English Premier
2011-12-31 - Swansea vs Tottenham Hotspur
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Saturday 31 December 2011 - Kick Off 3pm
Swansea
A lack of goals was always going to be a problem for this Swansea team this season and that was in evidence again on Tuesday night as they had to settle for a 1-1 home draw with QPR. They have performed well this season, particularly at the Liberty Stadium, but this represents one of the better teams they would have faced.
Swansea are 14th in the Premier League table, but their 19 points total leaves them only 5 points better off than Wigan in the final relegation places. They have proven themselves a match for a lot of teams at home where they are 4-4-1, scoring 11 goals and conceding a League low of 3 goals.
However, the team have only faced Manchester United here from the top 7 teams in the League (who also happen to be the only team that have beaten Swansea here this season). Swansea don't concede many goals here, but this is a completely different kind of test for them against a rampant Tottenham side. The Swans have also failed to score in 4 of their 9 home games this year.
Steven Caulker is ineligible as he is on-loan from Tottenham and could be replaced by Garry Monk. Angel Rangel is a major doubt for this game.
Tottenham Hotspur
Harry Redknapp's side have closed the gap to the top of the table courtesy of a 0-2 win at Norwich City last time out, and they look far and away the best team outside of Manchester this season. Tottenham Hotspur are a genuine title contender if they can steer clear of injuries and a Champions League place is definitely within their grasp on current form.
Spurs remained in 3rd spot in the Premier League following the last set of fixtures, but they extended their lead to 4 points over 4th placed Chelsea as well as closing within 7 points of the leaders Manchester City, all with a game in hand over their rivals. They have an impressive 6-1-2 away record, scoring 17 goals and conceding 11, and only Manchester United have won more away games than them so far this season.
The win at Carrow Road means Tottenham have picked up 7 points from their last 3 Premier League games since losing at Stoke City. They have kept 2 clean sheets in their last 3 games, and they have won 4 of their last 5 away games in the League. In fact, they have picked up 19 points from their last 24 available since losing at Manchester United to open the season.
Ledley King and Aaron Lennon have been ruled out, so I expect the same starting XI that beat Norwich to start this game. Jermain Defoe could return to the squad for the game, but Sebastien Bassong and Roman Pavyluchenko could both miss out.
Head to Head
Swansea and Tottenham Hotspur last met in the 1991/92 season in the League Cup, with both sides winning their home games in what was then a double legged 2nd Round.
Swansea have actually won 4 of their last 5 home games against Spurs, but these results are most irrelevant as they were at the old Vetch Field and at least 20 years ago.
Prediction
Tottenham Hotspur were in such wonderful form again on Tuesday night that it really is hard to see anything but an away win in this one. They will be given time to play their football and that could be enough for them to create chances and win this game.
Swansea have been solid at home this season, but they have had a nice set of fixtures and were beaten fairly comfortably when they played their one and only top 7 side in the form of Manchester United.
The Swans are not going to kick opponents off the park and have been allowing teams to create chances against them and I can see Tottenham's pace and creativity opening up a few holes. Spurs also have the players to take advantage of any chances that fall their way and I expect they will grab the win.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Swansea 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur
