Tottenham

Just sixteen teams remain in this season’s FA Cup and with neither Manchester club still standing, an opportunity for someone different to lift the trophy has emerged in what is now a wide-open field – though it would take a brave punter to look beyond the obvious quarter of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham.

Some were saying the FA Cup simply doesn’t do romance any more. Well think again. While genuine giant-killings have been few and far between, the absence of the Premier League’s leading duo – Manchester City and Manchester United – is a massive turn up for the books in itself.

So who of the remaining sixteen will capitalise on their absence? Bookmakers are undecided, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham all priced up as 7/2 co-favourites while Arsenal are also prominent in the better at 6/1.

Chelsea have been outright favourites ever since the draw for the third round, thanks in no small part to the draw favouring them and not their rivals. But their frantic league form, coupled with the fact their main rivals have been handed reasonable ties in the sixth round, means they no longer head the market.

The Blues, winners in 2010, have been drawn at home to Birmingham City – a tie they should win fairly comfortably one would imagine. However, Chris Hughton’s Brummie are thee in-form team down in the Championship, going their last ten unbeaten, while Andre Villas-Boas’ Chelsea extended their dismal run without a league win to four with a 2-0 loss at Everton last time out.

It could have been a whole lot worse for Chelsea. They could have drawn Martin O’Neill’s resurgent Sunderland away, which is precisely what Arsenal managed to do. The Gunners will be a demoralised bunch following Wednesday’s Champions League hammering in Milan, so Sunderland will feel revenge is definitely on the cards as these two square up for the second time in a week – Arsenal having won 2-1 at the Stadium of Light last Saturday courtesy of Thierry Henry’s last-gasp winner.

Liverpool and Tottenham have won this competition 15 times between them. Neither are expected to fall at the last-sixteen hurdle, not after the draw was kind to both. Tottenham head to League One Stevenage while Liverpool host Brighton of the Championship, conquerors of Newcastle in the previous round.

FA Cup romantics will be ecstatic to see a team from League Two still alive and kicking, with Crawley Town – fifth in League Two – the lowest ranked team left in the tournament. That might not be the case for too much longer though, as the Red Devils have been drawn against Premier League Stoke. They are at home though, while the Potters will only of had a few days to prepare having faced Valencia in the Europa League on Thursday.

Finals were once a regular occurrence for Everton, who have appeared in no fewer than thirteen – more recently in 2009, when narrowly losing out to Chelsea. With several new additions in the winter window, and with the team in buoyant following their recent scalps of Chelsea and Manchester City, David Moyes’ Toffees may finally fulfil their potential by capturing a first FA Cup for seventeen years.

You’d fancy Blackpool to be no match for Everton at Goodison Park, with Iain Holloway’s Tangerines more set on a return to the Premier League than a successful run in the cup.

The other two ties sees Bolton tackle Millwall at The Den and Norwich entertain Championship big-spenders Leicester, who at 3/1 appear outstanding value to spring a surprise at Carrow Road.

FIFTH ROUND TIES IN FULL

Saturday, 18 February 2012

Chelsea V Birmingham (12:30, LIVE on ESPN)

Everton V Blackpool

Millwall V Bolton

Norwich V Leicester

Sunderland V Arsenal (17:15, LIVE on ITV1)

Sunday, 19 February 2012

Crawley V Stoke (12:00, LIVE on ESPN)

Stevenage V Tottenham (14:00, LIVE on ITV1)

Liverpool V Brighton (16:00, LIVE on ESPN)

OUTRIGHT BETTING

Chelsea – 7/2 (Bet365)

Liverpool – 7/2 (Ladbrokes)

Tottenham – 7/2 (PaddyPower)

Arsenal – 6/1 (Coral)

Everton – 12/1 (SkyBet)

Sunderland – 16/1 (Coral)

Stoke – 18/1 (Bet365)

Norwich – 28/1 (Coral)

Bolton – 33/1 (WilliamHill)

100/1 Bar The Rest

Tottenham V Newcastle United

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 11 February 2012 – 17:30 GMT

Venue: White Hart Lane

Preview

Could Tottenham be managerless by the time they welcome Newcastle to White Hart Lane on Saturday afternoon? It is Unlikely, but plausible nonetheless, after a turbulent week in which Spurs chief Harry Redknapp was found not guilty in the courts of tax evasion on Wednesday, just hours before Fabio Capello handed in his resignation as England national team manager. So could Redknapp, who has been the bookies favourites to succeed the Italian from the outset, be about to leave title-chasing Spurs in the lurch?

News of Fabio Capello’s sudden departure could not be more untimely from a Tottenham perspective, with the club and its supporters still harbouring hopes of a first top-flight for 51-years. Manchester City lead the Barclay’s Premier League by two points from Manchester United in second, with Spurs seven points off the summit but still very much in the reckoning.

There is of course no guarantee that Redknapp will up and leave. However, speculation will be rife until the FA make a formal announcement regarding the vacancy, and speculation in itself will serve as a huge distraction for a club renowned for going AWOL in the latter stages of seasons. In the meantime, Tottenham have a huge clash with Newcastle to contend with. It’s almost a must-win game as well, what with Man City not in action until Sunday.

It won’t be easy though, not by any stretch of the imagination, as like themselves Newcastle also have everything to play for. The Magpies have emerged as surprise contenders for a top-four finish after a sublime campaign thus far, with the Tyneside club a point behind fourth-place Chelsea, but above both Arsenal and Liverpool following back-to-back successes away at Blackburn and at home to Aston Villa. Moreover, they gave Tottenham one helluva match at St James’ Park in October, producing the sort of resilient performance we’ve grown accustom to seeing under Alan Pardew when coming from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw.

Even more detrimental to the home side’s chances at the weekend is the number of key first-team personnel missing due to injury. William Gallas, Aaron Lennon, Rafael Van der Vaart and Jermain Defoe all sat out Monday’s dour goalless draw away to Liverpool, with Spurs creating very little without the guile some of the aforementioned bring to the fore. Their form isn’t that great either; it is now one win in four in the league, which was a routine home win over rock-bottom Wigan. However their form at White Hart Lane this season has been sparkling, with nine wins and no defeats in their last eleven.

Newcastle aren’t the worst travellers, either. Alan Pardew’s charges have the sixth best away record in the division, with five wins from twelve outings (W5 D3 L4). They are also in very good form, with two successive league wins under their belts, although they won’t need reminding as to how their last venture to the English capital went, as team deprived of strikers Demba Ba and new signing Papiss Cisse were thumped 5-2 by Fulham. The Senegalese pair are back however, with aplomb too, with both registering in last week’s 2-1 victory over Aston Villa. A prolific strike-duo in the making quite possibly.

Match Pointers

Head-to-Head

Last Meeting: Newcastle 2-2 Tottenham (Premier League); 16 October, 2011. A thoroughly entertaining contest at St James’ Park, Tyneside, finished in dramatic fashion – Shola Ameobi scoring an emphatic equaliser with four minutes remaining as Newcastle came from behind for the second time in the game to earn a well-deserved 2-2 draw. Rafael Van der Vaart and Jermain Defoe had Spurs in front on two separate occasions. Meanwhile Magpies top scorer, Demba Ba, also found his way onto the scoresheet.

- Newcastle have suffered defeat on each of their previous two Premier League visits to Tottenham, failing to score on both occasions. Their last away win in this fixture was in March 2008 when they ran out comfortable 4-1 winners.

Tottenham Hotspur

- Trailing leaders Man City by seven points, every remaining league fixture is a must-win for Tottenham if they’re to remain in contention for a first top-flight title since 1961.

- Monday’s goalless draw at Liverpool means it is now one win in four Premier League games for Tottenham (W1 D2 L1), who have however only lost one of their last ten (W5 D4 L1).

- At home, at White Hart Lane, Spurs have been beaten just once in the league this season (W9 D2 L1) – and not since a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Man City on 28 August, 2011.

- No visiting team has scored more than one goal at White Hart Lane in the league this season since that aforementioned loss to Man City, with veteran custodian Brad Friedel keeping a clean sheet in five of Spurs’ last seven Premier League home games.

Newcastle United

- Champions League football is becoming a very real possibility for Newcastle. The Magpies find themselves perched above both Arsenal and Liverpool in the Premier League table, however crucially they are only a solitary point behind fourth-placed Chelsea meaning victory at White Hart Lane could see them end the weekend occupying one of those coveted Champions League spots.

- Last week’s 2-1 defeat of Aston Villa at home was Newcaste’s fourth in five league games, and their second on the bounce following a 2-0 win at Blackburn the week before.

- For their last seven away matches, Newcastle have alternated between losing and getting a result (win or draw). So, after beating Blackburn in their last away match, the Magpies are due a defeat at Tottenham. That’s if you believe that sort of stuff.

- Away from home, Newcastle have a mixed record (W5 D3 L4), conceding with more regularity on their travels than back at home (conceded 19 on the road, compared with 12 at home).

- The Magpies have benefited from an own goal in each of their previous two away league games.

Betting

Verdict: Draw @ 10/3 (Bet365)

So much could depend on who starts for Tottenham, with numerous key figures struggling to be fit in time for the arrival of a buoyant Newcastle side who are in hot pursuit of Champions League football. But even if England bound Harry Redknapp does have the likes of Van der Vaart and Jermain Defoe back available, Spurs have a task on their hands here attaining the three-points they need to reduce some of their seven-point arrears on Man City.

Spurs were tame on Monday at Liverpool, rarely troubling goalkeeper Pepe Reina. Of course you would expect huge amounts of improvement back at White Hart Lane, where they’ve won nine of their last eleven league games, but Newcastle won’t make it easy for them. In fact they’ll be a right handful; they’re extremely well organised and yet offer a huge threat going forward.

At odds of 1/2, opposing Tottenham was easy. They’re not even expected to win, not in my eyes. It’s a game they have every chance of winning, of course, and if they seriously consider themselves title contenders then it is one they simply have to win. I’m not so sure they will though, nor do I view them as genuine contenders for the title. Newcastle are huge at 13/2, however the draw has obvious appeal at 10/3.

Value Bet: Tottenham/Draw (HT/FT Betting) @ 20/1 (SkyBet)

The one characteristic those Magpies have an abundance of is resilience, as they displayed in the reverse fixture last October when coming from behind on two separate occasions to earn a draw. So then, it could pay to stick a few shillings on Tottenham getting their noses in front early on and Newcastle pegging them back late on, as they did in the aforementioned game.

Match Odds

Tottenham Hotspur – 1/2 (Ladbrokes)

Draw – 10/3 (Bet365)

Newcastle United – 13/2 (BetVictor)

At the weekend it was the FA Cup, now the focus in England switches swiftly to the Barclay’s Premier League as various tussles across the entire division resurface on Tuesday (31 Jan) and Wednesday (1 Feb).

Straight to matters at the summit and after Manchester City’s dramatic late win over Tottenham Hotspur on 22 January, it would seem the Premier League trophy is staying in Manchester. That aforementioned result ensured Roberto Mancini’s Citizens remained three-points clear of neighbours United, leaving Spurs lagging eight-points off the pace of the leaders.

Premier League Title Betting with Bet365: Man City 2/5, Man Utd 9/4, Tottenham 20/1

It could be all change, though, depending on Tuesday’s results, with all three title protagonists involved in proceedings.

Tottenham (1/4 WilliamHill) are presented with a fabulous opportunity to get straight back to winning ways in the league with a home clash against Wigan (16/1 BetVictor). The Latics currently prop up the division in 20TH and are without a win in seven, shipping ten goals in their last three away PL matches combined, but were, however, 1-0 winners on their last visit to White Hart Lane, in August of 2010.

Manchester United (3/10 888Sport) have won seven of their eight Premier League tussles with Stoke City (12/1 PaddyPower), including all three in Manchester, so any chance of the Red Devils slipping up at Old Trafford would appear slim. But the Potters did hold Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at Anfield in their most recent Premier League away game, while it was they who were the dominant force when the two sides locked horns earlier in the season at the Brittania in a 1-1 draw back in September.

Meanwhile, Man City (20/23 Boylesports) take on David Moyes’ inconsistent Everton (15/4 BetVictor) at Goodison Park. It is, however, a fixture the Citizens came unstuck in last season, losing 2-1 despite dominating the opening 45 minutes and taking a deserved 1-0 lead into the interval. Revenge is on the cards, though – Everton have won only two of their last eight home PL games, scoring just six times in the process, whereas City are searching for their fourth straight league win and are firm favourites to do so having had the weekend off due to their early exit from the FA Cup.

The race for fourth hots up with Chelsea and Liverpool both in action on Tuesday, at Swansea and Wolves respectively, with Arsenal taking on Bolton at The Reebok 24 hours later.

Top-Four Finish Betting with WilliamHill: Chelsea 2/5, Arsenal 2/1, Liverpool 7/2

Chelsea (17/20 WilliamHill) are the current occupants of fourth and are five-points clear of their closest pursuer, Arsenal, while Liverpool are a point further back in seventh. The Blues are the most likely to come a cropper. Though, you feel – Swansea (4/1 SkyBet) have been beaten just once in eleven home Premier League games this season and will still be buoyed by their 3-2 victory over Arsenal in their last encounter at the Liberty Stadium.

Speaking of Arsenal (8/11 Ladbrokes), the Gunners won’t have it easy either. Arsene Wenger’s side were unconvincing in the FA Cup at the weekend, edging past Aston Villa at home, and must now go to a resurgent Bolton (9/2 StanJames), who beat Liverpool 3-1 last time out at The Reebok in the league, desperate to avoid a third consecutive away defeat. Moreover, The Reebok was where Arsenal’s world came crashing down around them last season, with a 2-1 loss confirming the end of their title bid last April.

As for Liverpool (3/4 WilliamHill), well they are very much expected to complete a routine win at Wolves (17/4 StanJames) – a fixture they cruised to a 3-0 success in last season. Kenny Dalglish’s side have lost their previous two away league games, at Bolton and Man City, but responded emphatically with quick-fire eliminations of Man City and Man Utd from the Carling Cup and FA Cup. Now the Reds are hotly tipped to dispatch of second from bottom Wolves, who are without a league win in eight and have suffered four defeats in their previous five matches at Molineux in all competitions.

Elsewhere…

Mark Hughes’ QPR (4/1 BetVictor) go to Aston Villa (17/20 WilliamHill) with both sides searching for back-to-back Premier League wins; a Newcastle (7/4 Bet365) side thumped 5-2 at Fulham last time out in the league pay relegation favourites Blackburn (13/8 StanJames) a visit at Ewood Park; the previously mentioned Fulham (10/11 WilliamHill) entertain Roy Hodgson’s inconsistent Baggies (15/4 bWin), while a cracking contest could be in store at the Stadium of Light as Martin O’Neill’s invigorated Black Cats (17/20 WilliamHill) host Paul Lambert’s high-flying Canaries (15/4 BetVictor).

Full list of Premier League fixtures for Tuesday (31 Jan) and Wednesday (1 Feb):

Swansea V Chelsea

Tottenham V Wigan

Wolves V Liverpool

Everton V Man City (LIVE on SKY SPORTS 2)

Manchester United V Stoke

Aston Villa V QPR

Blackburn V Newcastle

Bolton V Arsenal

Fulham V West Brom

Sunderland V Norwich (LIVE on SKY SPORTS 2)

Manchester City V Tottenham Hotspur

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 22 January 2012 – 13:30 GMT

Venue: Etihad Stadium

Preview

A mammoth afternoon of Premier League action this Sunday begins with third-placed Tottenham going to table-topping Manchester City, with Spurs set to have their title credentials examined by a team whom many believe are strong favourites to clinch their first league title for almost half-a-century.

In truth, this is a clash between the genuine contender – Man City, who are perched three points clear at the summit – and quite possibly the pretenders. Only on Sunday, upon the completion of this match, will we know whether Tottenham’s title claims are genuine.

A point would keep Harry Redknapp’s side in the hunt, still five points behind the Citizens but close enough to remain in the reckoning. A win or a loss, however, and it will either be game on or game over.

Spurs have been victorious on nine of their fourteen visits to Man City in the Premier League. Make that ten and they’ll move within striking distance of the long-time leaders, two points to be precise, and possibly above Manchester United into second should Sir Alex Ferguson’s charges come unstuck against Tottenham’s arch rivals Arsenal later that afternoon.

However, victory for the hosts, who have a perfect record at home this season with ten wins from ten, would not only strengthen their own claims for a first Premier League crown, they would effectively eliminate Tottenham from the running in the process. In this scenario, Spurs would end the weekend lagging eight points off the pace – and they’ve already used up their game in hand.

If anybody can stop an imperious Man City at home, Spurs can…

In many ways, Harry Redknapp could not of wished for a better time to face Roberto Mancini’s superstars. As while the Citizens boast an incredible record in their own backyard in the league this season, winning all ten fixtures there whilst averaging three goals per game, they will host this crucial encounter on the back of consecutive home defeats – in the FA Cup to Man Utd and in the Carling Cup to Liverpool.

Furthermore, Tottenham arrive in Manchester in pristine shape. They’re unbeaten in their last seven league games, winning four and drawing three, during which 40-year-old custodian Brad Friedal has shipped a miserly three goals, keeping four clean sheets. It all bodes well ahead of their visit to the most prolific outfit in the top flight.

Nobody has been able to withstand the offensive prowess of Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this season, not even Liverpool, who at the time of their 3-0 loss there at the beginning of year, boasted the strongest defence in the Premier League. David Silva is also back fit, which is a massive boost for City chief Mancini, who may also decide to call upon Edin Dzeko, the Bosnia who netted his first goal for three months in last week’s 1-0 win at Wigan.

Team News

However, Toure brothers Kolo and Yaya are both away on international duty with the Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations. The pair of them have been sorely missed, surprisingly even Kolo – more so in fact – as with captain Vincent Kompany currently serving a domestic suspension, Roberto Mancini has been left with little alternative but to pair Joleon Lescott with the exposed Stefan Savic in the centre of defence.

There is at least some good news for the Italian, who has Micah Richards and Mario Balotelli available for Sunday’s game with both having missing last Monday’s nervy win over Wigan.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has no option but to tinker with his team, as striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who is on loan from Manchester City, is ineligible due to the terms in his loan deal. Jermain Defoe is a worthy deputy though, and the England striker will play just in front of Dutch ace Rafael Van der Vaart. Ledley King is a huge doubt, along with the combative Sandro, while William Gallas is out injured.

Match Pointers

- Last August saw Manchester City thump Tottenham 5-1 in the north of London, with Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko accounting for four of their goals.

- Manchester City have won the previous two league meetings with Spurs, this after the latterly mentioned had won four of the previous five (from 2008 – 2010).

- Tottenham have been victorious on nine of their previous fourteen visits to Man City in the Premier League (W9 D2 L3).

- Roberto Mancini’s Citizens have won fifteen on the spin at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League (from March 2011 to present) – ten without even conceding a goal – and are unbeaten in the league at home in thirteen months (W19 D1).

- City have racked up 31 goals in ten home Premier League games so far this season (3 a game on average), but yet have conceded a miserly 4 at the other end.

- Man City have conceded one goal in their last six Premier League games, keeping clean sheets against Arsenal, Liverpool, Stoke, West Brom and Wigan.

- Tottenham are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games (W4 D3), but have won only one of their previous three away fixtures.

- Spurs haven’t conceded more than a solitary goal in a single Premier League game since they were beaten 2-1 by Stoke at the Brittania on 11 December – they’ve conceded just three times in seven since, keeping four clean sheets against Everton, Norwich, Sunderland and West Brom.

Betting

Prediction: Manchester City to WIN @ 10/11 PaddyPower

Tottenham head to Manchester in cracking shape, without defeat in seven and in the knowledge that their record away to City in the Premier League is exceptional. You could argue they’ve gone slightly stale over the festive period, scoring just nine times in their last seven league games, but they have kept four clean sheets and conceded just three times in that spell, which bodes well as they’ll need a resolute rearguard if they’re to achieve anything at what has fast become the most formidable venue in the land.

Roberto Mancini’s charges have been awesome on their own patch this season, often brushing teams aside – take their comprehensive 3-0 win over Liverpool a fortnight ago for example. They dominate teams; they encounter few problems creating chances, have scored goals for fun at times, whilst concessions of their own have been kept to a premium thanks, in the main, to the goalkeeping excellence of Joe Hart.

There aren’t too many teams who are even capable of going to Man City and winning. But while no-one has managed the feat in the league so far, outside of the Premier League both Liverpool and Manchester United recently demonstrated just how to exploit the costly voids of captain Vincent Kompany and midfield supremo Yaya Toure. They’re still a formidable outfit, but they aren’t quite as untouchable without the aforementioned duo on the team-sheet.

We’d all love nothing better than a Tottenham win here. It would blow the title race wide open. I just don’t see it happening, though. City blew Spurs out of the water at White Hart Lane back in August, winning 5-1 at White Hart Lane, and although Spurs have matured no end since that fateful afternoon, I expect Manchester City’s class to shine through once again – though it will be far closer than their previous encounter, make no mistake about that!

Value Bet: Over 3.5 Goals @ 2/1 Bet365

Contests between the two are usually close, especially in Manchester, but Tottenham are reportedly heading to Eastlands in the mindset of winning this fixture. That means they cannot afford to rest on their defensive laurels, which have served them so well of late. With the electric pace of Bale on the flank, the vision of Modric and the eye for a goal Rafael Van der Vaart possesess, Spurs definitely have a goal or two in them, even at fortress Etihad, while City haven’t failed to net at home in the league for fourteen months.

Match Odds

Manchester City – 10/11 PaddyPower

Draw – 11/4 Bet365

Tottenham – 17/5 BetVictor

Tottenham Hotspur V Chelsea

Date & Kick-Off: Thursday, 22 December 2011 – 20:00 GMT

Venue: White Hart Lane

Preview

A match which could separate the pretender from the contender, as title protagonists Tottenham and Chelsea renew their London rivalry at White Hart Lane on Thursday in what has all the makings of a pre-Christmas cracker.

A battle between the powers from the North and West of London. Third against fourth in the Barclay’s Premier League. The experienced Harry Redknapp pitting his managerial wits against the newest kid on the block, 34-year-old Andre Villas-Boas. Whichever way you look at it, we could have a real classic on our hands here – especially as there’s so much riding on the result.

Imperious Spurs shorn of key men

Having played one game fewer than all their rivals, Tottenham could potentially do some serious damage with victory. In all probability they would eliminate Chelsea from the title race in the process, but more importantly they’d enhance their own title credentials with a win seeing as they’ve already beaten the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool this season – at home, more poignantly.

Achieving their seventh win of the campaign on home soil, and extending their four-game winning run in the league at White Hart Lane, will not be easy, though; Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is resigned to being without speedster Aaron Lennon on the right-hand side of Midfield and could even be missing his left-midfield dynamo as well, with Gareth Bale rated ‘very doubtful’ with the ankle injury that kept him out of Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Sunderland.

There is at least some good news for Harry. His side are in imperious form – Sunday’s home success against Sunderland ensured Tottenham bounced back from their first league defeat in twelve the match before, when losing 2-1 at Stoke, while it also maintained their winning streak at home, too, which now stands at four; the previous three were earned without conceding a goal.

Inconsistent Blues seeking major scalp

Chelsea were brought back down to earth with a thud at Wigan last time out. There were scenes of ecstasy at Stamford Bridge after the Blues inflicted a first league defeat of the season on long-time league leaders Man City, however the euphoria from that success was quickly dispersed following their bitterly disappointing draw at Wigan at the weekend that left them nine points adrift of the summit.

So it’s back to the drawing board for manager Andre Villas-Boas, although it isn’t all bad for the Portuguese tactician. Chelsea have now gone four games unbeaten in the league, a run consisting of three wins, while they have only conceded once in their last three away matches.

However, the Blues have been largely inconsistent on their travels, winning only half of their fixtures thus far (W4 D2 L2), while their record away to Tottenham in recent years truly is abysmal: they’ve not won on any of their previous five visits in the league, losing four, with their last success there dating back to August 2005.

News that John Terry has a date with the Magistrates is also a huge distraction, with the Chelsea and England skipper due in court on 1 February. Despite that shocking news, Terry will captain his team out against Tottenham on Thursday. He will not be partnered by Brazilian David Luis however, who is sidelined with a knee injury, although Ramires is fit and available after missing the weekend trip to Wigan.

Match Pointers

- In all competitions, Tottenham are unbeaten in five versus Chelsea at home (W3 D2).

- Last season’s White Hart Lane Premier League encounter between the two sides ended 1-1; Roman Pavlyuchenko opened the scoring for Spurs but his effort was cancelled out by Didier Drogba midway through the second half.

- Tottenham have won 6 of 7 at home in the league, recording wins over Arsenal (2-1) and Liverpool (4-0), and are currently on a four-match winning streak at White Hart Lane.

- Brad Fridel has clocked up 278 minutes since his last goal conceded in goal for Tottenham at White Hart Lane, with the veteran shot-stopper having kept clean sheets in each of the previous three on home soil against Aston Villa, Bolton and Sunderland.

- Chelsea have won precisely 50% of their away matches so far (W4 D2 L2), though they do boast the joint second-strongest away defence (7 conceded).

- The Blues are unbeaten in four in the Premier League, winning three, but were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Wigan in their last away venture.

Our Prediction: Chelsea to WIN – 7/4 PaddyPower

For me, so much depends on the availability of Gareth Bale. The loss of Aaron Lennon is devastating enough, but Spurs without Bale seriously lacks betting appeal – especially seeing as the Welsh maestro would have thrived up against the often suspect Jose Bosingwa. Spurs do still have players who could hurt Chelsea. The problem is, all their attacks would have to come through the middle, with Rafael Van der Vaart naturally becoming the focal point, and that’s a lot easier to defend against.

Considering they’ve been found wanting against genuine pace all season long, Chelsea will be praying Gareth Bale isn’t fit enough to play any part. If he doesn’t make it, I’m all over Andre Villas-Boas & Co.

Tottenham, from an attacking point of view, will struggle to trouble a Chelsea defence which has conceded just one goal in its last three away matches without the raw energy that Lennon and Bale provide on the flanks, which gives them variety when coupled with the threat Van der Vaart and Adebayor pose through the centre. Without them, Spurs will be far too predictable to defend against.

In contrast, Chelsea do have variety. Juan Mata is so difficult to pick up, Daniel Sturridge’s pace will ask so many questions of full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto, who does at times go missing in the crunch games, while Didier Drogba’s indomitable presence is a big problem for a Spurs back-four likely to be shorn of Ledley King.

It’s crazy to think that Chelsea can only draw at Wigan but manage to beat Tottenham, but that’s what I’m banking on should Gareth Bale not come to the fore on Thursday.

Value Bet: Chelsea 3-1 (Correct Score) – 25/1 Ladbrokes

Match Odds

Tottenham – 13/8 VictorChandler

Draw – 5/2 Ladbrokes

Chelsea – 7/4 PaddyPower

Stoke V Tottenham

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 11 December 2011 – 16:00 GMT

Venue: Brittania Stadium

Preview

Tottenham put their eleven-match unbeaten league run well and truly on the line when they visit the toughest of places in the Premier League on Sunday – Stoke’s Brittania Stadium. Chelsea and Manchester United could only muster draws there, while Liverpool slumped to a 1-0 defeat. How will Harry Redknapp’s imperious charges fare?

Judging by their scintillating run of form, having won ten and lost none of their previous eleven league matches, and with their record away to Stoke very encouraging indeed, winning on each of their previous two visits, you’d like to think Spurs will fare better than most at ‘Fortress Brittania’.

Then again, Stoke are now flying themselves. Their 1-0 win over Everton last weekend was their second in quick succession, to go with their comprehensive 3-1 win over Blackburn seven days earlier. As a result, the Potters have climbed back into the top half of the table.

An extremely difficult contest to call, not that the bookies see it the same way. A home win is as big as 3/1 with Totesport, which looks massive, with in-form Spurs a best priced 23/20 with WilliamHill to set a new club record by winning their fourth away match in a row in the Premier League. There has yet to be a draw between the two in the Premier League era, so feel free to take odds of 5/2 on that first.

Stoke City

League Position: 8th

League Form: LLLWW

Six points from their last two league games and Stoke are reacquainting themselves with the top half of the table, after back-to-back wins at home to Blackburn (3-1) and away at Everton (2-1). Now they face the team of the moment, a Tottenham side who’ve not lost a league game since August. So could Sunday bring about the end of their mini revival, having previously lost four on the spin before returning to winning ways?

So Stoke have their swagger back. Just as well, as Spurs will take some beating. The Brittania is a definite advantage though, where the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have come a cropper this season, in one form of another. Though shock defeats to Newcastle (1-3) and QPR (2-3) perhaps suggest fortress Brittania isn’t all it’s cracked up to be any more.

A trip to Turkey to face Besiktas in their final Europa League group game awaits the Potters on Wednesday, but with progress assured Tony Pulis can afford to pick as he pleases on Sunday, and name a weakened side during the week. This means Andy Wilkinson, Rory Delap and Jermaine Pennant could all be risked despite the trio carrying knocks. Peter Crouch will spearhead the attack against his former club, alongside Jonathan Walters who has netted all four of his Premier League goals this season at home.

Goalkeeper Thomas Sorenson was stretched off at Goodison last week with concussion, but the Danish international is available and should retain his place in goal.

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 3rd

League Form: WWWWW

A trip to Stoke is a daunting prospect for most. Not for Tottenham, who on Sunday go seeking a third consecutive league win at the Brittania Stadium. Should they do so, Harry Redknapp will spend Sunday evening salivating over his side’s seventh straight Premiership win. It will also be a new club record for successive away wins (4). So then, is it really any wonder the mighty Spurs are now widely considered genuine title contenders?

Their start to the season has been breathtaking, as has their football at times, but on Sunday they’ll need to find a way to win ugly at Stoke if they’re to maintain their winning run. Last week’s comfortable home win against Bolton, with the final scoreline of 3-0 by no means a fair reflection on a game dominated from start to finish by the North Londoners, extended their winning streak to seven matches. A truly remarkable run for a club not renowned for their consistency.

It does bode well that they have won on each of their previous two visits to Stoke in the league, both 2-1 strangely enough, and at similarly challenging arenas this season as well. Wins at Blackburn, Fulham, West Brom, Wigan and Wolves may not look much but in years gone by, Spurs would not be winning those types of fixtures, certainly not one after the other. The fact Tottenham are no longer intimidated on their travels is actually a frightening thought, as back at White Hart Lane they are a real force to be reckoned with.

A hectic festive schedule will test some of the Spurs’ resolve, not that their fixtures are gruelling in any which way. Nevertheless, the number of games facing teams over Christmas and through to the New Year means managers may hold some of their key players back. Considering the physical nature of Stoke, Redknapp may decide to leave the fragile likes Ledley King, Rafael Van der Vaart and Jermaine Defoe out of Sunday’s starting line-up, with the trio rated doubtful because of various knocks and niggles. Gareth Bale is also carrying a knock, but you can’t leave the Welshman out of the side, not on current form.

Match Pointers

- Tottenham are on a three-match winning streak versus Stoke in the league, winning four of their six Premier League encounters overall (W4 D0 L2) including the last two staged at the Brittania Stadium.

- It has been a little over three months since Tottenham last recorded a loss in the Premier League, winning ten of their last eleven in an unbeaten sequence which has seen them climb to third in the table.

- Spurs are targeting their fourth away league win in a row on Sunday, at a ground where they’ve been victorious at in each of the previous two seasons.

- The North Londoners are also targeting a seventh straight Premier League victory.

- After losing four on the trot, Stoke are now searching for their third consecutive league win following wins over Blackburn (3-1) and at Everton (0-1).

- Jonathan Walters has scored all four of his Premier League goals this season at the Brittania.

Betting

On current form, it is almost impossible to oppose Tottenham. However, Stoke aren’t no ordinary side, particularly when they have the bit between their teeth, which they do after recording back-to-back league wins. With the Brittania rocking, the hosts will be well up for this, while the fact Spurs are now a genuine scalp for everyone, because of their eleven-game unbeaten run, is motivation on a plate for Tony Pulis’ rejuvenated charges.

Stoke are a handful for any side and with Ledley King a doubt, set-pieces could be a real problem for the visitors. On the other hand, containing Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon on either flank won’t be easy for the Potters. I suspect Scott Parker and Luka Modric will try to monopolise possession, something they’ve done to devastating effect so far this season, but Stoke are as combative and industrious as they come and I really do fancy them to earn a hard-fought point in this fixture. Neither manager would begrudge a share of the spoils.

Prediction: Draw – 5/2 Bet365

Value Bet: 0-0 Draw (Correct Score) – 11/1 StanJames

Match Odds

Stoke – 3/1 Totesport

Draw – 5/2 Bet365

Tottenham – 23/20 WilliamHill

Tottenham Hotspur V Bolton Wanderers

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 3 December – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Ewood Park

Preview

Bolton could climb out of the relegation zone with a rare win at White Hart Lane on Saturday, however they’ve not won there since 2004 and with Tottenham in sparkling form domestically, it’s difficult to imagine that particular drought coming to an end any time soon. Meanwhile, Spurs would go second with a win of their own – albeit probably on a temporary basis – with second placed Manchester United not in action until later that evening.

No lack of incentives for both sides then, which should hopefully mean an entertaining game beckons – though my money, and I think virtually everyone else’s is, is on the home side putting on a show.

Spurs are in glistening form, having won nine of their last ten league matches in an unbeaten sequence, and, after climbing to third in the table – above such likes as Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, are even being touted for a possible tilt at the title.

Last week’s 3-1 victory at The Hawthorns over West Brom was their fifth in a row domestically, the last four of which were by a clear two-goal margin, with the only real negative to come out of the Spurs camp being their almost certain elimination from the UEFA Europa League, after Thursday’s 2-1 reverse at home to PAOK Saloniki left them needing a minor miracle to qualify.

Fortunes at Bolton are in stark contrast. Their situation is bleak, which is putting it mildly. The Trotters have spent almost the entirety of the term inside the bottom three, taking a dismal nine points from a possible 69 on offer, while their tally of 31 goals conceded is the worst in the top flight; though, they have shipped far fewer on their travels. But travelling isn’t their forte either; since last December, Bolton have lost a remarkable 15 of 18 Premier League away games.

The statistics are kind of overwhelming, with everything pointing towards a fourth straight win for Tottenham over Bolton at White Hart Lane. Even more damning is the fact Tottenham have seen off the challenges of Arsenal (2-1) and Liverpool (4-0) at home this season, two sides who comprehensively beat Owen Coyle’s men at the Emirates (3-0) and Anfield (3-1) respectively.

Can Bolton spring a surprise? Spurs could be missing a few key players, none more influential than Rafael Van der Vaart, but Bolton have struggled to even compete away from home at times and another lacklustre away performance could see them on the receiving end of another spanking. After all, Owen Coyle is sole owner to the league’s leakiest defence, whereas his opposite number has a dazzling array of forward options at his disposal.

Match Pointers

- Tottenham have triumphed in each of the last three Premier League meetings at White Hart Lane, with Bolton’s last win there dating back to 2004.

- Spurs have only lost one of their last 22 Premier League home games (W13 D8 L1), winning each of the previous four.

- Striker Emmanuel Adebayor has scored a brace (two-goals) in each of his last two starts.

- Bolton have lost s staggering 15 of their last 18 away Premier League games (W2 D1 L15), eight of which were without scoring. Their only victories during this abysmal run came at QPR and Wigan.

- The Trotters are the only Premier League side yet to draw a game this season, winning three and losing ten of thirteen so far.

Betting

Gareth Bale in full flight down the wing, Scott Parker breaking down the majority of the Bolton attacks, Luka Modric returning from illness to bolster the levels of guile and craft. Throw in a goal-hungry Emmanuel Adebayor, who has four in his last two starts, and you naturally start fearing the worst for Owen Coyle and Bolton, who have lost four of their last five away matches.

I simply do not see any hope for Bolton. Of course, shocks spring up all the time in the Premier League, so I’d be wary about sticking Tottenham in your weekend accumulators, especially as they aren’t really worth the bother at odds of around 1/3, but nevertheless I am struggling to envisage anything other than another comfortable win at home for high-flying Spurs.

Match Outcome: Tottenham to WIN – 1/3 StanJames

Value Bet: Tottenham 2-0 (Correct Score) -7/1 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Tottenham – 1/3 StanJames

Draw – 9/2 Ladbrokes

Bolton – 12/1 VictorChandler

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

Tottenham Hotspur V Aston Villa

Date & Kick-Off: Monday, 21 November 2011 – 20:00 GMT

Venue: White Hart Lane

Preview

Enjoying their best ever start to a Premiership season, Tottenham go seeking a fourth consecutive league win when they welcome Aston Villa to White Hart Lane on Monday who themselves are keen to build on a very impressive opening.

Europe is the objective for both clubs this season. Tottenham are setting their sights firmly on a top four finish and a brisk return to the Champions League, whereas Villa are at least hopeful of challenging for a top six finish that could reward them with a season in next term’s Europa League competition.

Neither have done their claims any harm in the early stages; both have suffered just two defeats so far, however Spurs (W7 D1 L2) have had a more ruthless side to their game – only four teams have plundered more goals than Harry Redknapp’s men this season (21) – and as a result go into the match sat prominently in fifth, despite having played a game less than virtually the entire league, seven points ahead of eighth in the table Villa (W3 D6 L2).

Does something have to give at White Hart Lane? Certainly not. What we have here are two teams who have done everything within their power not to lose games this season. This is also fixture which has swung either way in recent seasons – Spurs won last season’s encounter at White Hart Lane 2-1, and the reverse meeting at Villa Park by the same scoreline, but have been victorious just once at home to the Villains in the past four seasons.

Tottenham will doubtless fancy their chances at home, though, where they’ve lost only once in 21 Premier League matches, and on the back of an eight-game unbeaten run that includes seven wins, twenty goals scored and only seven conceded. However Villa have been very resilient on their travels, drawing four and losing one of their five road encounters, and will arrive in North London on a high following their enthralling 3-2 win at home to Norwich last time out.

Among the possible absentees on Monday include Spurs manager Harry Redknapp. The 64-year-old recently went under the knife for what he considered to be ‘minor heart surgery’ and, on the recommendation from doctors, is being advised to steer well clear of the dugout on Monday. Assistant Joe Jordan will take charge of first-team matters, and Jordan is hopeful top scorer Rafael Van der Vaart’s latest hamstring injury isn’t serious enough that he should sit this one out. Michael Dawson, Tom Huddlestone and Niko Kranjcar are all out injured.

Despite concerns earlier in the week regarding their conditions, Villa boss Alex McLeish is set to name both Stiliyan Petrov and Gabriel Agbonlahor in his starting line-up. The former limped off during his team’s 3-2 victory over Norwich a fortnight ago, complaining of a hamstring problem, while Agbonlahor, Villa’s joint-leading marksmen this season with five goals was forced to miss England’s recent internationals with Spain and Sweden due to a similar problem. Midfielder Jermaine Jenas is ineligible to face the club he is currently on loan from.

Match Pointers

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 5th

League Form: WDWWW

- Last season saw Tottenham win both league meetings with Aston Villa 2-1; all four of their goals were netted by Rafael Van der Vaart, the Dutchman who has six for the season, while both of Villa’s goals were scored by young Marc Albrighton.

- Spurs are unbeaten in eight Premier League games, home and away, winning seven, including each of the previous three.

- Tottenham have lost just one of their last 21 Premier League matches at White Hart Lane (W12 D8 L1), winning each of the last three, scoring nine and conceding two.

Aston Villa

League Position: 8th

League Form: WLLDW

- Aston Villa have won once at White Hart Lane in their last eleven lague visits; a 2-1 victory during the 2008/09 season – Darren Bent, then of Spurs, scored in that match.

- Villa are without an away win this season, drawing four of five so far (W0 D4 L1), though they have scored in four consecutive away games.

- Darren Bent scored twice in his last match against his former club, Tottenham, doing so in Sunderland’s 3-1 victory at the Stadium of Light two seasons ago.

Betting

On this spectacular run of theirs, having won seven of their last eight in an unbeaten sequence, many will view Tottenham winning this contest as merely a formality. I wouldn’t be so sure. Villa are a much more balanced side under Alex McLeish and although they aren’t playing the sort of expansive, exciting football fans demand, results have been positive.

Having conceded eleven in their last four matches, it would be fair to say Villa have lost their way a little at the back of late. You could also argue that going forward there has been a marked improvement; it’s now five in two league games following their 3-2 victory over Norwich at Villa Park a fortnight ago, while getting Darren Bent back amongst the goals couldn’t be more timely ahead of a fixture he looks forward to more than most – facing his former employers, whom, in his honest assessment, never gave him a fair crack of the whip during his time in North London.

So there is plenty going for the visitors, who do nevertheless face an uphill task nullifying Spurs’ wonderful array of attacking riches. Gareth Bale has been in terrific form on the left-wing, Scott Parker leads by example with his worth ethic and endeavour in the middle of the park while Luka Modric always has a chance or two in him. Rafael Van der Vaart has six in his previous seven appearances but does carry a knock, and is thus doubtful, which almost certainly means he won’t finish should he start. Emmanuel Adebayor is a constant threat up front, an ever-present outlet, but hasn’t netted since Spurs’ 4-0 hammering of Liverpool on 18 September.

The fantastic thing about Tottenham, what endears them to the average neutral, is they approach every match looking to score plenty of goals. They have done precisely that this season, especially at home where they’ve recorded three wins on the bounce in the league, notching nine in the process. However, Villa will try to counter the host’s offensive orientation by setting up a defensive barrier in front of Shay Given, the Irishman who provides a reliable last line of defence between the posts, and something tells me there could be a gargantuan performance in the Villains.

On the counter, making full use of Charles N’Zogbia and Gabriel Agbonlahor, who both boast pace in abundance and the ability to go past their marker, Villa will be a threat throughout. Darren Bent will also be doubly determined to make an impression at his former stomping ground, against the team he scored twice against for Sunderland in his most recent appearance versus Spurs. The visitors are definitely value, in my honest opinion, though a draw is perhaps a more realistic outcome for them – a high-scoring one, however.

Match Outcome: Draw – 10/3 VictorChandler

Value Bet: 2-2 Draw (Correct Score) – 20/1 Boylesports

Match Odds

Tottenham Hotspur – 4/7 PaddyPower

Draw – 10/3 VictorChandler

Aston Villa – 13/2 WilliamHill

Tottenham Hotspur V Queens Park Rangers

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 30 October 2011 – 16:00 GMT

Venue: White Hart Lane

TV Coverage: LIVE on Sky Sports 1

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 5th

League Form: LWWDD

Their football hasn’t been vintage, nor are they overwhelming sides like they were this time last year; however, Tottenham have established a taste for winning football matches and are hotly tipped to quench their thirst at White Hart Lane on Sunday. Should they do so, Spurs could climb into that coveted fourth spot, depending on their margin of victory, as current occupants Newcastle aren’t in action until Monday.

There is every chance of fourth-placed Newcastle dropping points away at Stoke on Monday, but it’s vitally important Spurs pile on the pressure first. Ousting them from fourth should do the trick, however that would only happen with a three-goal margin of victory at home to QPR on Sunday, which, on the basis of Rangers’ last performance in a London derby away from home, certainly isn’t beyond the realms of possibility.

Rangers were thumped 6-0 by Fulham at Craven Cottage earlier in the month, although they did respond in their very next London derby, by beating Chelsea 1-0 at Loftus Road. The latter result is why Spurs simply must respect Sunday;’s opposition, that despite how pitiful Rangers were at Fulham in their last away match and how formidable Tottenham have been at White Hart Lane over the past twelve months: in their last 20 matches at home in the Premier League, Harry Redknapp’s team have succumbed to defeat just once (W11 D8 L1).

So Spurs will take all the beating on Sunday, we feel. Their form at home is imperious, in general in fact, with the North Londoners unbeaten in their last six in the league, winning five. That hugely impressive run of form does include superb victories over Arsenal and Liverpool at home, too, this after opening their accounts with back-to-back defeats at the hands of Man Utd and Man City.

Spurs’ revival in fortunes has centred around the sublime form of three individuals in particular – midfielder Scott Parker, playmaker Rafael Van der Vaart, whom has five goals in his last four matches, and striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who has been very hit and miss but on his day can be unplayable. If these three are on song, there should only be one result.

Queens Park Rangers

League Position: 10th

League Form: WDLDW

Queens Park Rangers have been something of an enigma so far. Their performances have been exceptional at times, but so often they’ve failed to secure the right result. However, when they’ve been poor they’ve been really poor, and the fact they’ve struggled to churn out wins when they’re playing well but have been well and truly spanked when they’ve not bothered to turn up is disconcerting, and why no punter in there right mind should go anywhere near them – not even after last week’s sensational turn up for the books.

Last week, Rangers recorded what could be the result of the season, certainly thus far. Chelsea were the visitors at Loftus Road in a match marred by controversy, epitomised by the winning goal – the only goal of a very tight and compelling encounter – which came via the boot of striker Heidur Helguson, deputising for the injured DJ Campbell, after the Icelandic international was adjudged to have been brought down inside the Chelsea penalty area. Soft, very soft indeed.

Neil Warnock felt his team fully deserved their win. I, on the other hand, felt they were a tad fortunate. A lot of decisions that could have gone either way went theirs while I didn’t think they played particularly well either, not even after Chelsea were reduced to nine men. Had it not been for their numerical advantage, QPR wouldn’t of come out on top, which doesn’t bode well ahead of yet another capital derby.

Although I wasn’t particularly impressed with what I saw from QPR last Sunday, I suspect some were. So I reckon there could be a few takers of the 8/1 readily available with most firms. Personally, I didn’t see anywhere near enough attacking endeavour to suggest they’ll be able to achieve a feat that only top of the table Manchester City have managed in 20 Premier League games, and that’s out-score Tottenham at White Hart Lane. QPR have managed just seven goals so far, an average of less than a goal-per-game and a total fewer than anyone else in the league bar second from bottom Wigan.

Furthermore, I just can’t get their 6-0 hammering sustained at Fulham earlier in the month out of my system. You would like to think that Rangers exorcised some of their demons in beating Chelsea last week, but they were woeful at Craven Cottage, in what was also a London derby, and a performance anywhere near that sort of ilk would almost certainly put them on the receiving end of another spanking.

Match Pointers

- This will be their first competitive meeting in eleven years, though they have met on eight occasions in the Premier League: Tottenham wins – 3, Draws – 2, QPR wins 3.

- Tottenham have won eleven and lost just one of their last 20 Premier League home games (W11 D8 L1).

- Spurs are unbeaten in six in all competitions, winning five, two of which were impressive league wins over top-four rivals Arsenal (2-1) and Liverpool (4-0).

- QPR have lost just one of their previous six league games (W2 D3 L1), however, Rangers were beaten heavily on their last away venture, going down 6-0 at London rivals Fulham.

- Rangers have scored one goal or fewer in all but one of their nine Premier League matches this season.

- Rafael Van der Vaart has scored in each of Tottenham’s last four league games, netting five times in total.

Betting

The odds are such that I’m eager to oppose Tottenham, who are a general 2/5. QPR look huge at 8/1, which is a general price as well, which basically tells you everything, that no-one, myself very much included, gives Neil Warnock’s side a hope in hell of escaping White Hart Lane with a result to saviour.

After bringing in a host of new faces on deadline day, QPR started producing some very promising displays. Shaun Wright-Phillips in particular was outstanding. But SWP, along with Joey Barton and the rest of the clang, have been largely ineffectual ever since. Everyone keeps telling me Adel Taarabt has something special. My assessment of the Moroccan is that he’s a petulant little kid who rarely does the right thing on the pitch, hence why his team-mates are gradually revolting against him.

In stark contrast, everything appears to have slotted into place at Tottenham. Harry Redknapp apparently had to convince several of the Tottenham hierarchy to thrash out a deal for England midfielder Scott Parker, and so far it’s been an inspired piece of business. Parker has set the tone with his industry and tireless work-rate in the middle of the park, and he compliments the outstanding talents of Luka Modric, who now has the license to express himself even further up the pitch. Emmanuel Adebayor always has a goal or two in him so long as the service is of a high quality, while in Rafael Van der Vaart they have a player in supreme scoring form.

The frailties of this QPR side were exposed away at Fulham recently, when they capitulated after a sloppy start and after going a couple of goals down. If Tottenham come steaming out of the blocks like they normally do at home, this could be another brutal away showing from Rangers.

Match Outcome: Tottenham to WIN – 2/5 VictorChandler

Value Bet: Tottenham to Score 4 or More Goals – 7/2 PaddyPower

Match Odds

Tottenham Hotspur – 2/5 VictorChandler

Draw – 4/1 SkyBet

Queens Park Rangers – 8/1 Ladbrokes