Written by Premiership Tips.
Two of the most-exciting teams in this seasons Premier League go head-to-head at Bloomfield Road on Sunday as Blackpool host Tottenham Hotspur. With 22 goals in 6 Premier League games at Blackpool’s home ground this season, it is the highest average goals per game to this point (3.67 per game). On Tottenham’s travels there have been 24 goals scored in their 9 away games, which is amongst the most for travelling sides.
Attacking Styles
In the only Premier League game this weekend that will see two English managers go face-to-face, both Ian Holloway and Harry Redknapp have an attractive style of football that have one over the neutrals. Both Backpool and Tottenham like to attack while leaving themselves vulnerable at the back. The score more than your opponents philosophy springs to mind.
Using the Flanks
Gareth Bale has been on the receiving end of a large number of praises this season. I have to say, he has been quiet in quite a few games recently, including last weekend’s draw with Chelsea when up against Paulo Ferreira. This weekend, with Blackpool’s tactical naivety I expect him to make a big contribution. I expect both of Tottenham’s wingers to make a big contribution. The pace of Aaron Lennon down the right wing can cause Stephen Crainey no ends of problems, as did Theo Walcott for Arsenal earlier this season. This is where I see Tottenham being too good for their opponents.
In the centre of midfield, Wilson Palacios needs to add protection to his back four. Tottenham’s back four have been poor this season. They have not kept a clean sheet since their opening day 0-0 draw with Manchester City. Blackpool, with their three strikers are perfectly capable of breaching their back line. Luke Varney has played very well this season, while DJ Campbell has got himself into several goal scoring situations, even if he hasn’t always produced the finish.
Blackpool’s Loss
Charlie Adam is suspended in the Blackpool midfield. He has received a lot of praise throughout the season. More than he has been due on some occasions, but he is certainly a big loss for this game. He has been instrumental in a number of attacks this season, scoring 3 times and assisting 4 from midfield. His absence gives Wilson Palacios one less key player to worry about.
Both Teams Travel Well
Tottenham have picked up more points on their travels than Blackpool have at home so far, and with the pace their team has to offer I don’t see Blackpool causing an upset as they did last weekend and have done on a number of occasions this season. Against the top sides, they’ve been naïve and this I expect to be another example. Failing to deal with Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon correctly will be their undoing.
Tottenham are currently 1.71 to win this match with Betfair. Over 2.5 goals is at 1.56 while over 3.5 goals looks attractive at 2.32. What are you score predictions for this game?
