English Premier
2010-02-21 - Wigan Athletic vs Tottenham Hotspur
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Football : England : Premier League
Sunday 21st February 2010 - Kickoff 4:15pm
Anyone remember that 9-1 thrashing? Yep, thought as much.
Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic lie 14th, but are hovering just 2 points above the dropzone.
Wigan have had their chances, at least on paper, to pull away via a favourable set of fixtures, but failed to capitalise. The Latics haven't won a match since beating Wolves in early January and are now winless in 6, including 4 at home.
When you see that they have played, and only drawn, with sides like Stoke, Bolton and Sunderland in that time, it's clear this team isn't now going to have the ability to beat a side fighting for a European spot.
Roberto Martinez's team have worried him at home recently. For a team that managed to pick up wins early in the season, including a very decisive and impressive one against Chelsea, they have since faltered. At home, they are winless since November, and have scored only 11 times.
This lack of creativity will prove costly against a Spurs side that has proved more than capable of beating up on weaker opposition. On injuries, Titus Bramble will miss out after picking up a hamstring injury against Bolton, while Kingson and Gohuri also look set to sit this one out.
The pitch looks to be in a bad state, according to reports, but the defence will still have their hands full against a side with loads of attacking talent. Wigan have conceded 49 goals this season, just a couple less than Burnley and Hull. That won't do if they are to get something out of this game.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham are currrently in 6th position, 2 behind Manchester City, and Spurs really must win here to keep pace. After destroying Wigan 9-1 at White Hart Lane, they will be all to aware of the revenge factor, but confident they can complete a league double over a side struggling to score goals.
Spurs have gone 3 games now without a win after a good start to the season. They were held by Birmingham and Aston Villa before getting humiliated in a trip up north to Wolves. Spurs lost 1-0 at Molineux without rally creating anything, and Harry will be eager to get his side to make amends. Unfortunately, Tottenham have struggled on their travels, scoring only once in their last 4 away fixtures.
The attack will get their chance to get back to business on Sunday, with Defoe and Crouch the likely starters. These two have a great partnership between them, scoring 6 in the reverse fixture, and with options on the bench in the form of Eidur Gudjohnson, their chances look great.
The only negative comes in the form of the Wigan pitch, that has been ruined by a combination of bad weather and rugby, not to mention football. Passing will be difficult, but then it's a level playing field for both teams.
On injuries, Harry Redknapp will be without Aaron Lennon, while Ledley King and Jermain Jenas face the possibility of also sitting the game out.
The Betting Verdict :
Spurs have gone too long, without getting the expected results, and that surely changes here. With Liverpool and Manchester City possibly hampering each others movement up the table, Spurs have the chance to close the gap.
With their superior talent on the pitch, and quite possibly the mental advantage too, Spurs will pepper the Wigan goal and get the much needed win.
The Statistics :
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BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Tottenham to win @ 2.00 (Bet365)Take Defoe to score at anytime @ 2.40 (PaddyPower)
Some good high prices on a striker I'm convinced will star!
Defoe to score 2 or more @ 9.00 (PaddyPower)
Defoe to score first @ 5.50 (PaddyPower)
