to my guns that it is healthy to have a long-term dream or goal. A win at West Brom on Saturday would extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to ten matches, and make it five wins on the bounce for Harry Redknapp’s smouldering charges. His team have notched two goals or more in each of their last five away matches, winning four of those, and so any team which can score with such unerring regularity on their travels are always a tasty proposition. Tottenham are certainly that.

Match Pointers

- West Brom have only won two of their ten Premier League encounters with Tottenham (W2 D4 L4), though the Baggies haven’t lost any of the previous four meetings at The Hawthorns, winning two.

- Tottenham’s last league victory away to West Brom dates back to 2003, when a brace from Robbie Keane and a second-half effort from Teddy Sheringham sealed a 3-2 success.

- Roy Hodgson’s Baggies have won just four of their first twelve Premier League matches (W4 D2 L6) and have scored the joint-fewest goals at home (5).

- The Baggies have, though, lost only one of their previous four at The Hawthorns (W2 D1 L1), recording a 2-1 win over Bolton there just last Saturday.

- Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham have now gone nine games without losing in the Premier League, winning eight, and have scored a minimum of two goals in each of their previous five away matches.

- Four of Rafael Van Der Vaart’s six Premier League goals this season were scored away from home.

Betting

Any team who can score goals regularly on their travels are a team to be taken seriously, so Tottenham, even at a touch of odds-on, are what I consider tremendous value this weekend. That said, West Brom are one of those side which, on their own patch, can be a nuisance. They haven’t much this season, or should I say lately, but that do have the potential to uproot one of the league’s established clubs on their day.

This will certainly be a challenging assignment for Spurs, make no mistake about it, but they’ve been extremely tidy and workmanlike on their travels this season that I just can’t oppose them. To churn out away win after away win, at difficult places like Blackburn, Fuham, Wigan and Wolves, teams who are battling for their life’s in the lower reaches of the league, is no mean feat. West Brom may well prove the hardest of the lot, although the Baggies could be shorn of several crucial figures.

Solid at the back, workmanlike and domineering in midfield, oozing creativity and goal-potential up top – Tottenham to win are a must for any accumulator this weekend. I hope those won’t be my famous last words.

Match Outcome: Tottenham to WIN – 20/21 VictorChandler

Value Bet: Tottenham 2-0 (Correct Score) – 9/1 Bet365

Match Odds

West Bromwich Albion – 10/3 Totesport

Draw – 11/4 WilliamHill

Tottenham Hotspur – 20/21 VictorChandler

Newcastle United V Tottenham Hotspur

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 16 October 2011 – 16:00 (GMT)

Venue: St James Park

TV Coverage: LIVE on Sky Sports 1

Preview

It has been an astonishing start to the season from Newcastle United, who currently occupy a Champions League berth in fourth after opening with four wins and three draws in a quite stunning unbeaten sequence. However, their sparkling run will face its toughest examination yet when high-flying Tottenham pay Alan Pardew’s men a visit in the north east.

Tottenham do have a rather dismal record in the north east however, especially at St James Park. The Londoners have won only one of their previous nine Premier League contests in this particular region of the country – versus Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Sunderland – and are without a win in their last five visits to St James’, losing four.

Spurs are, however, on the verge of equalling their best ever run in the Premier League, having won all four of their previous league games, so you get the feeling that Newcastle’s so far resilient backline – the strongest in the top-flight after seven games, shipping just four goals – will need to be at its very best to contain the division’s fourth highest scorers – and Tottenham have played a game fewer than most.

A match full of pre-match intrigue then. Should be well worth the watch!

Newcastle United

League Position: 4th

League Form: WDDWW

You would have got tall orders on Newcastle remaining unbeaten until the month of October. In fact, you would have got handsome odds on them ending the first month of August unscathed, after being matched-up with Arsenal at home before a TyneWear derby at the Stadium of Light. So it really has been a truly remarkable start from the Magpies, who deserve their lofty position of fourth in the table, looking down on several of the league’s big hitters.

It could yet get even better. With Chelsea hosting Everton in a fixture they have drawn in each of the past five seasons, a win for Newcastle would see them rise to third in the table. It’s incredible when you think about it. Manager Alan Pardew should be lauded for the work he has done in transforming the fortunes of club with very little structure and a team with limited ability. He’s even getting the best out of Demba Ba, who has sensationally netted 11 goals in his last 14 starts in the Premier League – four of those coming in his last two.

Hopefully, the recent break for international has halted their momentum. It would be a crying shame for them to unravel from here on out, which is what the majority expect to happen soon or later. In the meantime, the club as a whole are riding the crest of a wave and I don’t think there would be too many managers genuinely ecstatic about the prospect of facing them at this moment in time; the Magpies are unbeaten in their last ten league games, seven at St James’, and are currently on the cusp of equalling their longest winning streak in the league since last October.

Back-to-back victories over Wolves (1-2) and Blackburn (3-1) means Newcastle are chasing a hat-trick of triumphs this weekend, and it would take a brave soul to oppose them on current form. Confidence is high, the self-belief is there for all to see, while there is a feel good factor around the club at the minute – and that hasn’t been the case for years. Europe did appear well beyond their capabilities at the start of the campaign but I tell you what, victory over Tottenham this weekend would change a few opinions.

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 6th

League Form: LWWWW

They say you can never keep a good team down. Well that’s certainly been the case with Tottenham, who after an horrific start are flying and rapidly closing in on the top-four, which is their primary objective for the season. The North Londoners, kind of fresh on the back of their derby defeat of Arsenal at White Hart Lane, are enjoying a scintillating run of form which has seen them chalk up four straight league wins, plunder ten goals and concede just twice – though their momentum has every chance of being dented at the weekend.

Only a high quality performance similar to that which blew Liverpool away at White Hart Lane last month will be good enough to see to a spirited, determined and driven Newcastle side who will be striving to protect their sensational seven-game unbeaten start. So news that a man who played such an instrumental in dismantling the Reds, and is Tottenham’s leading goalscorer this season, might be missing will come as a huge blow for Harry Redknapp, who is pondering whether to risk in-form Emmanuel Adebayor in the north east.

On loan from Man City, Adebayor has been a revelation for Spurs this season. Not only is he their leading goalscorer with three goals, having also netted in recent away wins at Wolves (0-2) and Wigan (1-2), he’s been the focal point of their attacks, forming a eye-catching partnership with Jermaine Defoe. The striker is rated 50-50 by Redknapp, who is also sweating over the fitness of a number of other key players that includes winger Aaron Lennon, who scored home and away versus the Magpies last season but is struggling with a groin problem.

So preparation has hardly been ideal for Tottenham, with Harry Redknapp unsure as to what his starting line-up will be due to the uncertainty of certain individuals, some of which are key to their chances at St James’ – where Spurs last triumphed in the league back in 2004. Ending a run of five games without a win away from home against Newcastle won’t be easy then, despite Spurs going into Sunday’s clash in glittering form with four straight league wins and a couple of Europa League successes under their belts.

Match Pointers

- Tottenham have won only three of the last nine Premier League meetings with Newcastle, who are without defeat in their last five home games versus Spurs (W4 D1 L0).

- Newcastle are unbeaten in the league this season (W4 D3) and haven’t lost a Premier League match since May (10 games).

- The Magpies are also without defeat in seven at St James Park (W4 D3), and on Sunday go in search of their third successive home win.

- Spurs have won their last four Premier League games, scoring ten goals and conceded just two.

- Shola Ameobi is the only major doubt for Newcastle manager Alan Pardew; Tottenham’s Harry Redknapp is sweating over the fitness of Vedran Corluka, Sandro, Niko Kranjcar, Aaron Lennon and Emmanuel Adebayor – Michael Dawson, William Gallas and Tom Huddlestone are all absentees because of injuries.

Betting

I’m genuinely looking for to this match, as it pits two of the league’s in-form sides against each other. The fact St James Park is the venue only adds to the intrigue surrounding the fixture, as Tottenham are the bookies favourites despite the fact Newcastle haven’t lost a single one of their last seven at home in the league, winning four, or that Spurs have failed to win there on their previous five visits.

If I’m honest, I’m not so sure the inclusion or absence of Emmnauel Adebayor will be so influential in determining the final result. He’s been exceptional for Spurs so far, but he hasn’t been the inspiration behind their success. The midfield partnership of Luka Modric and Scott Parker has, in my opinion anyway, as these two have been able to dominate all their midfield duels in recent games, which has meant the likes of Gareth Bale and Rafael Van der Vaart have enjoyed more touches of the ball. But the pair will be right up against it on Sunday, as Yohan Cabaye and Cheick Tiote have been as, if not more impressive for Newcastle this season. They’re as combative and industrious a central-midfield partnership as you’ll ever likely to see.

It promises to be a riveting watch then, this. So many key head-to-head battles all over the pitch. The guile and craft lies with Tottenham but the industry and resilience at which Newcastle have played with this season has been so impressive. I doubt we’ll see a winner, and I doubt either manager would begrudge a point as this is a formidable fixture both teams will be delighted to escape unscathed.

Match Outcome: Draw @ 12/5 SkyBet

Value Bet: 0-0 Draw (Correct Score) @ 12/1 SkyBet

Match Odds

Newcastle United – 2/1 PaddyPower

Draw – 12/5 SkyBet

Tottenham Hotspur – 6/4 WilliamHill

Wigan Athletic V Tottenham Hotspur

Date & kick-off: Saturday, 24 September 2011 – 15:00 (GMT)

Venue: DW Stadium

Preview

Tottenham enjoyed their finest season in the Premier League era in 2009/10, a campaign that contained crushing victories over Wigan – winning 3-0 at the DW and 9-1 at White Hart Lane – and culminated in a top-four finish and qualification for the UEFA Champions League. However, Wigan turned the tables the following season – drawing 0-0 at the DW but stunning everyone with a 1-0 victory in London – and on reflection, after missing out on another top-four finish by six-points, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp may well have spent endless nights ruing the five costly points his team dropped against Roberto Martinez’s Latics.

So who will triumph in their latest duel – their thirteenth in the Barclay’s Premier League? The bookies have Tottenham down as favourites after the Londoners recently bounced back to winning ways in emphatic style, beating Wolves 2-0 at Molineux before romping to a 4-0 victory at home to Liverpool last weekend. In contrast, Wigan are eager to put the brakes on their slump in form: a 3-1 defeat at Everton was their second in quick succession in the league, following their 3-0 reverse to Man City at Eastlands, while it’s three in all competitions if you include their second round exit in the Carling Cup to Crystal Palace.

However, Wigan are without defeat in six at their DW Stadium in the Premier League and will entertain a Tottenham side who have only won two of their previous eight away league contests.

Wigan

League Position: 15th

League Form: LLWDD

Roberto Martinez must galvanize a demoralised dressing room ahead of Saturday’s clash with Tottenham at the DW Stadium, where the Latics can at least take some heart from their six-match unbeaten run in Greater Manchester. Moreover, Wigan have not lost at home to London opposition for over a year now, going their last five unbeaten in a sequence containing battling draws with Arsenal (2-2) and Spurs (0-0) while their most recent result against a capital club was a 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers – though that was before Rangers manager Neil Warnock brought in a raft of new faces on deadline day.

Wigan never stood much of a chance away at Eastlands against high-flying Man City a fortnight ago, and so it turned out as they were outplayed and beaten convincingly by three goals to nil. But that wasn’t the case away at Everton in their most recent assignment, despite a similar scoreline. A 3-1 loss at Goodison Park to Everton was a very harsh result on the Latics, who gave as good as they got – bossing the second-half for prolonged periods, creating numerous openings – before relinquishing what would have been a decent point by conceding twice in the closing stages of the game.

Unfortunately you don’t get a great deal of time to reflect nor dwell on any result in the Premier League – good or bad – which is probably a good thing for Wigan. So it’s straight back into action for the Latics, against another high-quality opponent, as prepare to take on an in-form Tottenham who in their last two league games have plundered six goals without reply, including last weekend’s hugely impressive romp over Liverpool, when comprehensively winning 4-0 at White Hart Lane.

News that Hugo Rodallega’s knee injury isn’t as severe as first feared has come as a boost to manager Roberto Martinez, who could also be without Emmerson Boyce and Steve Gohouri. What it does mean is new-boy Shaun Maloney will earn his first start in a five-man midfield as former Chelsea starlet Franco Di Santo, who netted a brace in Wigan’s last home game against QPR, spearheads the attack.

Victor Moses will be Wigan’s biggest threat going forward, despite the 20-year-old who posses extremely quick feet, bags of confidence and won’t be afraid to carry the ball long distances as the Latics attempt to ask serious questions of a Spurs defence which is set to be without two key individuals: Ledley King and Michael Dawson.

Tottenham

League Position: 11th

League Form: WWLL

An indifferent Spurs are finally stringing a few wins together and after dismantling an expensively-assembled Liverpool team last weekend, go in search of their third consecutive Premiership victory this weekend when they pay Wigan Athletic and the DW Stadium a visit on Saturday.

Back-to-back league wins, six goals without reply, and even though they were eliminated from the Carling Cup in midweek on penalties, it’s safe to say that Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham are back with a thud! Even wantaway Modric wants in on the action. In fact, it was the Croatian who began last week’s demolition of Liverpool at White Hart Lane. A stunning effort from the sought-after midfield schemer – arguably goal of the month – sent Tottenham on their way to a quiet sublime 4-0 win over top-four rivals Liverpool – a result that has well and truly put the cat amongst the pigeons.

No exaggeration, Spurs were out of this world against Liverpool. Harry’s team set an unrelenting pace right from the off that few teams would have been able to live with. Gareth Bale was a constant threat all afternoon down that left flank, although he was in a mismatch battle with Martin Skrtel. Luka Modric and Scott Parker, despite playing starting only their second game together, bossed the middle of the park, dictating the tempo of the game to their liking, while it was all one-way traffic as soon as Luka Modric’s stunning effort beat Pepe Reina all ends up. And don’t be fooled into thinking the dismissals of Charlie Adam and Skrtel for Liverpool affect the result, as Tottenham were world-class throughout!

The relationship and link-up up front between Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor up front is also a reason for fans to get excited, as much so as Luka Modric and Scott Parker’s potentially formidable partnership in the centre of midfield. Defoe and Adebayor have netted in both games the strikers were paired together from the off, plundering five goals in total, three for former Gooner Adebayor. Defoe, though will fancy his chances of overhauling the one-goal deficit – the England striker has scored more goals against Wigan than any other opponent, ten in all.

Redknapp is hopeful Ledley King will perform another miracle act by taking his place in the heart of the Tottenham defence, despite not training during the week. King is now imperative to Tottenham’s plans in the wake of captain Michael Dawson’s achilles injury. Aaron Lennon is nursing a groin problem, however Dutch ace Van der Vaart took just two weeks to recover from a hamstring injury and after playing 60 minutes in Tuesday’s Carling Cup defeat to Stoke – Spurs bowing out 7-6 in the penalty shoot-out – the Spurs play-maker is in contention although he may have to settle for a place on the bench with Harry Redknapp reluctant to change a winning team.

Match Pointers

The Latics registered four points from their two league games against Spurs last season, drawing 0-0 at the DW but surprising everyone with a 1-0 victory at White Hart Lane.

Wigan, though, have beaten Tottenham on just the one occasion at home in the Premier League (W1 D3 L2), back in January, 2009.

Manchester United were the last team to win a Premier League match in Wigan, back in February, with Roberto Martinez’s team unbeaten in their last six home league games (W3 D3 L0).

Tottenham have won two of their last eight away Premier League fixtures (W2 D2 L4), both coming by the way of 2-0 scorelines away at Liverpool and Wolves.

This new Spurs strikeforce of Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor has plundered five goals in two league games; two for the latter and three for the former, while Defoe in particular has been ruthless against this opponent, netting ten times in all against the Latics.

Franco Di Santo has three goals in as many league games for Wigan.

Betting Verdict

Quite simply, if Tottenham play with the same intensity and application which saw them blow Liverpool off the park, Wigan have no chance. Seriously. Even Manchester United would have had a job on their hands containing a fluent, confident and, to put it bluntly, rampant Spurs attack that should have notched more than four goals against a team who rarely concede, let alone in mass quantities.

Wigan, unbeaten in their last six home league games, must pull something out of the hat or pray an entirely different Tottenham team turn up on Saturday. To be honest, though, I don’t envisage another high-octane performance from Spurs. The DW is never a hostile venue to play your football, but it is extremely difficult on a run-down pitch where Rugby attracts a larger following than the football, which should favour the hosts.

The visitors are a little on the short side, but I still can’t oppose them, try all I might. The Latics have displayed enough cut and thrust so far to suggest a big win over a top-six team is in the offing. Spurs, meanwhile, are back amongst and are gradually finding their feet after a sluggish opening.

Match Prediction: Tottenham to WIN – 1/1 Boylesprts

Value Bet: Tottenham HT/FT – 12/5 Ladbrokes

Match Odds

Wigan – 17/5 VictorChandler

Draw – 5/2 WilliamHill

Tottenham – 1/1 Boylesports

Tottenham Hotspur

Manager: Harry Redknapp
Stadium: White Hart Lane
Star Man: Luka Modric
2010-2011 Position: 5th

Summer Transfer Activity (Notable Transfers)

Arrivals – Brad Friedel (Aston Villa)

Departures – Steven Caulkner (Swansea; Loan), Kyle Naughton (Norwich; Loan), Jamie O’Hara (Wolves), Jonathan Woodgate (Stoke)

Overview: After failing to finish inside the top-four for a second successive season, with it missing out on Champions League football, fans were hoping White Hart Lane would once again be a hive of activity over the summer. It has been anything but. At the time of publishing, goalkeeper Brad Friedel is Harry Redknapp’s solitary signing of the entire summer, an experienced keeper who has signed on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers, probably as cover for the usually error-prone Heurelho Gomes.

Despite the lack of new faces at the club, though, Harry Redknapp still firmly believes that his current crop are capable of mounting a title challenge. We think he’s mad! Spurs only just managed to pip a slow-starting Liverpool to fifth, and they’ve strengthened substantially during the summer, but yet arch rivals Arsenal ended the term eight-points above them in fourth while champions United were a resounding 18-points better than Redknapp’s charges.

Several quality additions are needed before Spurs are even considered title contenders, in my humble opinion, especially in their problem area, up front. I’m not even sure how competitive they’ll be in this intriguing battle for the Champions League places.

Furthermore, there is no guarantee that one of their star performers over the last two seasons will even be a Spurs player come September, with Luka Modric eager to switch allegiances and join Spurs’ London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge before the transfer window slams shut. Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart are two who could fall into the category of ‘world-class’, but there are question marks hanging over the pair of them after their form declined dramatically in the closing stages of last season.

You have to admire the club’s ambition, however Spurs could be found wanting over the forthcoming season, as several of their rivals have added to their ranks since the 2010-2011 season came to a head, in contrast to what’s been going on at Tottenham, which is basically not a lot.

TOTTENHAM TOP-FOUR FINISH: 7/2 BWIN

West Bromwich Albion

Manager: Roy Hodgson
Stadium: The Hawthorns
Star Man: Peter Odemwingie
2010-2011 Position: 11th

Summer Transfer Activity

Arrivals – Ben Foster, Billy Jones, Gareth McAuley

Departures – Scott Carson, Abdoulaye Meite, Boaz Myhill (Loan), Borja Valero, Gianni Zuiverloon

Overview: One of the more remarkable sights last season was Roy Hodgson accepting the vacant manager’s job at The Hawthorns, just months after he was sacked by Liverpool. However, it was a move which West Brom bore fruit from, as the 63-year-old instantly transformed the team’s fortunes on the pitch; he made the Baggies an incredibly organised, resolute outfit to play against, and in turn successfully kept them in the division with games and points to spare.

Now fans, after seeing the amazing turnaround last season, are in optimistic mood ahead of the new season, with the hope being that West Brom can go one better than their 11th-place finish of last season and finally break into the top-half. If their form in 2011-2012 is anything like it was during Hodgson’s fourteen games in charge last season, when the Baggies lost just two of fourteen, then a top-ten finish isn’t beyond the realms of possibility – especially as Hodgson has been able to add to his squad over the summer.

Billy Jones (Preston), Gareth McAuley (Ipswich) and Zoltan Gera (Fulham) all arrived on free transfers, while Ben Foster will be an astute signing on a season-long loan from Birmingham City. In the opposite direction went Borja Valero, Boaz Myhill, Gianni Zuiverloon and former Number. 1 Scott Carson.

Although supporters can’t help but get a little excited with how they finished the previous season, survival is once again the club’s top priority.

WEST BROM TO BE RELEGATED: 5/1 SKYBET

Wigan Athletic

Manager: Roberto Martinez
Stadium: DW Stadium
Star Man: Hugo Rodallega
2010-2011 Position: 16th

Summer Transfer Activity

Arrivals – Ali Al Habsi (Bolton)

Departures – Steven Caldwell, Charles N’Zogbia (Aston Villa)

Overview: The Latics are set to embark on their seventh consecutive season in the Premier League, but once again expectation levels around Wigan are low following a typically quiet summer in Greater Manchester in which Roberto Martinez staying on as manager was undoubtedly the club’s biggest coup.

A stunning victory away at Stoke on the final day of the season ensured  Wigan prolonged their stay in the Barclay’s Premier League. Unfortunately, Martinez is an outstanding player down after Charles N’Zogbia finally got his wish – a move away from The DW. The talented French winger joined Aston Villa for £9.5M in a move which could favour both parties, provided the Wigan manager finds a suitable replacement with the money gained, something he hasn’t yet been able to achieve.

Goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi, who was voted Player of the Season by both his peers and the Wigan fans for his superb displays between the sticks while on loan at the club last season, is Wigan’s only summer signing thus far.

Robert Martinez rejected a proposed move to Aston Villa so he could stay on at The DW, a bold decision which could be seen as suicidal considering Wigan will once again have their work cut out staying up. However, the funds are now in place for the Spaniard to bolster his ranks before the window closes at the end of the month, and if he could find a few goalscorer – a feat easier said than done – then Wigan could fare better than many people envisage.

WIGAN TO BE RELEGATED: 2/1 WILLIAMHILL

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Manager: Mick McCarthy
Stadium: Molineux
Star Man: Steven Fletcher
2010-2011 Position: 17th

Summer Transfer Activity

Arrivals – Jamie O’Hara (Tottenham), Roger Johnson, Dorus de Vries (Swansea)

Departures – Adrianno Basso, Greg Halford, Marcus Hahnemann, Carl Ikeme (Loan), David Jones, Steven Mouyokolo

Overview: Words could not describe the emotions that engulfed Molineux on the final day of last season, when Wolves somehow evaded the clutches of relegation courtesy of Roman Pavlyuchenko’s stoppage-time winner at White Hart Lane as Tottenham recorded a 2-1 win over Birmingham City, saving Wolves’ bacon in the process as Mick McCarthy’s men stayed up by a single point. Now the Midlands club are set to do it all over again in the most exciting league in Europe.

An ‘enigma’ was what Wolves were during last season; lousy against their relegation rivals but truly exceptional against the league’s elite. Victories over Chelsea and Manchester United at Molineux were something the supporters will never forgot, but their 1-0 win away at Anfield against Liverpool was truly remarkable. So it really is amazing that Wolves only just managed to fend off relegation by a solitary point, although it served as a massive eye-opener for Mick McCarthy, the Wolves manager who urgently needs to address his side’s lack of consistency if the club are to avoid relegation for a third straight season.

Reinforcements have arrived in the form of centre-half Roger Johnson and midfielder Jamie O’Hara, although the latter did spend the second half of last season at Molienux on loan. I suspect one or two more could join before the end of the transfer window.

Wolves amassed a handsome tally of 40-points during 2010-2011 and while that was only just enough to keep them in the division last season, I would bet my house on as many points being more than enough on this occasion.

WOLVES TO BE RELEGATED: 3/1 BET365

Tottenham Hotspur V Birmingham City

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 22 May 2011 – 16:00 (GMT)
Venue: White Hart Lane
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD2

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Preview

It wasn’t so long ago that they were crowned 2010/2011 Carling Cup winners, so it is some statement to say that Sunday’s crunch clash with Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane is without doubt the biggest match of the season for Birmingham City, who head into the final day knowing even victory may not keep them up.

The latter just about sums up how precarious Birmingham’s position down near the foot of the table is heading into ‘Survival Sunday’. The Blues will begin the day down in 17th, a single place above the relegation places but level on points, only with a superior goal difference, to Wigan and Blackpool who are 19th and 18th respectively. So, in theory, they could stay up even with defeat, but the same also applies should they record only their second Premiership win at White Hart Lane in seven visits.

In the opinion of supporters, it beggars belief that Birmingham are in such a mess as we approach the climax to another thoroughly entertaining Premiership season, especially not after the scenes at Wembley back in February.

Birmingham’s capture of the Carling Cup, upsetting Arsenal in the final to prevail against all the odds, was supposed to be a springboard, the catalyst for a strong finish to the season which would see the Blues comfortably avoid relegation, as they did with consummate ease last term. Unfortunately, it hasn’t panned out as planned. Far from it. In fact, they find themselves in a position where they have to better any number of side’s results on the final day if they’re to be assured of Premiership football next season, and they’ll be hard-pressed to take anything from Sunday’s fixture.

Not only are Birmingham in dire straights with their form, having lost four of their last five, key players will be missing – Scott Dann and Nikola Zigic among them, possibly even Ben Foster – while their record away to Tottenham during the Premier League era will only further dampen the spirits of the supporters; A 3-2 success back in December 2008 is Birmingham’s solitary triumph away to Spurs in the Premiership in six attempts.

Furthermore, their opponents on an eagerly-anticipated final day of the 2010/2011 season are unlike many others, and that’s because they actually have something to play for.

No one in their right mind at Tottenham actually wants Europa League football next season, manager Harry Redknapp has admitted as much, but avoiding the damn thing could prove futile. Even were Spurs to finish below Liverpool in the table, who are one-point behind in sixth with fifth-place the only position worthy of an entry into Europe’s second tier competition, Redknapp’s little angels could yet turn out in it regardless via the Fair Play league. That would be disastrous for a club Harry strongly believes has all the fundamentals to challenge for the Premiership title next season, as it would mean arriving back to training earlier than all their rivals in order to contest two two-legged ties before even making the draw for the Europe League proper.

So there shouldn’t be any half-measures from Tottenham, not if Harry has anything to do with it, which is good news for those embroiled in a relegation battle but heartbreaking for Alex McLeish and Birmingham, who haven’t looked capable of beating anyone based on recent form, let alone a team boasting as much talent and attacking quality as Tottenham. Then again, there’s only so much the Spurs boss can do, even with half-a-dozen supremely gifted players at his disposal.

Last week’s stunning win at Anfield was only Tottenham’s second in eleven league games, their first in six, while it’s been clear for some time now that an arduous campaign of competing on two important fronts – the league and in the Champions League, which they’ve established a taste for and are now not interested in settling for the ‘uncool’ Europa League – has caught up with the players, physically and mentally, and that some valueable respite is very much needed in order for his players to recharge their batteries ahead of another hopefully exciting and promising campaign.

So the sooner Harry sends his players off on their summer holidays the better, as far as he’s concerned. In the meantime, though, Spurs need to do their bit – by finishing fifth – as to avoid the worst case of scenario of resuming first-team training earlier than planned. Victory over Birmingham would sweeten the deal, regardless of what Liverpool do elsewhere at Aston Villa.

So will it come down to whose needs are greater? If so, Birmingham would surely win hands down. But it isn’t as straightforward as that. Will we even notice who the hungrier side should be? It should be Birmingham, however Alex McLeish’s men have lost their way ever since clinching the Carling Cup, some believe since Scott Dann’s injury, and have lacked the cohesion and togetherness which made them such a formidable opponent last season. I genuinely fear for Birmingham, as do most of their own fans.

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Form

Tottenham – DLDLW (Tottenham 2-2 West Brom, Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham, Tottenham 1-1 Blackpool, Man City 1-0 Tottenham, Liverpool 0-2 Tottenham)

Birmingham – LLDLL (Chelsea 3-1 Birmingham, Liverpool 5-0 Birmingham, Birmingham 1-1 Wolves, Newcastle 2-1 Birmingham, Birmingham 0-2 Fulham)

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Head-to-Head (Premiership)

Tottenham wins: 6
Draws: 4
Birmingham wins: 3

Last 5 Seasons

2010/2011: Birmingham 1-1 Tottenham
2009/2010: Birmingham 1-1 Tottenham
2009/2010: Tottenham 2-1 Birmingham
2007/2008: Birmingham 4-1 Tottenham
2007/2008: Tottenham 2-3 Birmingham

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Streaks & Trends

Tottenham have won five of the six Premiership encounters with Birmingham at White Hart Lane (W5 D0 L1), with Birmingham’s one and only triumph in north London coming back in December 2007.

Spurs have also scored precisely two goals on four occasions at home to Birmingham in the Premier League.

A 2-0 defeat of Liverpool at Anfield ended a five-match winless run for Tottenham, who have drawn four of their last five at White Hart Lane, including each of their last three.

Birmingham have lost four and won none of their last five, shipping thirteen goals during this dour spell.

The Blues have also collected just one miserly point from away fixtures against the top-six sides this season (Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City & Man Utd), managing just two goals themselves but conceding an alarming fifteen in return.

Alex McLeish‘s men have won only two of eighteen away from home this season (W2 D7 L9), and are without an away win for six games.

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Match Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur to WIN – 1.57 BetFred

Birmingham built up a formidable reputation last term for being incredibly well-organised, hard-working and for having this togetherness in camp which other teams could only dream of. All of those characteristics have gone array in 2011 – they’ll go into Sunday’s pivotal game without a win in five, four of which were losses. So hardly the form to inspire the masses, is it?

The Blues’ cause isn’t helped by Tottenham’s necessity to win. The last thing Harry Redknapp needs is to call back his players from their summer holidays to contest a couple of Europa League qualifiers. So he’ll be drilling it into his players the importance of registering maximum points from Sunday’s contest, though he’ll also want to repay the fans for their support over a long and exhausting campaign with a champagne performance on the final day.

No let-up from Spurs then and if their big names come to the fore, I see only one outcome – a comfortable victory for the hosts, who have reigned supreme in five of the previous six encounters with the Blues at White Hart Lane in the Premier League.

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Match Odds

Tottenham Hotspur – 1.57 BetFred
Draw – 4.33 VictorChandler
Birmingham City – 6.50 Bet365

Liverpool V Tottenham Hotspur

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 15 May 2011 – 16:00 (GMT)
Venue: Anfield

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Preview

When the fixtures for the 2010/2011 season were announced last summer, this one had all the makings of a potential top-four decider. So you can imagine our disappointment, let alone the fans’, that neither are still in contention for Champions League football next season. Instead, the pair are left contesting the scraps, the Europa League – a competition both could ideally do without, if truth be told. Nevertheless, both managers have expressed a desire to finish as high up in the table as possible so I suppose we should all anticipate a cracking affair on Merseyside this Sunday as red-hot Liverpool entertain a highly talented Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield.

Finishing fifth and thus acquiring European football next season, albeit in the Europa League – the second tier of European competition, means that effectively this fixture isn’t meaningless. That said, fifth almost looks a poison chalice. You’ll play all your European matches on a Thursday, which in turn means your league fixtures will be played the following Sunday/Monday. And even if you do go all the way and lift the damn thing, it’s become a competition no top club in their right mind can truly brag about.

Of the two, Liverpool have definitely shown more enthusiasm towards the competition. At least, that’s what Kenny Dalglish would have us believe. But surely, even he, deep down, would rather pass up this opportunity of a second consecutive season in the Europa League. Of course, avoiding the tournament is a feat easier said than done.

Whereas Spurs are finishing the season at a cantor, strolling towards the finish line at their own leisurely pace, Liverpool are blitzing everyone that dares stand in their way.

Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat in Tuesday’s must-win clash with Manchester City, a result which killed off both theirs and Liverpool’s hopes of acquiring Champions League football next season, stretched their barren run without winning to five games, with a 3-2 defeat of Stoke at the beginning of April their only triumph in the Premier League for almost three months. It is now one win in ten in the league, and one in twelve in all competitions.

Based on form, Liverpool will trample all over their visitors. Whereas league wins have been at a premium in recent months for Spurs, the Reds can’t drag themselves away from all the glory. Monday night’s 5-2 rout of Fulham at Craven Cottage – a venue where the hosts where previously unbeaten in seven in the league, six of which were victories – means it’s now four wins in five for Kenny Dalglish’s resurgent Reds as they continue to blow most teams in their path out of the water.

Only Chelsea have accumulated more points during King Kenny’s reign, during which the 60-year-old Scot has masterminded wins over Chelsea (0-1) at Stamford Bridge as well as recording impressive wins over Manchester City (3-0) and Manchester United (3-1) at Anfield. And speaking of Anfield, Liverpool are searching for their fifth consecutive home win this week, having also notched up a quite remarkable 14 goals in their last four. Suarez & Co, or should I say Maxi and Kuyt – the pair have scored 16 goals between them in Liverpool’s last eight matches – are proving almost unstoppable.

Spurs, though, have enough talent in their armoury to cause Sunday’s hosts a few problems. Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart have plenty of guile and craft, so they’ll can be dangerous, but neither have excelled in recent weeks and have actually gone off the boil in the second half of the term. Then we have their formidable-looking strikeforce of Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko, who between them account for just 16 of Tottenham’s 51 league goals this season. Michael Dawson has always been a reliable sort at the back but he’s been let down by so many injuries, as well as the calamitous performances from goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.

Harry Redknapp has an eye-catching array of players on paper, however, very few have stood up and been counted during the second half of the season. As a result, Spurs are finishing a season full of promise with a real whimper.

In stark contrast, just about all of the players at Kenny Dalglish’s disposal have been outstanding under the Scot’s watch. Even the youngsters who have come in on a temporary basis, because of Liverpool’s recent bout of injuries, have shone and done an excellent job. Dirk Kuyt and Maxi simply cannot stop scoring of late, the latter even has two hat-tricks in his last three appearances, while Luis Suarez has been nothing short of sublime since completing his £23M move from Ajax back in January, which, dare I say, is looking more like a bargain with every opportunity I get to see the Uruguayan in all his glory.

It’s also easy to forget that Liverpool still have Steven Gerrard and Andy Carroll to come back. Gerrard won’t make his long-awaited return until next season but Carroll, who scored twice on his Anfield début (Premiership) in the 3-0 hammering of Man City last month, should at least be on the bench on Sunday as Liverpool look to sign out of Anfield with a bang!

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Form

Liverpool – WDWWW (Liverpool 3-0 Man City, Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool, Liverpool 5-0 Birmingham, Liverpool 3-0 Newcastle, Fulham 2-5 Liverpool)

Tottenham – DDLDL (Tottenham 3-3 Arsenal, Tottenham 2-2 West Brom, Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham, Tottenham 1-1 Blackpool, Man City 1-0 Tottenham)

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Head-to-Head

Liverpool wins: 17
Draws: 10
Tottenham wins: 10

Last 5 Seasons

2010/2011: Tottenham 2-1 Liverpool
2009/2010: Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham
2009/2010: Tottenham 2-1 Liverpool
2008/2009: Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham
2008/2009: Tottenham 2-1 Liverpool
2007/2008: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool
2007/2008: Liverpool 2-2 Tottenham
2006/2007: Tottenham 0-1 Liverpool
2006/2007: Liverpool 3-0 Tottenham

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Streaks & Trends

Liverpool haven’t lost at Anfield against Tottenham since 1993 – Tottenham’s one and only triumph on Merseyside over the Reds during the Premier League era – though Liverpool have dominated this fixture over the years, winning 12 of the 18 Premiership encounters at Anfield.

The Reds have lost just two of their fifteen Premiership matches under Kenny Dalglish, though he is unbeaten at Anfield having guided Liverpool to six wins and eight draws.

Victory for Liverpool on Sunday would be their fifth consecutive at Anfield in the league.

Pepe Reina has kept five clean sheets in his last seven league starts at Anfield, shipping just two goals in that time.

Maxi Rodriguez has seven goals in his last three league games.

Dirk Kuyt has now scored in five consecutive Premiership matches, taking his tally to nine goals in his last eight league appearances.

Spurs have won just one of their last twelve games in all competitions, and just one of ten in the Premier League (W1 D6 L3).

Furthermore, Tottenham are now without an away win for five games, losing their last two in the spin.

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Value Bets

Liverpool to WIN @ 1.80 WilliamHill (General)

The Reds are in terrific form, especially at home, where they’ve won their last four Premiership fixtures by an overwhelming aggregate of 14-1. Moreover, Spurs are without a win in five away from home, including back-to-back defeats at Chelsea and Man City recently.

Maxi Rodriguez to Score @ 4.50 WilliamHill

The Argentine simply cannot stop scoring of late, notching up two hat-tricks in three games. Incidentally, Maxi is 100/1 with Bet365 to notch up another three-goal haul.

Dirk Kuyt to Score @ 3.25 StanJames

As hard-working as they come, Kuyt has also been prolific of late, racking up nine league goals in his last eight starts.

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Match Prediction: Liverpool to WIN – 1.80 WilliamHill

Like so many others, I’ve been taken aback by Liverpool’s performances under Kenny Dalglish. The club icon has galvanised the dressing room, but more importantly brought continuity to the football club with regards to results. Liverpool are now winning on a more consistent basis, while they’re even holding their own against the sides many believe they could rival for the title next season. There is of course a lot of ifs and buts that go with such a statement, but their form would at least suggest that Liverpool are heading in the right direction.

As for Tottenham, summer couldn’t come quick enough. A long, arduous campaign of competing on two very important fronts – in the Premier League and in the Champions League – caught up with the team months ago, and a combination of tired legs and fatigued minds has led to them making sloppy mistakes and, in some case, even being unable to compete. It may well be a case of the latter on Sunday, when the tackle unquestionably the in-form team of the Premier League right now at Anfield, where they’ve not won a league fixture since 1993.

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Match Odds

Liverpool – 1.80 WilliamHill
Draw – 3.80 Bet365
Tottenham – 5.00 VictorChandler

Manchester City V Tottenham Hotspur

Date & Kick-Off: Tuesday, 10 May 2011 – 19:45 (GMT)
Venue: City of Manchester Stadium
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD1

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Preview

The race for a top-four finish and with it UEFA Champions League football for next season has been a two-horse race between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, as it was last season. However, twelve months ago it was Spurs who pipped Roberto Mancini and his mega-earners to the post – now the Italian is set to exact his revenge as his City side go in search of the point which would all but seal their place at Europe’s top table, albeit having to go through a two-legged play-off beforehand.

Six-points clear of Tottenham, who could enter Tuesday’s must-win encounter in sixth should in-form Liverpool continue their hot streak and record a win over Fulham in west London 24 hours earlier, Manchester City would only need to avoid defeat at Eastlands and their dream of Champions League football at the City of Manchester Stadium would become reality. And it would be fitting for them to complete the formalities in a fixture where almost a year to the day ago their aspirations of playing in Europe’s premier club competition were dashed by the very same adversary.

A draw would mean the six-point deficit which separates the two before kick-off would remain in tact, which would mean only a dramatic decline – back-to-back defeats in their final two games – would dash Manchester City’s bid for fourth – especially as their goal difference, in comparison to Spurs, is far superior – there’s is +21 while Tottenham’s is a rather meagre +7.

Roberto Mancini isn’t thinking about a point, though, he wants all three, and with good reason. The Italian is desperate to seal fourth spot as quickly as possible, as it would mean the focus would immediately switch to their forthcoming FA Cup final with Stoke at Wembley, which is scheduled for this coming weekend, and would in turn quashed any possibility of his players’ minds straying onto their final two opponents in the league – Stoke at home and Bolton away, whom they’ll have to beat should Spurs leave Eastlands with all the spoils for a third successive season.

And this weekend’s final is undoubtedly a distraction for City, and the main reason why Mancini was furious with his team’s second-half capitulation at Goodison Park on Saturday. Victory on Merseyside over an Everton side who were in form but were completely outplayed in the opening 45 minutes would have sewn up fourth, especially as Tottenham were held to a 1-1 draw by Blackpool last that afternoon, and would have rendered Tuesday’s now colossal contest meaningless.

What Saturday’s defeat to Everton has effectively done is make Tuesday’s match a significant fixture for Man City, and they’ll now have to name their strongest possible XI in a bid to keep Spurs on a tight-lease, something Mancini was obviously keen to avoid what with Saturday’s FA Cup final looming large.

The good news for Roberto Mancini is that his talismanic skipper is all set for a return, with Carlos Tevez expected to make the bench on Tuesday as he steps up his preparation for Saturday’s final. But as one important figure returns to bolster City’s chances of a strong and successful finish to the campaign, Spurs have lost arguably their most influential of them all with news that Gareth Bale has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with an ankle injury.

On top of the chilling news that Bale’s unrivalled pace out on the left-flank won’t be an option on Tuesday, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is also dealing with the absences of Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Alan Hutton, Jonathan Woodgate, Tom Huddlestone and Wilson Palacios, while Ledley King and Luka Modric are both doubts.

Furthermore, Tottenham are currently slap-bang in the middle of their worst period of results of the season. Saturday’s 1-1 draw with free-falling Blackpool at home stretched their winless run to four in the league, having won just one of their last nine Premiership matches in a destructive sequence which has destroyed any hope they had of competing in the Champions League for a second consecutive season. As a result, they’re now clutching at straws, hoping they do their part of the bargain and beat Man City at Eastlands on Tuesday but also that others, to be more specific Stoke and Bolton, also do them a favour.

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Form

Manchester City – LWWWL (Liverpool 3-0 Man City, Man City 1-0 Man Utd, Blackburn 0-1 Man City, Man City 2-1 West Ham, Everton 2-1 Man City)

Manchester City almost wrapped up Champions League qualification at Goodison on Saturday. However, a second-half capitulation which saw Everton come from 1-0 down at half-time to win 2-1 means City must now avoid defeat on Tuesday in order to complete the formalities. The omens are good, though, with City having won their previous seven matches in all competitions at Eastlands, keeping more clean sheets at home in the Premier League than any other side (10).

Tottenham Hotspur – LDDLD (Tottenham 0-1 Real Madrid, Tottenham 3-3 Arsenal, Tottenham 2-2 West Brom, Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham, Tottenham 1-1 Blackpool)

Spurs’ miserable run of form continued at the weekend as Harry Redknapp’s men could only muster a 1-1 draw with free-falling Blackpool at home. That disappointing result stretched their run without a win to four games, having won just one of their last nine league matches – a 3-2 victory over Stoke City at home on 9 April. Not since 12 February have Spurs secured maximum points on their travels, drawing two and losing two of their previous four away encounters in the league.

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Head-to-Head

Man City wins: 3
Draws: 5
Tottenham wins: 19

Last 5 Seasons

2010/2011: Tottenham 0-0 Man City
2009/2010: Man City 0-1 Tottenham
2009/2010: Tottenham 3-0 Man City
2008/2009: Tottenham 2-1 Man City
2008/2009: Man City 1-2 Tottenham
2007/2008: Man City 2-1 Tottenham
2007/2008: Tottenham 2-1 Man City
2006/2007: Tottenham 2-1 Man City
2006/2007: Man City 2-1 Tottenham

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Streaks & Trends

Manchester City haven’t lost a match of any kind at home since 20 December, when going down 2-1 to Everton in the league. Since then, City have recorded fourteen wins from fifteen at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Victory for the hosts on Tuesday, Man City, would be their seventh consecutive home win in all competitions.

In their previous ten matches in all competitions at home, Man City have kept eight clean sheets. In total, they’ve kept ten shut-outs from seventeen at home in the Premier League this season.

Tottenham Hotspur have only managed one win from their last nine Premiership fixtures (W1 D6 L2).

From a possible twelve, Spurs have registered just two points from their last four away league games.

Jermaine Defoe has scored one goal against Man City in each of the previous three seasons – he failed to find the net at White Hart Lane earlier in the season – but has never scored an away league goal for Tottenham against Man City. The England forward has netted six times against Man City in total for Spurs.

Spurs have won four and lost none of the previous five league meetings.

Man City have won only one of the last ten Premiership encounters in Manchester.

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Team News

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini hopes to have 19-goal striker Carlos Tevez at least on the bench for Tuesday’s crucial match with fifth-placed Tottenham. The Argentina international and club captain hasn’t featured since damaging his hamstring during a 3-0 loss to Liverpool back on 9 April but is reportedly on course to feature in this weekend’s forthcoming FA Cup final with Stoke at Wembley.

Mancini is also hopeful that Micah Richards will also be fit for at least a bench role, however Jerome Boateng won’t play again this season while Kolo Toure remains suspended indefinitely pending an investigation into a failed drugs test.

With Tevez not fit enough to start, Mancini is set to stick with Mario Balotelli up top despite the temperamental Italian not find the back of the net since the end of February. Edin Dzeko, who has only scored one Premiership goal since joining for a considerable sum during January, has only netted once and will once again have to settle for a place on the bench.

It was a bad day at the office for Spurs boss Harry Redknapp on Saturday, with the Spurs boss watching on with a grimace no doubt as his side drew 1-1 with Blackpool in a game they should have won but dropped two valuable points and, frustratingly, added to their growing injury list.

Gareth Bale was on the receiving end of a rash and reckless challenge from Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam which has effectively ruled the Welsh winger out for the rest of the season, so South African Steven Pienaar should deputise on the left. Luka Modric also reported back with some minor discomfort but should be fine for Tuesday.

Bale, who last week won the PFA Player of the Year award, will join several of his team-mates on the sidelines for Tuesday’s must-win clash with Man City. Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Tom Huddlestone are both major doubts with hamstring and ankle problems respectively, while Wilson Palacios is still no nearer to making his first-team return.

On the plus side, Vedran Corluka should be fit enough to start after making the bench on Saturday. Aaron Lennon also began proceedings on the bench but looks almost a certainty to start at Eastlands, what with Bale now out injured and Rafael van der Vaart putting in a disappointing shift out on the right-hand side of midfield.

Goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes will keep the gloves despite making another high-profile mistake on Saturday, bringing down Blackpool’s Gary-Taylor Fletcher inside the Spurs penalty area, with Adam slamming home the resulting spot-kick.

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Value Bets

Manchester City to WIN to NIL @ 3.40 PaddyPower

The Citizens have an encouraging record of W11 D4 L2 at Eastlands in the league this season, with ten of their eleven victories accompanied by a clean sheet.

Tottenham Hotspur to WIN by 1 Goal (Winning Margin) @ 6.00 StanJames

These two have met on thirteen occasions in Manchester during the Premier League era, Spurs victorious in nine, seven of which were, you guessed it, by a one-goal margin. Last season’s Eastlands meeting finished 1-0 to the visitors.

Jermain Defoe to Score @ 3.75 SkyBet

The England international has netted six times for Spurs against Man City, though only one of those strikers were in Manchester.

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Match Prediction: Manchester City to WIN – 2.05 WilliamHill

As critical as pundits were of Manchester City’s second-half capitulation away at Everton on Saturday, although no-one was more infuriated with the final score than their manager, City can wrap up fourth with victory over their nearest challenger at a ground which while it hasn’t served them well in recent meetings with Tottenham, has been a fortress for them this season – where they’ve a record of W11 D4 L2; having scored 30 goals and conceded just 12, and where Joe Hart has kept no less than ten clean sheet.

Moreover, Tottenham are in dire straights. A long and arduous season has definitely caught up with Harry’s men, who are labouring to the end of the season having mustered just one win from their last nine league games. Their cause won’t be helped by the definite absences of Tom Huddlestone and Gareth Bale, while even Luka Modric will undergo late checks.

Manchester City at home look stunning value, though they’ll probably make hard work of it, as they invariably do. Seven of their eleven league victories this season were by a one-goal margin – Bet365 go 4.00 (3/1) on the hosts beating Spurs by a somewhat predictable one-goal margin, but even more tasty is the odds available on a 1-0 home win with bWin, who currently go 8.25 on Man City winning their fifth league game of the season at Eastlands by Mancini’s favourite scoreline.

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Match Odds

Manchester City – 2.05 WilliamHill
Draw – 3.50 Bet365
Tottenham Hotspur – 4.00 VictorChandler

Tottenham Hotspur V Blackpool

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 7 May 2011 – 17:30 (GMT)
Venue: White Hart Lane
TV Coverage: ESPN

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Preview

Just about everyone has Tottenham down as their banker at the weekend, with firms taking no prisoners with their odds on victory against free-falling and destined for relegation Blackpool. However, as dismal as Blackpool’s form has been in recent weeks, Spurs haven’t exactly been setting the world alight and at the odds I wouldn’t deter any punter from taking a chance on Ian Holloway’s endearing Tangerines.

For starters, I reckon you’ll definitely be getting value for money with the visitors, which coincidentally is Ian Holloway’s motto. The Seasiders never give less than 100%, even if their application isn’t always up to scratch. Plus, if I had to stick my neck on the line and choose a team who I felt would be more up focused and motivated ahead of this scrumptious contest, my money would be on the visitors, a Blackpool side fighting for their very existence in the Premier League, as opposed to Tottenham who have thrown away any remaining flicker of hope they had of finishing in the top-four with defeat away to Chelsea last Saturday.

Then we have their respective forms, and I can tell you that there isn’t a great deal between the two. Both have been woeful in recent weeks, and both will be seeking a return to winning ways on Saturday.

Blackpool’s wait for a win is however longer, having gone over two months without tasting victory, drawing three but losing a disconcerting five in that time. Unfortunately, it does get worse. As away from home, Ian Holloway’s men haven’t secured maximum points since beating Sunderland 2-0 at the Stadium of Light on 28 December – losing five of six away matches since, excluding their defeat to League One’s Southampton in the FA Cup back in January.

Spurs, though, haven’t recorded a win in the Premier League since 9 April, when edging out Stoke at home 3-2, and that is their solitary triumph in an otherwise atrocious eight-match run containing one win, five draws and two defeats. They were also emphatically dumped out of the Champions League by Real Madrid during this run, losing 5-0 on aggregate.

So, as you can see for yourself, neither are in great shape. Bizarrely, though, considering Spurs are overwhelming favourites, it is the home side struggling with injuries – and not Blackpool, who have virtually everyone fit and will know roughly who’s starting on Saturday in one of three cup finals for them.

Defenders Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Vedran Corluka are both doubts for Tottenham, though the latter should recover in time to take his place on the team sheet. An injury-prone Ledley King could also come into the equation. While in midfield, Tom Huddlestone is doubtful while Wilson Palacios is unlikely to play again this season.

Of course, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp does have sufficient depth in his squad to name a starting XI more than capable of beating relegation threatened Blackpool at White Hart Lane, despite all the documented injuries. That said, in no which way are they a backable price, at least not in my humble opinion. Their strikers have fired sporadically in the New Year, their goalkeeper has been gifting goals to opponents, while there hasn’t been that ingenuity and spark in the midfield like there was earlier in the season, with Rafael Van Der Vaart in particular almost going missing in 2011. The same could be said for a number of Tottenham players, however.

From a Spurs perspective, It doesn’t help that their motivational carrot – a top-four finish and with qualification for next season’s Champions League – has evaporated into thin air. Their recent performances have reflected this. Blackpool, meanwhile, while they’ve not excelled in recent weeks, nor have they shown a great deal of character or fight, know their fate with regards to survival is still in their hands and that a positive result at White Hart Lane on Saturday – so either a draw or a win – would set them up nicely for next weekend’s ‘make or break’ fixture with Bolton Wanderers at Bloomfield Road.

It should be simple for Spurs, a team boasting far more creative options and an embarrassment of attacking riches in comparison to Blackpool – who have players of genuine Premiership calibre at a premium. However, Tottenham need an objective to keep them ticking, to ensure the standard doesn’t drop, and while fourth-place isn’t yet beyond them, certainly not mathematically, they are already playing like a beaten side.

So the hosts are certainly a no-go for me, especially at wafer thin odds, and even more so in the knowledge that Blackpool were victorious at Bloomfield Road when the pair went at it in a thrill-a-minute contest back in February, winning 3-1.

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Form & Last Result

Tottenham – WLDDL (Tottenham 3-2 Stoke, Tottenham 0-1 Real Madrid, Tottenham 3-3 Arsenal, Tottenham 2-2 West Brom, Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham)

In a match which was embroiled in controversy, Spurs were beaten 2-1 at Stamford Bridge by Chelsea as dubious decisions from the officials dominated all the back pages the following morning.

Brazilian midfielder Sandro scored his first goal for the the club with a wonderful effort from distance, which somehow evaded the reach of Petr Cech in the Chelsea goal. However, it was Gomes who would later go on to steal the headlines once again, and again for all the wrong reasons. The Brazilian fumbled a tame effort from Frank Lampard but did, according to replays, stop the ball from crossing the line. The linesman had a different opinion however and the goal was given. Then, with barely a minute of normal time left to play, Kalou prodded home from an offside position.

So not only was the end result bitterly disappointing for Spurs, who have all but relinquished any remaining hope they had of finishing fourth, there are now question marks with regards to morale, because of the manner of the defeat.

Furthermore, adding insult to injury, Tottenham have now won just one of their last nine in the Premier League.

Blackpool – LLLDD (Fulham 3-0 Blackpool, Blackpool 1-3 Arsenal, Blackpool 1-3 Wigan, Blackpool 1-1 Newcastle, Blackpool 0-0 Stoke)

A surprisingly dour contest between Blackpool and Stoke at Bloomfield Road ended up goalless, which in turn stretched Blackpool’s dismal run of form to eight without a win. To be honest, they can consider themselves a tad fortunate to have even taken a point from that match, as Stoke undoubtedly created the clearer openings whereas Blackpool looked bereft of ideas at times, which isn’t like them.

As if their form in general wasn’t abysmal in itself, Blackpool have also lost six of their last seven away from home, with their last away victory in the Premier League way back in December.

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Head-to-Head (Premiership)

Tottenham wins: 0
Draws: 0
Blackpool wins: 1

Last 5 Seasons

2010/2011: Blackpool 3-1 Tottenham

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Match Prediction: Blackpool to WIN – 11.00 VictorChandler

Although fourth-spot seems beyond them already, with four games still left to play, anything less than a routine win over Blackpool this weekend would spell the end for them. However, they could miss out on Europe altogether if they’re not careful, as Liverpool have now leapfrogged them into fifth – the Reds boasting a far superior goal difference and will host Spurs on the final day of the season. Europa League football is hardly a tasty incentive though, which is why I believe Blackpool to be value this weekend, despite their lousy form, as Holloway’s team are battling for their life’s down near the foot of the table and should be shedding blood, sweat and tears for the cause on Saturday.

A big ask for the Tangerines, who have already beaten Tottenham 3-1 at Bloomfield Road this season, but I’d rather back others at a short price than Spurs this weekend. That said, Blackpool are the sort of team which boast a great deal of resilience, so this should be a fixture which either goes one or the other, as stalemate really doesn’t come into the equation with the teams in question.

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Value Bets

Tottenham to Score 4 or More Goals @ 3.30 PaddyPower

Blackpool have conceded 17 goals in their last five league games, meanwhile Tottenham have notched up 8 goals in their last three Premiership fixtures at White Hart Lane. Could be a field day for Spurs if at their glistening, free-scoring best.

Rafael Van Der Vaart to Score @ 2.05 VictorChandler

Eight of the Dutchman’s twelve Premiership goals for Tottenham this season were scored at White Hart Lane, though only twice has he opened the scoring at home.

Blackpool to Score Exactly 1 Goal @ 2.40 PaddyPower

Blackpool have scored exactly 1 goal on ten occasions this season, and in three of their last four. That said, only once have they scored precisely one goal away from home.

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Match Odds

Tottenham Hotspur – 1.33 PaddyPower
Draw – 6.00 BetFred
Blackpool – 11.00 VictorChandler

Chelsea V Tottenham Hotspur

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 30 April 2011 – 17:30 (GMT)
Venue: Stamford Bridge
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD1

English capital derbies have always been hit-and-miss fixtures, with some producing sparks while others merely pass on by without as much as a bad word said. Now, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have never been fierce rivals, but that could all change come tea-time Saturday, when the two go at it tooth-and-nail at Stamford Bridge in a fixture which has all the right ingredients to produce a cracker. One in particular is the simple fact that defeat for either would lead to severe consequences.

For Chelsea, defending their 2009/2010 Premier League crown is at stake. Some will say it’s an achievement in itself that they are actually in contention heading into the closing stages, as they looked a hopeless cause around Christmas. A nine-match unbeaten run containing seven victories and two draws has catapulted the west Londoners into the reckoning, where they are now United’s one and only challenger in second, surging past a lacklustre Arsenal.

A contender they certainly are but Chelsea still require the odd minor miracle if they’re to retain their title, as Manchester United boast a healthy six-point advantage heading into the final four games of the season. However, Chelsea will no doubt take plenty of encouragement from the fact United tackle Arsenal at the Emirates the following day.

In effective, a single slip-up from Carlo Ancelotti’s side would destroy their last-ditch bid in one foul swoop, but they’ve been playing in a ‘do or bust’ mindset for some time now, and it has been paying dividends.

What has also bared fruit for Chelsea is their manager’s decision to revert back to the tried and trusted 4-3-3 formation which won them the title last season, with Didier Drogba spearheading the attack instead of Fernando Torres. However, fans won’t be at all pleased to hear that the Italian is considering change, contemplating whether or not it’s worthwhile bringing Torres back into the attack, after the Spaniard ended his 14-game wait for a goal by scoring the second in a 3-0 triumph over another London rival West Ham a week previous. He’d be a fool to change what has clearly been a winning formula, with Chelsea having won their last four league games on the spin, five in succession at Stamford Bridge.

Further good news for Chelsea is that their opponents this weekend are once again out of form, as were West Ham. That said, those Hammers did cause a Chelsea defence which has uncharacteristically kept just three clean sheets in eight league games countless problems, and that’s a massive negative when you consider that Spurs are next up at The Bridge, whom pack a far leaner offensive punch.

Speaking of the Spurs attack, eight goals in three games is indicative of how lethal the likes of Rafael Van Der Vaart, Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon, Jermaine Defoe and Peter Crouch can be on their day. However their concessions of late is alarming, with Heurelho Gomes back to his error-prone worst in goal as Harry Redknapp continues to pick up casualties in defence – Ledley King and Alan Hutton are both out for the remainder of the season, as is, so it would appear, full-back Assou-Ekotto who did some damage to his hamstring in the 2-2 draw with West Brom at White Hart Lane last weekend.

The latter result for Spurs just sums up how frustrating they’ve been in recent weeks, with manager Harry Redknapp no doubt targeting maximum points in a fixture Tottenham would have blasted their way through earlier in the season. Fatigue appears to have caught up with them right at the very end of a long, arduous campaign, which isn’t at all surprising when you consider the amount of energy expended, mentally as well as physically, during their superb run to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Tottenham’s dip in form couldn’t have come at a worse time, with Spurs’ bid for a top-four now hanging by the slimmest of threads following a disastrous run of form, having won only one of their previous seven in the league, the outstanding six bewilderingly ending in draws. They now trail Man City in fourth by four-points, with defeat at Stamford Bridge, what would be their 13th in 19 visits during the Premier League era, effectively ending their pursuit of Champions League football, despite having to travel to Eastlands to face Roberto Mancini’s men before the end of the season.

As pointed out above, Chelsea have an almost flawless record at home to Tottenham in the Premier League. In general in fact. Just three of the previous 39 Premiership encounters were won by the north London outfit, who incidentally have never beaten Chelsea in the West of London during the Premiership era, the Blues coming out on top in 12 of the 18 home meetings.

I think it’s fair to say that virtually every punter is anticipating another Chelsea success story. Their form in recent weeks has been imperious, as is their record at home to Tottenham down the years, but they also have that confident swagger about them which, had they posses during the middle part of the season, would have erased the formidable gap they must now close if they’re to be crowned Barclay’s Premier League champions for the second year running.
 

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Match Pointers

Chelsea have risen to 2nd following a nine-match unbeaten run; Tottenham reside in 5th, four-points shy of fourth-placed Man City.

No team is in better form than Chelsea, who have won seven in a nine-match unbeaten run; five of those victories coming at Stamford Bridge.

Florent Malouda has now scored in three consecutive home league games in West London.

Tottenham have won just one of their last seven in the league, drawing five of their last six.

Spurs have never recorded a win at Stamford Bridge during the Premier League era; 1990 the last occasion Tottenham were victorious away from home against Chelsea in the league.

Chelsea have won 12 of 18 Premier League meetings at home.

Head-to-Head

Chelsea wins: 22
Draws: 14
Tottenham wins: 3

2010/2011: Tottenham 1-1 Chelsea
2009/2010: Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
2009/2010: Chelsea 3-0 Tottenham
2008/2009: Tottenham 1-0 Chelsea
2008/2009: Chelsea 1-1 Tottenham
2007/2008: Tottenham 4-4 Chelsea
2007/2008: Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham
2006/2007: Chelsea 1-0 Tottenham
2006/2007: Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea

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Betting Odds & Tips

Match Prediction: Chelsea to WIN – 1.53 Boylesports

It goes without saying that Spurs can be a real handful for anyone on their day, but it would appear their day has been and gone for this season. Now Harry’s valiant charges are set to end an exciting campaign on a real sour note, with Champions League qualification seemingly beyond them. And if they’re not careful, they’ll lose out on fifth as well to a strong-finishing Liverpool, who are breathing right down their necks in sixth.

I believe this will be fairly straight-forward for Chelsea, who were made to sweat by rock-bottom West Ham last time out. Nevertheless, they’re on the ones boasting all the momentum, the winning form and a superb head-to-head to boot, so I see only one result: a home victory.

Value Bet: Chelsea 3-0 (Correct Score) – 12.00 888Sport (Bet 888)

The Blues have scored exactly 3 goals in each of their last three league games, and while Tottenham have the potential to cause a Chelsea defence which has hardly excelled in 2011, a combination of poor form, a lack of confidence and a depleted defence, not to mention fatigue catching up with them, will make life difficult for Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.

Match Odds:

Chelsea – 1.53 Boylesports
Draw – 4.50 VictorChandler
Tottenham Hotspur – 7.50 Bet365