Tottenham Hotspur

Liverpool V Tottenham Hotspur

Date & Kick-Off: Monday, 6 February 2012 – 20:00 GMT

Venue: Anfield

Preview

After a weekend where all their rivals managed to pick up points of some form or another, Liverpool and Tottenham will be all too aware of the ramifications should they fail to collect any of their own at Anfield on Monday.

Impressive victories for Arsenal and Newcastle meant Liverpool dropped two places in the Barclay’s Premier League, without so much as kicking a ball. There was some good news, though – courtesy of a herculean effort from Manchester United, Chelsea were held to a 3-3 draw on Sunday meaning a win for the Reds here would see them move to within two-points of the Blues, whom occupy what would appear the one remaining Champions League berth for next season.

Unfortunately, though, Liverpool haven’t made a habit of winning at home this season. In fact, they’ve only won four of eleven at Anfield in the league and have drawn with the likes of Blackburn, Norwich, Sunderland and Swansea. But they are unbeaten there all season, in all competitions, too – and that does include recent scalps of Man City and Man Utd in the cups.

They’re a big game team, are Liverpool. Pit them against a side they should wipe the floor with and they invariably don’t; pit them against some of the finest this country has to offer and they’ll give you unrivalled value for money. Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City and Man Utd have all succumbed to the might of King Kenny and his charges at some point in the season, and they’ll be boosted by the return of Mr Controversial for the arrival of high-flyers Tottenham.

Uruguayan star Luis Suarez, who has not featured for the Reds since Boxing Day after serving a nine-match suspension for two separate incidents, has been included in the squad and, with Dalglish confirming the player has looked sharp in training, could be unleashed from the off. It will also be a rare chance for fans to see how Steven Gerrard, who is expected to start after sitting out Wednesday’s 3-0 league win at Wolves, links up with the man they call ‘El Pistolero’.

Whereas Liverpool welcome back crucial players for a crucial clash, Tottenham are set to be without several of their more influential figures for what is a must-win clash for them. William Gallas and Aaron Lennon are both ruled out while Rafael Van der Vaart, Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor are all doubtful. The lack of forward personnel could lead to on-loan Louis Saha being handed his début, thrown straight in at the deep end after joining on deadline day from Everton.

With Manchester City cruising past Fulham on Saturday, Spurs know anything less than three-points would leave them with a mountain to climb as far as the title is concerned. However, their record on the road should breed confidence throughout the remaining ranks: only the two Manchester clubs have accrued more points on their travels this season than the North Londoners, who have won six and lost just two of eleven away Premier League games thus far.

Match Pointers

Last League Meeting: Tottenham 4-0 Liverpool; 18 September, 2011. Nine-man Liverpool were well and truly put to the sword at White Hart Lane, midfielder Luka Modric kicking off the rout with a spectacular effort in a match Spurs dominated from start to finish. Jermaine Defoe also got on the scoresheet, as did Emanuel Adebayor who bagged two. Martin Skrtel and Charlie Adam were dismissed for Liverpool.

- Tottenham had failed to win on any of their previous sixteen Premier League visits to Liverpool (D5 L11) before a 2-0 triumph at Anfield on the final day of last season.

- Victory at Anfield on Monday would complete a league double for Tottenham over Liverpool, with the North Londoners having inflicted the same fate on the Reds last season with victory at both Anfield and White Hart Lane.

Liverpool

- Victory over Tottenham would see Liverpool (League Position: 7TH; Form: WLDLW) climb above Arsenal into sixth, a point behind Newcastle in fifth and two off Chelsea in fourth.

- Leaders Man City are the only other team to remain unbeaten at home in the Premier League this season, although Liverpool have drawn seven of eleven at Anfield (W4 D7 L0 / GF14 GA8).

- The Reds have won only two of their last seven league matches (W2 D3 L2).

- Liverpool have not conceded more than one goal at Anfield in the league all season, keeping a clean sheet in three of their last five.

Tottenham

- Only the two Manchester clubs have collected more points on their travels than Tottenham, who have registered 20 points from a possible 33 away from home (W6 D2 L3).

- Spurs have lost only one of their last nine in the league (W5 D3 L1), but have won just one of their previous four (W1 D1 L2) – including a 3-2 loss to Man City in their most recent away encounter.

- Tottenham have scored at least one goal in each of their last ten Premier League away games, keeping just two clean sheets during this run themselves.

- Gareth Bale, January’s Player of the Month, has three in his last two league appearances – including a sublime effort at Man City a fortnight ago.

Betting

Prediction: Draw @ 12/5 (Bet365)

Following Sunday’s pulsating affair at Stamford Bridge between Chelsea and Manchester United, expectations are sky-high regarding Monday Night Football’s live clash at Anfield between Champions League hopefuls Liverpool and title-chasing Tottenham. Will it live up to the billing? Probably not, although there is enough world-class talent on show to produce a spectacle. Will we even get that? I’m not so sure either.

The ingredients are certainly there for a riveting watch; Gerrard & Suarez combining forces to take on thee irrepressible duo of Modric and Bale. However both managers have the utmost respect for one another and their teams, so we could see a lot of special treatment as Dalglish and Redknapp seek to nullify each other’s strengths. Dalglish falls into this trap more so, as he’s naturally a more cautious, tactful manager than Redknapp, who genuinely believes his team are capable of breaching any defence, even one as resolute as Liverpool’s. So expect Spurs to dominate with the ball and the Reds to counter.

Separating the two isn’t easy. In fact, I’ve found it impossible, which is baffling really considering we aren’t short of a match-winner or two. This should be extremely tight, possibly even cagey, so the draw has obvious appeal. That said, neither manager will be chuffed with a share of the spoils.

Value Bet: Penalty to be awarded @ 10/3 (WilliamHill)

A penalty has been awarded in four of the pair’s last five league meetings, including in last season’s Anfield encounter – Croatian schemer Luka Modric converting the second of Tottenham’s two goals in a 2-0 success for the Londoners.

Match Odds

Liverpool – 23/20 (PaddyPower)

Draw – 12/5 (Bet365)

Tottenham – 13/5 (StanJames)

Watford V Tottenham Hotspur

Date & Kick-Off: Friday, 27 January 2012 – 19:45 GMT

Venue: Vicarage Road

FA Cup, Fourth Round

Preview

Seemingly now out of the running for the Barclay’s Premier League, Tottenham could soon find themselves with no silverware prospects at all should they fail to negotiate Watford at Vicarage Road in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Not since 1961 have Spurs been crowned champions of England. Their 51-year drought is unlikely to cease any time soon either, not after succumbing to current Premier League pacesetters Manchester City last time out to fall eight points off the pace. The club has vowed to bounce back from that setback and refuses to throw in the towel with regards to the title race, but the manner of the defeat could mean a pre-occupied Harry Redknapp has his work cut out lifting the mood of a dressing room that could be forgiven for feeling a little sorry for themselves.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has spent much of the week leading up to Friday’s tie in court facing up to charges of tax evasion, so the 64-year-old is unlikely to be in the best frame of mind to galvanise a group of players whose morale has to be questioned following last weekend’s agonising defeat – only their fourth league defeat of the season, and one they certainly did not deserve on the merit of play.

The team will need lifting as well, as Sunday’s game was an emotional roller-coaster for everyone involved. To have Jermaine Defoe spurn a gilt-edged opportunity in stoppage time, with the City goal at his mercy, to conceding with virtually the last kick of the game, via a penalty that was converted by a player who should not of been on the pitch at that time, will naturally hurt. It may even leaving a lasting scar, as Tottenham are renowned for capitulating mid-season.

Statistics suggest Watford have it all to do…

Even with their confidence and morale suffering a blow recently, you’d like to think Spurs will have too much class and quality for their opponents. Whereas Tottenham are flying high in the Barclay’s Premier League, where they sit third with 14 wins from 22 games so far, Watford find themselves hovering precariously above the Championship relegation zone following a run of three consecutive defeats. They are also one of the division’s lowest scorers, barely averaging a goal a game.

So a massive ask for the former Premier League outfit turned Championship strugglers, although the Hornets may well fancy their chances at home, at a packed Vicarage Road, against what may well be an understrength Spurs outfit. The Tottenham manager has not shied away from declaring the Premier League his number one priority this season, so it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see him rotate his squad and hand some of his first-team regulars the weekend off – a similar approach he took in both the Carling Cup and Europa League, with very little success I hasten to add.

It is also worth mentioning that Watford have only lost once at home in their last ten, although that was a 2-1 reverse to Reading in their last Championship fixture at Vicarage Road. It’s also a run strung together against mediocre opposition. But 5 of their 7 Championships wins were earned at home, as were 19 of the 28 goals they’ve scored, so there could be some potential for an upset should Harry Redknapp decide to have a tinker with his team.

Match Pointers

- On their last visit to Vicarage Road, in December 2008 for a League Cup encounter, Tottenham ran out 2-1 winners thanks to strikes from Roman Pavlyuchenko and Darren Bent.

- Watford haven’t beaten Tottenham in their last six competitive meetings, with their most recent success over the Londoners being a 3-2 triumph at White Hart Lane back in 1994.

- The Hornets sit 18TH in the Championship and are on a three-match losing streak, scoring just once in their last 270 minutes of football.

- At home, Watford have suffered defeat just once in their last nine (W5 D3 L1) – though that did occur in their most recent fixture at Vicarage Road, in a 2-1 reverse to Reading on January 14.

- Only Manchester United (8) have claimed more victories away from home in the Premier League this season than Tottenham (winning 6 of 11).

- Spurs have only been beaten once in their last ten matches in all competitions (W6 D3 L1), which was their agonising 3-2 defeat to Man City last Sunday.

Betting

Prediction: Tottenham to WIN @ 1/2 Bet365

Tottenham host Wigan Athletic in their next Premier League fixture before run-ins with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United. With this in mind, and with Spurs not quite out of the title race just yet, it wouldn’t be a big surprise were we to see Harry Redknapp tinker with his team-sheet and hand some of his first-team regulars the weekend off. He may not, but this is a manager who made wholesale changes throughout his side’s Europa League campaign. He did something very similar in the Carling Cup as well, a competition they bowed out of at the earliest departure point after a largely second-string outfit failed to overcome Stoke at the Brittania Stadium.

Rotation could actually be a shrewd move, as one suspects morale amongst the first-team isn’t great following last week’s agonising league defeat to Man City. I expect it will be a mixture though, of first-team regulars and those on the periphery, and that really ought to be good enough to see off average opposition in the form of a Watford team who host this tie on the back of three straight league defeats, having mustered just one goal in this dismal run.

Value Bet: Roman Pavlyuchenko First Goalscorer @ 5/1 Bet365

Having quashed rumours of a move away from White Hart Lane by signing a contract extension, Roman Pavlyuchenko could be rewarded with a start against Watford. The Russian has barely featured under Harry Redknapp this season, with his appearances mainly limited to the Europa League, but he does have 4 in 12 for the campaign and is actually a mean finisher, despite what his lack of starts may suggest. Defoe could be rested while Harry may not risk Adebayor either.

Match Odds

Watford – 7/1 StanJames

Draw – 10/3 Ladbrokes

Tottenham – 1/2 Bet365

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

Swansea V Tottenham

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 31 December 2011 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Liberty Stadium

Preview

As 2011 draws to a close, supporters of Swansea and Tottenham can reflect on what has been a memorable year of football for their clubs – though ending it in style is the only thought on the minds of both teams as they prepare to lock horns at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Just being back in the top flight of English Football is a remarkable achievement for Swansea, whose victory in the Championship play-off final last May ensured the club would be the first from Wales to ply their trade in the Premier League. Not content with ‘just being here’, the Swans have raised quite a few eyebrows with their exploits thus far: Brendan Rodgers’ men sit 14th at the midway point, five points above the relegation zone, having lost just once over in Wales at their Liberty Stadium.

Avoiding a second home reverse is Swansea’s final assignment of the year, one which is anything but straightforward, up against a Tottenham side who have seemingly emerged from nowhere as surprise contenders for the Premier League title.

For Tottenham, the year began on a high; they were still alive in the UEFA Champions League, going on to dump seven-time European champions AC Milan out over two-legs in the Round of 16 before finally succumbing to the most successful club in the competition’s history, Spanish giants Real Madrid. It will end on a similarly positive note, with them being crowned top London club having made their strongest ever start to a Premier League campaign, accruing 38 points from their first 17 fixtures.

Due to their phenomenal first half to the season, Tottenham – who sit third in the table, four points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea who, like most, have played a game more – are odds-on to finish in the Champions League places (top four). However, manager Harry Redknapp has reiterated both his and his team’s desire to challenge for the title itself.

A seventh away win of the term, which in itself would be a milestone success (Tottenham’s best ever tally of away wins in the Premier League era stands at seven), would certainly do the North Londoners’ claims for a maiden Premier League crown no harm. They currently lie seven points adrift of the two Manchester clubs, whom account for two of Tottenham’s three league defeats, although Spurs do have a game in hand over both.

If Tottenham are to secure their seventh away win of the season, the likelihood is Gareth Bale will have a large say in their success. The Welshman has been in sublime form this season, chipping in with 8 goals and 5 assists, and continued his fine vein of form by scoring both goals in his side’s 2-0 win at Norwich on Tuesday.

Elsewhere that same day, Swansea were held to a 1-1 draw by QPR. Jamie Mackie’s goal for the visitors was only the third Brendan Rodgers’ team have conceded all season at home, giving them to the strongest defence in the Premier League on home soil. Meanwhile only current champions Manchester United have gone to the Liberty Stadium and left with all three points, with that being a tentative 1-0 success for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men.

Match Pointers

First competitive meeting for 20 years, but Tottenham haven’t beaten Swansea away since September 1946.

Swansea have only lost once at home (W4 D4 L1) and boast the best defensive record at the Liberty Stadium (3 conceded in 9 home games).

The Swans have taken four points from visiting London sides, beating Fulham 2-0 and drawing 1-1 with QPR.

All four of Scott Sinclair’s goals for Swansea were netted on home soil, three of which were successfully converted penalties.

This is Tottenham’s best ever start to a Premier League season (W12 D2 L3), losing just one of fifteen (W13 D2 L1) since their 5-1 drubbing at the hands of Man City on 28 August.

Only Manchester United (23) have registered more points on their travels than Harry Redknapp’s team (19), who have won six of none away from home (W6 D1 L2).

Tottenham have notched two or more goals in seven of their last eight away matches – on the two occasions they haven’t scored twice on the road, at Man Utd (3-0) and Stoke (2-1), they’ve suffered defeat.

Betting

Two teams who like to get the ball down and play football. Should make for cracking entertainment, then. Tottenham are the favourites – and deservedly so – and they really did look classy away to Norwich in midweek. Harry Redknapp has assembled a well-balanced team capable of withstanding plenty of froward thrust but one equally capable of prizing open any defence. The latter is just as well.

Swansea have been close to impenetrable at home. Even Manchester United’s solitary strike, in what remains the Swans only reverse on home soil, came courtesy of a rare defensive error. To conceded three times in nine matches on your own turf is an incredible achievement, remarkable even, so you have to feel that if anyone is capable of holding their own against this star-studded Tottenham offence boasting enormous amounts of pace and energy, an abundance of craft and guile, it is Brendan Rodgers’ well-drilled charges.

Because Swansea should enjoy plenty of possession, Spurs may struggle to create as many openings as we’re used to seeing. As a result, I believe the draw is the right way to go. Should be a good watch, though.

Recommended Bet: Draw – 14/5 VictorChandler

Value Bet: Draw/Draw (HT/FT) – 11/2 VictorChandler

Match Odds

Swansea – 9/2 Ladbrokes

Draw – 14/5 VictorChandler

Tottenham – 8/11 StanJames

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

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