Premier League preview and odds: Middlesbrough vs Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League preview and odds: Middlesbrough vs Tottenham Hotspur

September 24 , 2016 15:00pm - Riverside Stadium

Premier League

Middlesbrough will look to a halt a two-game Premier League slide when they welcome unbeaten Tottenham Hotspur to The Riverside on Saturday.

Boro stumbling after Solid start

Middlesbrough celebrated their Premier League return with an unbeaten run of three games featuring draws at home to Stoke City (1-1) and away to West Brom (0-0) and a victory at Sunderland (1-2).

Since then, they have fallen to two straight defeats, the latest being a 3-1 reverse at Everton last week. As a result, they now sit in 13th place in the table just two points clear of the drop zone. Another defeat on Saturday could pour more water on the flames of confidence that were apparent in their early fixtures.

Boro are hoping that Cristhian Stuani and Jordan Rhodes will both be available after spells out injured as they look to capitalise on a strong historic record against their opponents (one defeat in last 11 encounters at home).

The northeast side were not in action during the midweek cup schedule after being eliminated in the previous round. As a result, they should come into this game fresh having had a full week to prepare. Spurs remain unbeaten in the Premier League, having won three and drawn two of their opening games.

Mauricio Pochettino`s men come into this match having steamrollered Gillingham 5-0 in the League Cup. Prior to that, they beat Sunderland 1-0 at home in the league (a score-line that flattered David Moyses` men).

The North Londoners will have to make do without star man Harry Kane for this clash as he continues treatment on an ankle injury, while Danny Rose is also set to miss out. Spurs have dominated matches against newly-promoted sides in recent years and will be hoping to continue that trend on Saturday.

Recent form (League)

Middlesbrough: LLDWD

Tottenham Hotspur: WWDWD

Betting odds and tips

Middlesbrough have a good record at home to Spurs, although it has been more than eight years since they last met in the league. However, in recent years, the Londoners have been strong against the newly-promoted sides.

Spurs have failed to score in the opening 30 minutes of a Premier League game this term, while Boro have scored 60% of their goals in that same time period. The Londoners have scored 50% of their goals in the first 15 minutes after half-time.

Expect the home side to start strong and Spurs dominate the second period.

You can back Boro to score first at 6/4 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Go To bet365

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23/09/2016     © Frixo 2024