Tottenham Hotspur vs. Wigan Athletic Preview

Tottenham Hotspur will be hoping that their Premier League title dreams are still well and truly alive when they host bottom club Wigan Athletic at White Hart Lane for a midweek clash on January 31.

Barring a complete disaster and slump in form, Spurs are already likely to have done enough to finish in a Champions League place at the end of the campaign but it could be so much more if they are still on track by the time Roberto Martinez’s strugglers come to town.

This Premier League fixture directly succeeds Spurs’ crucial visit to Eastlands to face table toppers Manchester City, a proverbial ‘six-pointer’ which will ultimately decide whether or not Harry Redknapp’s men are still genuinely in the title race.

But regardless of that outcome, the Latics could be on a real hiding to nothing. Should Spurs come away from Manchester City with all three points, they will be fully focused on following up in a professional manner at home in order to consolidate their improved standing in the table.

However, should they fall short, they are likely to initiate a stern backlash against Athletic who have been hapless at the back for the majority of the season – the fundamental reason for sure why they are currently propping up every other club heading into February.

Treating this game on its merits without the wider implications of Spurs’ potential title assault, it is impossible to suggest anything other than a heavy Wigan defeat as they will struggle badly to cope with the hosts superb midfield which is arguably the best in England.

Although Tottenham’s 9-1 romp over Wigan from two seasons ago may be a little too much to replicate, there could still be a decent amount of goals and the major players of White Hart Lane can all get involved.

The key, perhaps, to Spurs’ excellent form is the fact that Redknapp has finally found a prolific, settled strike force to put the finishing touches to all of the pace and creativity which has wowed spectators up and down the country.

Jermaine Defoe has bagged seven goals in total this season and is starting to show the sharpness he is capable of on a consistent basis.

That is largely due to the sensational partnership he has struck with Emmanuel Adebayor who looks a constant handful on the ball and threat on goal as typified by his nine goals in the current campaign.

The 2/7 available for Tottenham is definitely too short for the majority of punters but with a comprehensive success forecasted, it should definitely pay to be a little more adventurous.

Wigan have already shipped 45 goals and that is nailed on to rise further against Tottenham’s potent and at times deadly attack.

Spurs will be around 2/1 to win giving Wigan a two goal head start and that looks well within their capability – regardless of how they fare at Manchester City.

Over 3.5 Goals also looks a fair wager at 6/4 whilst Spurs half time/full time is a decent price at 4/6 with most firms.

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02/02/2012     © Frixo 2024