English Premier
2010-11-20 - Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football : English Premier League
Saturday 20 November 2010 - Kickoff 12:45pm
This game is live on TV
Arsenal
Arsene Wenger might just be thinking that all of his beliefs are about to reap rewards this season as his Arsenal side remain firmly in the hunt for the Premier League title this season. However, he is also sure to be well aware that his side cannot afford to take their foot off the gas and must improve on results at home.
Arsenal are 2nd in the Premier League and had a superb weekend last time out as they closed the gap on Chelsea to just 2 points as both the Blues and Manchester United failed to win. The Gunners have 26 points this season, but surprisingly have picked up more points away from the Emirates Stadium than they have at home. They are 4-0-2 at home, scoring 15 goals and conceding 6.
It was a surprise 0-1 defeat here to Newcastle that had the doubters out in force again, but back to back away wins at tough venues has once again put the Gunners back in contention. Arsenal had won 3 games in a row in all competitions at home before losing to the Magpies, but they have just 1 clean sheet in their last 5 at the Emirates.
Manual Almunia is still out as is Thomas Vermaelan. Abou Diaby is a doubt, but Arsenal have most of their players back and available again.
Possible Arsenal Line Up: (4-3-3)
Fabianski, Sagna, Clichy, Koscielny, Squillaci, Denilson, Song, Fabregas, Nasri, Arshavin and Chamakh
Tottenham Hotspur
To say Harry Redknapp was disappointed when his side were booed off by their own supporters in a recent League game would be a real understatement. Tottenham got back to winning ways in their last League game, but injuries have really affected the side this season.
Spurs slipped down to 7th in the table thanks to Sunderland's fantastic performance at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. They have picked up 19 points in the League so far and remain on the coattails of those searching for a Champions League place at the end of the season and are only 3 points behind Manchester City in 4th. Spurs are 2-1-3 away from home this season, scoring 7 goals and conceding 10.
Inconsistencies are the big problem for Tottenham so far this season and that can be highlighted when noticing they are 2-2-2 in their last 6 games in all competitions. The team has been forced to play a lot more games than many in the squad would be used to with the Champions League commitments, and the injuries have prevented many getting a rest. Spurs have won just 1 of their last 7 away games in all competitions and have lost 3 in a row.
There was some good news for Harry Redknapp with the return of Jermain Defoe to training, but I would be gobsmacked if he starts this game after returning far ahead of schedule. Injuries mount up before a tough patch of the season- Ledley King, Michael Dawson, Tom Huddlestone, Aaron Lennon and Robbie Keane are all out or very doubtful.
Possible Tottenham Hotspur Line Up: (4-5-1)
Gomes, Hutton, Assou-Ekotto, Gallas, Kaboul, Palacious, Modric, Jenas, Bale, Van der Vaart and Crouch
Head to Head
The North London rivals have been involved with a number of exciting games in recent times. On the face of it, I was expecting Spurs to have a tough record in their meetings, but they have only lost 1 of their last 7 games in all competitions (within 90 minutes).
Spurs have not won at the home of their rivals since the first ever Premier League season in 1992-93. Arsenal have won 3 of their last 4 Premier League games at home against Tottenham.
7 of the last 8 North London Derbies have produced 3 goals or more (only Premier League games).
Prediction
I would be surprised if this game follows the same pattern that the Manchester Derby did in recent weeks and I expect it to be full of goals. Both teams have had their problems in the defensive third of the pitch, yet are scoring goals when going the other way.
Tottenham really impressed me with the way they played at Old Trafford in general, although they needed to show more cutting edge and composure when reaching the final third of the pitch. There is a bit of a mental block that their players have failed to win away from home at Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea for some time, but they have proved they can play with the big boys in games with Inter Milan already.
Arsenal have won games through grit and determination in recent weeks, and they will need to demonstrate more of the same in this game. At home, they have had it particularly tough to pick up results recently, and the loss to Newcastle was preceded by close wins over Birmingham and West Ham.
The odds for a home win and for over 2.5 goals seem to be on the short side for me. Also, perhaps a controversial call, I feel Spurs can get something out of this game with the attacking talent they have in their team. They have impressed me with performances against Inter and United in recent weeks, and have genuine threats in Van der Vaart and Bale.
They also have a decent record against Arsenal in recent meetings, so I will pick them to avoid defeat here.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur
BEST BETTING TIP :
Either LAY Arsenal (on the betting exchanges)or take Tottenham Hotspur +0.5 Asian Handicap
