EUROPA LEAGUE BETTING PICK - TOTTENHAM V PAOK SALONIKI

Europa League

2011-11-30 - Tottenham vs PAOK Saloniki

A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser

Match Preview :

There is no two ways about it, but this is a must win game for Tottenham when they welcome PAOK Salonika in the Europa League.

So far Harry Redknapp has decided not to use his senior players in the competition in an effort to keep them fresh for domestic duty, instead giving opportunities to fringe men and youngsters toprove themselves.

That tactic has helped them enjoy a fantastic run of form in the Premier League, with Saturday's 3-1 victory over West Brom leaving them third in the standings and just two points behind Manchester United in the Premiership. But now their hopes of making it through to the knockout phase are in the balance going into their final two group games and he has to decide if he will continue his faith in his fringe players or bring back the seniors?

Spurs are currently level with Rubin Kazan in second place in Group A, one point behind of leaders PAOK. Redknapp knows the importance of beating PAOK at White Hart Lane before he takes his side to Ireland in a couple of weeks to take on pointless Shamrock Rovers. He knows that Rubin are capable of beating Shamrock, so they must get the win against PAOK tonight!

Team News :

After the win over West Brom, Redknapp is set to make changes as a knee injury to Roman Pavlyuchenko means Jermain Defoe may keep his place up front in this game. Giovani dos Santos is also rated as doubtful for the tie with a groin strain, while fellow midfielders Niko Kranjcar (thigh), Danny Rose (ankle) and Tom Huddlestone (ankle) and defender Michael Dawson (Achilles) all remain out of this clash.

Sandro, Tom Carroll, Harry Kane and Jake Livermore are all set to play, while the likes of Scott Parker, Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and Emmanuel Adebayor will be rested given a chance to rest before their clash against Bolton this weekend.

PAOK, who held Tottenham to a goalless draw in Greece, can clinch their place in the last 32 of the Europa League if they can claim a win in this clash. A draw would also be good which will mean the results will be decided in the final round at home to Rubin Kazan, and manager Laszlo Boloni is in confident mood.

For the record, PAOK are currently fifth in the Greek league and drew 0-0 with Kerkyra at the weekend in their Greek domestic campaign.

Predictions :

Take Tottenham and give the 1 1/4 ball.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

Take Tottenham to win.