English Premier
2010-02-06 - Tottenham vs Aston Villa
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Apart from the Chelsea- Arsenal match this weekend, this is another match to savour as these two sides go battle with each other for a top four finish. But the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City are also chasing for the final fourth spot so this makes this clash all the more exciting.
There is little to separate them with just two points separating Harry Redknapp's men in fourth from Martin O'Neill's troops in seventh. It is also hard to choose a clear winner here as Tottenham have only been beaten once in their last eight games in the league and Villa winning three of their last four on the road coming into this fixture.
Harry Redknapp's Tottenham have managed to keep six clean sheets during their impressive recent run, and four in a row on home soil, while they can also boast an attacking unit which have been scoring goals recently.
Jermain Defoe bagged an FA Cup hat-trick against Leeds in midweek, and his partnership with Peter Crouch has seen the pair find the target 28 times in their last 28 starts together!
But Aston Villa have only failed to score in one of their last 15 Premier League games away from home and have shut their opponents out in three of their last four.
However, they do not have a good record at White Hart Lane with only one win taken from eight visits, but that solitary win came just last season. When they last met at Villa Park it ended in a 1-1 draw back in November but four of the last six meetings between the two clubs have finished with a 2-1 scoreline, so it could also finish 2-1 to either side here today.
As for the team news, Harry Redknapp has no fresh injury or suspension concerns to contend with after the clash with Leeds United at Elland Road. Roman Pavlyuchenko and Benoit Assou-Ekotto (both groin) remain doubtful ahead of the clash. Carlo Cudicini will not play again this season after breaking his wrist, meaning Ben Alnwick will continue to provide back-up for Heurelho Gomes in goal.
Aaron Lennon remains a long-term absentee with a groin problem, allowing the in-form David Bentley another opportunity to start here. Jonathan Woodgate is also out of the side with injury. Club captain Ledley King was rested against Leeds and he could be drafted back into the side at the expense of Sebastien Bassong. Luka Modric is also hoping to start here.
As for Aston Villa, they have received a huge boost with the return of striker John Carew after he missed their last four games with a knee injury. Stephen Warnock is out with the shin injury he picked up during the FA Cup victory against Brighton last month. He will hope to be fit for the Carling Cup final against Manchester United at Wembley on 28th February.
Skipper Stiliyan Petrov keeeps his place in the side despite a achilles injury.
Go for this match to end in a draw.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Draw Match 1-1 or 2-2
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take the draw here.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Aston Villa and accept the 1/2 ball here.
