English Premier
2012-09-16 - Reading vs Tottenham Hotspur
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Sunday 16 September 2012 - Kick Off 4pm
This game is live on TV
Reading
It does feel like an age since Reading last played in the Premier League thanks to a postponed game at Sunderland and the fact their game with Chelsea, which was originally scheduled for early September, was moved forward two weeks as the Blues were involved in the European Super Cup. That all means they haven't played a Premier League game since the 22nd August, although they did have a Capital One Cup tie between that date and this game.
As they have played just two games, while most teams have played three, it is no surprise to see Reading are 16th in the Premier League table right now having picked up 1 point from their games so far. They drew their only home game in the Premier League with Stoke City and have beaten Peterborough United in the Capital One Cup at the Majedski Stadium.
Reading are unbeaten in their last 11 home games in all competitions and they have now won 9 of those, although the two exceptions have come in their last 2 League games going back to last season in the Championship. It was the home form that ensured Reading had a productive end to last season and earned promotion and it will be their record here that determines if they are a Premier League side next season or not.
Adam Federici has made a couple of high-profile errors in Reading games this season, but the Australian is expected to start in goal. Jimmy Kebe will miss out, but could return next week.
Tottenham Hotspur
Andre Villa-Boas has asked for time at Tottenham Hotspur to get the fans onside and the team playing in the manner he wants. However, it doesn't bode well that someone else is making the signings at the club as suggested by the Hugo Lloris deal who may be the French Number 1, but who isn't being given the gloves at the club.
It has been a tough start for Villa-Boas here and the fans have begun to get used to success under Harry Redknapp and will not take too kindly to the current results. They are 14th in the Premier League table and have gained only 2 points from their first three games, although it is the manner of the dropped points at White Hart Lane that has really bothered the supporters. Tottenham lost their only away game in the League at Newcastle United, although they probably deserved more from that game.
Spurs struggled in their away games in the Premier League to close last season and they have now won 1 of their last 11 games away from White Hart Lane. They have lost 5 of those 11 games and they have only scored 6 goals in their last 7 away from home, with 4 of those coming in one match against Bolton Wanderers.
Brad Friedal is going to continue in goal despite the new signing of Hugo Lloris, while Clint Dempsey is in line to make his first start since signing from Fulham and scoring while away with the United States.
Head to Head
Reading's last season in the Premier League saw them play Tottenham Hotspur 4 times and it was Spurs who got the winning result 3 times.
Spurs won both games at the Majedski Stadium that season, one of those in the FA Cup.
In Reading's first season in the top flight, they hammered Spurs 3-1 here.
Prediction
I don't have a strong conviction in my belief that Tottenham Hotspur will win this game and the odds of 2.10 look a touch short considering the way they have been defending and the sometimes head-scratching tactical moves made by Andre Villa-Boas.
However, I do believe they will create chances in this game and Spurs are perhaps a touch unfortunate not to have more points on the board. Reading are also defensively a bit suspect although they did look good going forward against the likes of Chelsea and Peterborough United in their latest two games.
I wouldn't at all be surprised if Reading got on the scoreboard themselves in this one and they are capable of surprising Tottenham.
I just feel the away side are due a good performance, but I am only going to have the smallest of interests in the game and I will back Spurs to win the game but with three or four goals scored in the match.
In my opinion, a 1-2 win for Tottenham wouldn't be too far wrong so Paddy Power's offer of 4.50 that the away side win with 3 or 4 goals scored looks a decent shout in this game.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Reading 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back Tottenham Hotspur Win and 3/4 Goals Scored @ 4.50 (Paddy Power)
