Europa League
2011-08-18 - Heart of Midlothian vs Tottenham Hotspur
A Sports Betting Pick by FootyGaffa
Football : Europa League Qualifying Play-Off 1st Leg
Thursday 18/08/2011 - Kickoff 19.45 (local)
Heart of Midlothian
Hearts are coming into this game after a good 3-0 victory over Aberdeen at home on Saturday which was the first win of Paulo Sergio's managerial reign. The win also saw new striker Sutton get off the mark for the season with 2 of the goals.
It's good news also on the injury front with nearly the entire squad available for selection with the exception of Kyle, Elliot and Taouil. Biggest boost will be the availablity of defender Webster and utility man Obua who may well be deployed to play a role behind Sutton upfront.
There is no doubt that Spurs was probably the toughest of the possible Europa league opponents for Hearts to meet but Hearts will be encouraged after dimantling Hungarians Paks 4-1 at Tynecastle in the last round of qualifying after drawing 1-1 in the away leg.
Possible Hearts Lineup :
Kello, McGowan, Zaliukas, Webster, Grainger, Black, Mrowiec, Driver, Templeton, Obua, Sutton (4-4-1-1)
Tottenham Hotspur
I always feel this is a tricky decision for a team like Spurs, who will be looking to chase the four champions league places in the Premiership, do they really need the headache of playing two games a week for the majority of the season. My guess is that it they will use it as an opportunity for the youthful players to get good experience and match time but judging by Harry they would not be overly diappointed should they not even qualify.
Harry Redknapp just did an interview on Scottish radio and as expected Spurs are really struggling in the midfield department with no less than five players injured. Sandro, Wilson Palacios (both knee) Steven Pienaar, Luka Modric (both groin) and Jermaine Jenas (Achilles)will all miss this game. Also with Huddlestone ruled as doubtful at best you would think a real problem might be ball retention in the middle of the park.
Spurs are going into this match still without playing a competitive game this season following their postponed season opener against Everton due to the riots.
Possible Spurs lineup :
Gomes, Assou-Ekotto, Kaboul, Dawson, Corluka, Bale, Livermore, Kranjcar, Lennon, Van der Vaart, Pavlyuchenko (4-4-2)
THE BETTING VERDICT
This game is far from a Battle of Britian but at the end of the day this is, even though a bit more low key as the old Firm aren't involved, an Anglo-Scottish tie. The Spurs players will find Tynecastle a very tight ground with the stands very close to the pitch which does produce at times a great hostile atmosphere.
As mentioned above this is Spurs first proper game this season whereas Hearts are 4 games into the season and have already played a previous qualifying round.
Obviously Spurs are vastly superior in quality and I am a little worried for Hearts in the away leg but I feel they can make a good account of themselves at home. I see this as being a much bigger game for the Hearts players as it is for the Spurs players and the determination, passion and extra fitness may just be a leveller in the quality difference.
I have this game down as a score draw taking into account the problems Spurs have in the middle of the park. The best bet in my eyes though is both teams to score as I don't see either side managing to keep a clean sheet.
The Pick :
Hearts 1-1 Spurs
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
Consider a DRAW at 3.80 (Bet365)
