Europa League
2012-09-20 - Tottenham Hotspur vs SS Lazio
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Tottenham takes on Lazio in their opening Group J at White Hart Lane tonight and it has to be said that a number of players have worked together at previous clubs and also the pre-match focus has been on Paul Gasgoine. The ex-England international played for both Tottenham and Lazio during his career and the latter's general manager, Maurizio Manzini, has said: "There is always a corner of Tottenham in our hearts. He (Gascoigne) is a mythical figure for Lazio fans and very popular in general in Italy."
Meanwhile Andre Villas-Boas who recorded his first win as Spurs boss last weekend in the Premier League victory at Reading eased some off the pressure off his shoulders. He is expected to make team changes when his side take to the field against Lazio tonight. And no doubt that Villas-Boas' priority is to finish in the top four of the Premier League, which Harry Redknapp achieved last season and only Chelsea's UEFA Champions League win cost Spurs a place in Europe's leading club competition.
Tottenham will miss the services of striker Emmanuel Adebayor who is out with a hamstring problem. However, France captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris could make his debut as one of the changes, while Scott Parker (Achilles), Heurelho Gomes (ankle), Jake Livermore (groin), Younes Kaboul and Benoit Assou-Ekotto (both knee) are all out.
As for the visitors Lazio, they come into this match under the guidance of Vladimir Petkovic and he has inspired them to three wins out of three matches. It is expected that German striker Miroslav Klose will spearhead Lazio's attack, with Stefano Mauri, Ederson and former Sunderland captain Lorik Cana in midfield.
Predictions :
Take Tottenham to get the win here and give the 1/2 ball away.
The Pick :
Tottenham 2-1 Lazio
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Tottenham to win
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Go for Tottenham and give the -1/2 ball.
