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Premier League Preview : March 24th.

March 24, 2012 //
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Chelsea vs. Tottenham

The outcome of this game will unsurprisingly have a large bearing on which of the clubs will be playing Champion’s League football next season, so the importance of the contest cannot be understated. The positive side of this scenario is that both teams will be focused on the task in hand and a high quality spectacle is more than likely. It has been said that Tottenham’s form has been on the wane over the past few weeks. The results suggest that there is some truth to this assertion but the difficulty level of recent fixtures has been high. What is less arguable is that when the two teams met at White Hart Lane before Christmas, Spurs were at the top of their game and Chelsea were struggling for form. The match ended in a draw suggesting that on their day Chelsea are still a match for the visitors. It wasn’t as if Chelsea played badly away at Man. City during the week but more a case of City performing to their usual high standard, so it is a defeat easily forgiven. The short odds quotes for the over goal markets suggests a game of many chances is in order and given both sides preference for attack a high scoring game could develop. In running backers will know know that over 2.5 goals will trade at close to 5.0 at halftime if the score remains at 0-0 so there may be some margin in being patient. For an opening position, however, the draw no bet on Chelsea is a sensible place to start given the home side’s very good record at Stamford Bridge against Tottenham. It would be surprising if Chelsea failed to score leaving Tottenham the task of scoring at least twice to seal the win.

Recommended bet: Back Chelsea, draw no bet.

Arsenal vs. Aston Villa

Arsenal and Villa have shown widely contrasting form of late. Just when it looked like the wheels were coming off the Arsenal wagon they proceed to string together six straight wins in the league. In contrast Villa have suffered injuries to key personnel and are struggling. Arsenal are the most likely winners of this contest and will have to make the pace in terms of goalscoring for goal backers. The cup tie between these two sides earlier in the year was an intriguing contest to review. Arsenal’s form at the time was indifferent and Villa sought to rattle their confidence early in the game. The away side was rewarded with two goals in the first half before the Gunners dug in and turned the result around. Given the absences from Villa’s ranks and Arsenal’s resurgence it would be surprising if Villa were very attacking early on in the game. They will seek to keep the game tight and form an orderly defence. Arsenal remain an exciting outfit to watch but their youthful profile does lend them to be inconsistent at times. While they are by far the most likely victors of this game, the nature of their performance is an unknown so backing that there will be exactly 2 or 3 goals in the game will cover a wide range of outcomes. There also remains the option of backing over 2.5 goals at a good price at some stage in the game leaving a three goal game as a double winning result.

Recommended bet: Back exactly 2 or 3 goals in the game.

Stoke vs. Manchester City

Despite making hard work of the situation City deserved to beat Chelsea on Wednesday night and have another challenging assignment on their hands away at Stoke. It is virtually guaranteed that City will have the larger share of possession seeing as Liverpool were able to dominate this part of the game against the Potters last weekend. City in turn allowed Chelsea little of the ball for large stretches of their encounter. It is probable that City will play with a high defensive line seeing as Etherington is the most likely threat of pace on the break. They will seek to keep Stoke at a distance from their goal to nullify the home side’s set piece attacks. It will take a supreme defensive effort from Stoke to shut out the likes of Aguero, Silva, Nasri and Tevez. These nimble attackers are just the type of forwards that Stoke struggle against. It was memorable how pleased the Stoke management were prior to a match with Liverpool earlier in the season when it was evident that Suarez would not be lining out against them. City will no doubt attempt to stretch the Stoke backline in the wider areas of the pitch if they are having no joy down the centre. They also have the firepower for accurate long range shooting. It could end up being a frustrating afternoon for City but it will not be for the want of trying.

Recommended bet: Back Man. City in the race to 4 corners.

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Categories Football, Premier League

Premier League Preview : March 21st

March 21, 2012 //
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QPR vs. Liverpool

Liverpool appear to be growing in confidence following their successful League Cup campaign and their advance to the semi-final of the F.A. Cup. Stewart Downing may just be doing enough at this end of the season to force himself into the reckoning for inclusion into the England match day squad. While these opinions are speculative, it is hard to view QPR’s recent numbers in anything other than a negative light. At the point of the season where momentum is vital, no wins from the last six games including two home defeats, their outlook for avoiding relegation doesn’t look bright. The age profile of the team doesn’t lend itself to chasing a rejuvenated Liverpool around on a slick pitch for ninety minutes.

Liverpool’s most consistent unit this season has been their defence, which with sufficient forward support could well have had the squad challenging for a top three position in the league. Some of the problems in attack appear to be in the process of being ironed out but lingering doubts remain. The fact that QPR have conceded nearly twice the amount of goals that Liverpool have in the league probably requires them to score at least two goals against the division’s third best defence in order to win the game.

If Liverpool can maintain any reasonable level of consistency they will be hard pressed to lose the tie. If the away side had shown a free scoring side to their play throughout the season a straight win bet would be the wager of choice but the draw no bet option has its attraction.

Recommended bet: Back Liverpool, draw no bet.

Manchester City vs. Chelsea

Tonight’s game at the Etihad promises to be an intriguing encounter with the possible return of the controversial City striker Carlos Tevez adding spice to a must-win fixture for both clubs. While City are now playing catchup to their red neighbours for the title, Chelsea need maximum points to maintain their push to secure Champions League football for next season.

City’s home record this season is nothing short of impressive, gaining maximum points from 14 games, scoring 42 goals and conceding a mere 6 in the process. Their overall form has been shaky of late though and two defeats in three games has cast fresh doubts over Roberto Mancini’s side. This is in contrast to Chelsea who under caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo, have won their last four games.

John Terry and Joleon Lescott are confirmed absentees for this fixture while Vincent Kompany remains a large doubt. Given the unsettling of both sides’ defences it may pay to look at the goal markets with more chances than normal being gifted to either side, particularly given the nature of game.

Analysing the bookmakers’ odds, they are predicting 23 chances in the game, taking into consideration each sides conversion rate this season. For three goals to become an attractive proposition there need to be 25 chances in the match, one chance below this season’s Premier League average. This is a realistic possibility considering the team news and importance of maximum points for both sides.

Recommended bet: over 2.5 goals

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Categories Football, Premier League

Premier League Preview : March 3rd

March 3, 2012 //
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Liverpool vs. Arsenal

After a host of international friendlies in midweek the league program recommences with a fascinating lunchtime encounter at Anfield. What is immediately interesting is the manner in which both sides set up their backlines. Liverpool have a tendency to defend deeply allowing the attacking side little space to exploit beyond their rearguard. It is highly unlikely this approach will be altered in view of the degree of Carragher’s mobility and the pace of Arsenal’s forwards. This game occurs while the memory of Arsenal’s punishing display of Spurs’ lack of discipline is still fresh in the mind. As a result I cannot see Liverpool over-committing their fullbacks in the early part of the game. The downside to this approach is that the distance between the defence and the forwards increases and possession turnovers are more likely to occur. It could take a while for the game to settle down into a discernable rhythm unless one of the teams scores an early goal. Arsenal will no doubt defend with a high line looking to catch Suarez in particular in the offside trap. They live dangerously using this tactic as was seen in the opening stages of last Sunday’s match. If successfully implemented their gameplan will allow them to squeeze Liverpool back and they will look to play in the space between the holding midfielder and Carragher, aiming to play quick passes and getting into the box. There is little margin in crossing the ball high into the penalty area seeing as this is an area where Liverpool will dominate. I virtually find this game impossible to call before kick-off, such is the contrast in styles and the inconsistency, at times, of both teams.

Manchester City vs. Bolton

Last Saturday City could have in truth been six goals ahead by half-time against Blackburn. The visitors offered little resistance but City remained impressive in their relentless attacking play. Yaya Toure looks as if he was never absent and has fitted back seamlessly. It is interesting to note that due to a lack of international action this week, Balotelli is bound to start upfront and surely remains a fresh player given the lack of match time he has endured over the past months. He was individually very effective in the away Europa League tie against Porto and proved worthy of his starting bearth last weekend. Unsurprisingly the over 2.5 goals market suggests that there will be around 27 attempts at goal during the match. It can be expected that City will be the main contributors to the final total. 1/3 feels like a short price for there to be three goals or more but it is probably a realistic quote. I’d prefer to take a chance on City (-2) on the Asian handicap at 4-7 seeing as they will be doing most of the attacking and a victory by two goals results in the return of the stake.

Recommended bet:

Back Man. City (-2), Asian handicap.

Blackburn vs. Aston Villa

Blackburn will simply get fewer better opportunities to take three points at home to Villa than this one. For one reason or another Villa are without three of their better performing players from the past few months and even with a full compliment of personnel, their results have largely been poor. Blackburn would have known for two weeks that Richard Dunne would be absent from the visitor’s defence and have probably planned accordingly. Yakubu has scored at a very respectable rate this season from limited opportunities and his physical presence will cause problems for Villa and without Dunne he will represent more of a challenge. The layer’s over 2.5 goals quotes suggest an open game of around 25 chances but the key variable will be the ability to convert these into scores. The absence of Darren Bent obviously lessens Villa’s prospects in this regard, leaving Blackburn’s Yakubu as the stand-out finisher on the field.

Recommended bet:

Back Yakubu, first goalscorer, 5-1 each way.

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Categories Football, Premier League

Premier League Preview : February 25th

February 25, 2012 //
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Weather conditions at present should make this a particularly enjoyable weekend for sport and there will be little need for the appearance of gloves and neck warmers up and down Premier League grounds this afternoon. The quality of the football should be decent unless the curse of the bobbly pitch resurfaces.

Newcastle vs. Wolves

Contrary to many predictions Newcastle are hanging in there in the fight for a Champions’ League spot and have far more convincing form of late than the likes of Chelsea or Arsenal. Their current form has them on target for around a 60 point finish in the table based both on their season total so far and the points accrued over the last eight games. The 4-7 about them to beat Wolves this afternoon looks at least fair. Simply based on the two teams respective table positions the quote doesn’t look mean and current form is certainly on the side of the home team. Demba Ba seems to have picked up where he left off in terms of goalscoring and overall play since his return from the African Cup of Nations. He remains the major goal threat and with quotes as low as 4-7 in the anytime scorer market, the layers have run scared of him. He would need five genuine efforts at goal to come even near to justifying that price but only his usually 3.3 (!) to make evens a workable bet.

Recommended bets:

Back Newcastle to beat Wolves

Back Demba Ba anytime scorer at Evens (Boylesports).

Manchester City vs. Blackburn

City continue to go from strength to strength and their progress has been well documented but their victory in Portugal and subsequent demolition job in the second leg of their Europa League tie are particularly meritous efforts. They must be kicking themselves that they are not in the main European competition where only a handful of teams have genuine claims for glory. This is a game that City obviously need to win and very probably will do so. I’ve give the fixture mention here in light of the various bookmaker concessions that are available. Correct scores and first/last goalscorer bets are those that are refunded with Powers if there are four or more goals in the match. By their own reckoning it’s marginally odds on that the concession will be triggered. To have a reasonable chance of the four goals being scored there needs to be around 26 efforts at goal. There will be plenty in the City squad willing to impress as the season draws towards the pivotal games, so it’s unlikely that the home side will let up at any stage. Ladbrokes’ refund concession is enacted should Yakubu score at anytime. Their own odds compilers have him down as a 9-2 shot to hit the net. Essentially they believe he’ll have one or less serious effort at the target which is a very possible reality given the amount of possession that City are likely to have. It’s clear who is offering the better value special on this occasion.

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Categories Football, Premier League

Champions League Preview : February 21st

February 21, 2012 //
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Napoli vs. Chelsea

Naples would be a tough place to go and get a result at anytime but if you are on a run like Chelsea’s at the moment, now would not be a good time. The Blues would be nearly a 25-1 shot to have only won one of their last six fixtures in all competitions. Clearly things are amiss and statistically verified as such.

Chelsea are obviously suffering defensive mainly due to the absences of stalwart defenders, Terry and Cole. Cole is certain to be absent and even if Terry does play it’s hard to make a case for backing the London side such is the lack of cohesion higher up the pitch. Drogba has been excellent in the Champion’s League this season and it would be surprising if he doesn’t get the nod upfront with Sturridge. Torres continues to misfire and there would be little joy for him up against Napoli’s packed defence.

The Azzurri set themselves up most usually in the formation of an away side with a deep lying defence. They have won remarkably few offsides in Serie A this season, mainly due to the fact there is little space behind their backline. Cavani is the main source of goals assisted chiefly by Hamsik, who incidently has excellent ball retention numbers. Napoli will be ready to exploit any weakness on Chelsea’s left flank with the aid of Maggio who has contributed well on the assist front throughout the league program. This is in addition to Lavezzi who finds himself as the side’s primary playmaker.

The Italian representatives have had significant amount of their games ending as draws and if neither side are willing to commit men forward, we could be in for a cagey start to the game. Even so, Napoli will be looking for some kind of lead to head to Stamford Bridge with. In the interim between the two legs, Cole could well become serviceable again. With all this in mind backing Napoli to win the first leg, draw no bet is the preferred option.

Recommended bet: Back Napoli, draw no bet at 4/6.

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Categories Champions League, Football

FA Cup 5th Round Preview : February 18th

February 18, 2012 //
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Chelsea vs. Birmingham

Chelsea are a short enough price at home to Championship side Birmingham to win this lunchtime’s F.A. Cup fixture. The home side looked particularly demotivated for their away trip to Everton last weekend and there is clearly unrest in the camp. The possible absence of Ashley Cole is significant as Chelsea do not have a workable replacement in the position and on the occasions he has been absent the backline has looked a shambles (no wins in his 5 absences from the starting lineup this season). John Terry is also likely to be absent particularly with a Champions’ League fixture in the offing. Had you asked Birmingham which one player would they like to see absent from the team sheet and the captain would have been the most likely reply. In these situations we have to ask whether the underdog has the ability to take advantage of the favourite’s predicament. Birmingham’s games against Wolves earlier in the competition were described at best as dire. They looked like two Championship sides in a contest of brawn rather than guile. Nathan Redmond is rare ray of light and looks a skillful player of much potential. His impact will depend on whether Birmingham can release him quickly enough and allow him to run against an isolated defender. Even so it remains that Chelsea have the better players. For all their woes it is easy to forget that Essien, Sturridge and Mata will line out for the home side and the issues for Chelsea are motivational and organisational rather than questions of ability. For the reasons stated it is impossible to make a forecast before kick-off and for those wanting to be involved in the betting, an in-running wager is probably the best course of action.

Norwich vs. Leicester

Norwich have been a revelation in the Premier League this season and currently lie eigth in the top division. In contrast Leicester find themselves just in the bottom half of the Championship. Paul Lambert clearly has his team well organised and combined with a fair efficiency in front of goal Norwich are set for a comfortable mid table finish at the least. Grant Holt has been in excellent form this season and was far too much for a lauded Swansea team to handle last weekend. He is ably assisted by the likes of Pilkington and Morison and the home team isn’t solely reliant on him to score the goals. I’m finding it hard to explain the apparent generosity of the layers in offering 10-11 on a Norwich victory. The better team is at home and playing very well. Leicester will be no pushovers but Norwich are the same price to beat them as Man. Utd were to beat Liverpool last weekend. It has to be argued that United and Liverpool are closer in ability than the opponents in this cup tie who find themselves a division apart.

Recommended bet: Back Norwich at 10-11.

Everton vs. Blackpool

This is potentially one of the more lively contests to be played this weekend. Indeed the over 2.5 goals market suggests there will be around 27 efforts at goals during the game. What will count ultimately is which side proves to be the more ruthless in front of goal. Everton’s new recruits have seen them to be more purposeful and therefore the absences of Pienaar and Donovan will be a loss. With the two aforementioned players along with Cahill and Gibson, Everton had the makings of a vibrant midfield that would, over ninety minutes, been too much for Blackpool. In contrast there is not a lot of pace at the back for Everton and this is why I suspect that Blackpool will engage in an open attacking game to facilitate situations where Everton’s midfield cover are out of place. Blackpool are certainly in confident mood having won four of their last 5 games but surely Everton’s form at home in their last three fixtures of beating Chelsea, Man. City and Fulham amounts to more. Again the Premier League team probably has more ability and it is only the fact that the absentees are likely to prove significant that I will not be backing Everton at 8/15. Equally I wont be taking them on.

Sunderland vs. Arsenal

Arsenal need to come with a wealth warning attached to them at present. When they fancy playing they can still be hugely effective but when the mood doesn’t take them, they can be abject. On the face of it their league victory at the Stadium of Light looks a decent bit of form but I suspect that the result had more to do with Sunderland’s limitations rather than Arsenal’s ability. Swansea probably should have left the North East with a result having dominated a recent league fixture up there but they were caught chasing the game and couldn’t finish their own chances. Van Persie is having to carry the away side virtually single handed. Many of his goals he has created out of very little and typically not because the service has been conducive to goalscoring. Arsenal have been shorn of their centre backs which didn’t look to be too much of a disadvantage in midweek until we witnessed how inept the replacements were and how out of practice the fullbacks appeared to be. But wishing to remain objective they are unlikley to come up against the quality of Ibrahimovic and Robinho this evening and I do suspect they made Boeteng look a bit better than he actually is. Sunderland will no doubt play a pressing game to test the confidence of this Arsenal side but should they over stretch themselves Arsenal’s counterattack players could cause them some damage. The over goals markets do suggest an open game. Again this is a contest where before kick off it is hard to have a definitive view. It has to be remembered that Sunderland will not be able to sustain a pressing effort for the entire game and if Arsenal are still at parity they could yet again land a late blow.

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Categories FA Cup, Football

Champions League Preview : February 15th

February 15, 2012 //
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AC Milan vs. Arsenal

These are two sides which rely heavily on their own talismanic front men: Van Persie and Ibrahimovic. Premier League followers need no further introduction to Van Persie but it is worth highlighting the value of Ibrahimovic to Milan. He does much of the shooting and dribbling for his side with Cassano providing a great deal of the assists. Only Nocerino has contributed to the goal tally as efficiently but then has less than half the scores the Swede has amassed. Even so this Milan side does not looked blessed with abundant pace going forward. Robinho is a tidy player as his high pass completion rate suggests but he wouldn’t be as explosive as Oxlade-Chamberlain or Walcott. Henry could yet play a cameo role and clearly still has an eye for goal. Vermaelen has been missed at the heart of Arsenal’s defence and his return is of great benefit. I would expect him to play plenty of triangular passes with the likes of Arteta and Rosicky to ensure Arsenal retain possession. It is unlikely that Milan will press as hard as Madrid, Barcelona or even Man. Utd so the Arsenal midfield is bound to have time to pick its passes. In contrast the Gunners will be more adept at harrying Milan in the centre of the field and it has to be wondered whether Mexes and Tiago can quieten Van Persie. The recently re-laying of the San Siro surface is a little concern as it adds an unknown variable to the equation but bearing in mind Arsenal’s excellent record at home in European competition, I can see Arsenal progressing to the next round and don’t believe they should be the outsiders in this tie.

Recommended bet: back Arsenal to qualify for the next round.

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Categories Champions League, Football

Champions League Preview : February 14th

February 14, 2012 //
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Bayer Leverkusen vs. Barcelona

Barcelona are close to fielding a full side with only Villa and Busquets being the significant absentees. The Catalan side has been far from convincing on the road and this has to be worrying for their longer term prospects of silverware for this season. The absentees from Sunday’s league defeat have been well reported and another Champion’s League victory is now the number one priority. Michael Ballack is an obvious absentee for Leverkusen but his contribution to the team has probably been of a more inspiration quality rather than in terms of output. Sidney Sam on the other hand is a massive loss. He has been highly productive offensively and impressively efficient in doing so. He has a close on 86 % pass completion rate in the Bundesliga and is one of side’s main ball carriers. Derdiyok also misses the game and while he has not been as protective of the ball in possession, he scores with a sixth of his efforts at goal.

The ‘over’ goal markets have taken into account that there will be around 24 attempts at goal over the ninety minutes. The best prices available for each of the ‘over’ markets are consistent until we reach the over 3.5 goals quote. 6-4 is a desperately poor offer and even the 7-4 available is poor value where 2.9 is the realistic price. Both teams are likely to stutter into action and going low on goals looks the way forward.

Recommended bet: Back under 3.5 goals at 1.56

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Categories Champions League, Football

Premier League Preview : February 11th

February 11, 2012 //
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We are getting to the point in the season where clubs are looking to build momentum going into the deciding phase of the campaign. Every weekend seems to provide a list of intriguing fixtures which are becoming increasingly difficult to call.

Manchester United v. Liverpool

These two sides recently met at Anfield in the F.A. Cup and despite enjoying large periods of possession United did not emerge victorious. Liverpool applied pressure with set pieces early in the game and gradually got themselves back into the contest late on to secure the win. For the middle portion of the contest United were dominant and merited their equalising goal. This game will be largely be determined by how the speedier players on the park perform. There is very little pace at the centre of either defence. Liverpool appeared to be chasing shadows against Tottenham’s midfield on Monday night and it could be a similar story here. It is undoubted that United will enjoy the majority of the possession. They also have the personnel to utilise it in the attacking third of the field. Even so there is a lingering doubt that a well aimed pass over the top will find the likes of Suarez or Bellamy isolated against one of United’s slower defenders. That said, United will spend an awful lot of time probing Liverpool’s flanks and as a result it is hard to see the away side winning this seeing as United are very likely to score. The respective vastly differing conversion rates also support this.

Recommended bet: Back Man. United, draw no bet.

Everton vs. Chelsea

Everton appear to be lifted by the arrival of their new signings and as is traditional at Goodison the midfield has a particularly robust look to it. Landon Donovan has added some much needed guile and they will be hoping that Jelavic will benefit from his input. Chelsea remain an enigma. There are passages throughout games where they play very well, which is hardly a surprise given the quality of the personnel. But more often than not they don’t put the complete performance together. Everton are likely to take the game to Chelsea following the frailties that were on show last Sunday. Ironically this may be to the away side’s advantage. They would like nothing more than to have Sturridge and Torres in a running match against the Everton central defence. The side benefit being that Sturridge will be deployed to pin back the forward advances of Baines. Juan Mata continues to impress without the support he could expect. Had Torres been the goal threat of old, I would have almost fancied Chelsea to win this fixture since the away side could have been good for at least a couple of goals. They would need that sort of cushion seeing as Everton will be keen to test out the newly constructed Chelsea defence. Given the relatively low goal chance conversion rates of both sides, the bookmakers have priced the goal markets up with around 23 chances in mind. With neither side with much reason to hold back it is very possible both teams will score. 5/6 can be considered the right price if the goal chances are shared approximately equally.

Recommended bet: Both teams to score at 5/6 or better.

Tottenham vs. Newcastle

The bookmakers clearly believe that this will be a high scoring affair, probably with a minimum of 24 attempts at goal. Tottenham controlled large parts of the game at Anfield on Monday night and could deprive Newcastle of much of the possession. It will be interesting to see if Newcastle start with just the one up front. If this does not prove to be the case, they will find themselves overmatched in midfield. Spurs are as good as any team in the division in this department. Newcastle’s forward players could find themselves isolated and their defence will be hard pressed to keep the home side at bay. Whether Tottenham attack down the flanks or engage in long range shooting, Newcastle will be wary. In Demba Ba Newcastle clearly have a match winner but it will be a case of them being able to support him effectively whilst not leaving themselves open to the counter attack. The pace of Chelsea’s Sturridge and Drogba was all too much for Newcastle on their home ground before Christmas. There isn’t a great deal of speed in the backline to counter the threat of Bale, Lennon or Defoe. Interestingly, Ladbrokes stand out on their own at 2-1 on the over 3.5 goals which is an accurate reflection of the probabilities if there are to be 24 attempts at goal. The same firm also offer the concession that they will refund selected bets on the game if Ba scores at any time. With two viable chances the concession is around 10-3 to click and around 2-1 if he sees three real chances. Ladbrokes themselves feel he’ll have two and a half!

Sunderland vs. Arsenal

Sunderland’s resurgence has been well reported and Arsenal remain fabulously inconsistent. Sunderland recorded an ultimately convincing 2-0 victory over Swansea not so long ago but it was the Swans who dominated possession and had Sunderland chasing for much of the game. On their day Arsenal are well able to give out a similar lesson but in contrast the Gunners have the firepower to convert possession into goals. Van Persie continues to break records and there’s plenty of pace around to support him. Much of the same can be said of Campbell and Sessegnon who will give the Arsenal defence plenty to think about. The over goals markets suggest that there will be 24 attempts at goal throughout the game and it’s not hard to imagine that Martin O’Neill’s side will push forward early on. They are safely in mid-table and are now looking to advance their position. This will be a game of chances and could literally end up any score.

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Categories Football, Premier League

Premier League Preview : February 6th

February 6, 2012 //
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Liverpool vs. Tottenham

Both sides have enjoyed, on the whole, decent form of late. At the beginning of the season this fixture would have been viewed as the play-off for fourth or fifth place. Tottenham continue to exceed expectation and despite some absentees this evening, are a surprisingly long price in the match betting. While Defoe’s speed would have troubled the Liverpool backs and Lennon provided width, the game would have been set to be a congested affair irrespective of the line-ups. It is was remarkable how much possession Manchester United enjoyed on their recent visit to Anfield and it is arguable that Spurs have the calibre of player to match United in midfield. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Tottenham have a good proportion of possession in tonight’s game. Add in the fact that they are also content to do a good deal of their shooting from long range and they could be well equipped to hold Liverpool at bay for long periods. Liverpool’s chief threats will arise from the pace of Bellamy and the height of Carroll. Kaboul is more than competent in the air so the service to Carroll will have to be exemplary. The Asian handicap bet on Spurs at +1 is attractive given that the away side is probably the better team. Liverpool seem to be a little short at 11-10 in the win market but they are overall a progressive outfit, even so Spurs’ consistency is enough to sway the argument.

Recommended bet: Tottenham (+1) Asian handicap.

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Categories Football, Premier League
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