Tottenham Hotspur vs. Sunderland Preview

Tottenham Hotspur will be aiming to restore their challenge for the Premier League title when they host Martin O Neill’s Sunderland on December 18.

Spurs are heavy odds on favourites at around 2/5 to secure three points and keep up the pressure on both Manchester City and Manchester United.

Many believe Harry Redknapp’s side have so far being punching above their weight in the league however it is impossible to ignore their recent run of form which has seen them rack up win after win courtesy of some fantastic performances – most notably in the North London derby against Arsenal at White Hart Lane.

The energy amongst the crowd in that match has been carried forward as the team go from strength to strength under the guidance of Redknapp who has been doing no harm whatsoever to his prospects of one day managing the national team.

Defeat at Stoke may well have been a bitter pill to swallow for a team in such fine form, but the real test of Redknapp’s mettle is whether or not he can galvanise his dressing room to provoke an instant response.

Successful teams always manage to hit back, nevertheless Tottenham will have a hard task in trying to do so as they are up against a Sunderland team who are themselves intent on making a quick impression under their new boss.

The Black Cats have been nothing short of dismal so far this season and relegation is a real possibility unless O’Neill can turn things around fast.

The former Leicester City and Celtic man has a wealth of experience in the game and he will first be looking to address Sunderland’s porous defence and blatantly obvious lack of self-belief.

An away trip to Tottenham is an extremely premature test for O’Neill and his side who will be up against it from the first whistle facing a Spurs side who are often brimming with confidence at home.

O’Neill should be able to turn things around at Sunderland but he will probably have to take one on the chin in this fixture. Sunderland evidently need rebuilding as a team and club and such vulnerability is in danger of being ruthlessly exposed by Tottenham who can be devastating when hitting the right notes.

Jermaine Defoe eats up defensive frailties and he looks a good bet to break the deadlock and possibly even bag two goals or more.

The 2/5 for Tottenham may well bolster the majority of multiple bets successfully but it may pay dividends to be a little more adventurous. Covering Tottenham to score three goals or more is advisable and a half time/full time bet can also be taken into serious consideration.

Spurs look too good to suddenly drop off the pace and this game should provide them with a strong platform to enjoy a good Christmas. Inevitably, any such outcome will probably benefit O’Neill in the long run as he will be able to start making plans for his post-Christmas shopping in the January transfer window.

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12/12/2011     © Frixo 2024