TOTTENHAM travel to Sheffield United in Sunday's Premier League match-up. James Cantrill (@JimmyThePunt) shares his thoughts on the fixture.
Sheffield United vs Tottenham | Sunday 17th January 2021, 14:00 | Sky Sports
Sunday’s Premier League proceedings commence at Bramall Lane as Sheffield United welcome Tottenham to S2.
Both managers spoke fondly of one another during their press duties in the week and given the mounting pressure they are both under, it could point to a cagey affair.
Chris Wilder is unlikely to make any changes to the side that secured the Blades first win of the campaign against Newcastle in midweek. Jose Mourinho, on the other hand, will almost certainly alture the XI that could only muster a point vs Fulham with Toby Alderweireld and Lucas Moura poised for recalls.
My first selection comes via Bet365’s Bet Builder where you can combine the following at odds of 21/20; Over 0 Cards for Sheff Utd and Spurs and Under 4 Goals goals in the match.
This campaign the hosts have averaged 1.9 cards and the visitors have averaged 1.35 per game. In total, 83% of their EPL fixtures have seen both sides register at least one booking!
In terms of goals, only Sheff Utd’s bout with Man Utd at Bramall Lane has seen over 3.5 goals this season whilst none of Spurs last 11 EPL games have featured more than three!
The quality the away side have and their ability to change a game in the blink of an eye will always emit doubt when backing unders. However, the pressure both managers are under should cast a cagey shadow over the proceedings which bodes well for a lack of goals.
Wilder has restored his faith in the midfield trio of last season; Fleck, Norwood and Lundstram and it is the former’s price for a shot on target that has taken my fancy. A pivotal part of SUFC’s success last campaign was the runs from midfield, perhaps best reflected by that fact that Fleck and Lundstram chipped in with over a quarter of the Blades domestic goals.
Fleck averaged 1.14 shots per 90 last and Lundstram averaged 1.47. Both were usually priced in the shots on target market at around odds of 7/4 towards the latter stages of the season. This season, there is a massive gulf in price between the two with Lunstrum at evens with Betfair, whilst Fleck is a massive 5/1! Betfair’s price is by the longest with the next best available for a Fleck SoT being William Hills 12/5.
The Scotsman has not emulated his performances of last season and his attacking output has taken a hit. That being said, he has had three shots in his last two games and if Sheff Utd are going to stand any chance today, he will have rediscovered his form from seasons gone by.
The final selection is John Lundstram to be booked at 9/2 with Sky Bet, a regular tout of mine. He has played with a vengeance this campaign, accumulating three yellows and one red in ten starts, fuelled by failed contract talks and motivated by his hunt for another club. If Lundstram’s record does not make Sky Bets price seem audacious, that fact that he Boylesports have him at 7/4 might.
There are usually concerns around Lundstram’s selection and then if he does start he rarely lasts the 90. However, given how well he has been playing and the Blades lengthy injury list, he should last the duration this afternoon all the more increasing his chances of a card.
It is also worth noting that at least one of Spurs’ opposition's central midfielders has received a booking in seven of their last nine EPL games with only Man City’s and Liverpool's CM’s escaping card free!
Given the visitors plethora of attacking talent it is no wonder why they draw so many cards (fouls drawn per game); Kane (2.2), Ndombele (1.7) and Son (1.2). Lundstram will also have the tenacious Hojberg to contend with so all things considered I think his price for a booking is just too long!
Best Bets
Sheffield United vs Tottenham – Both sides Over 0 Cards and Under 4 Match Goals (21/20 Bet365 )
Sheffield United vs Tottenham – John Fleck Shot on Target (5/1 Betfair)
Sheffield United vs Tottenham – John Lundstrum Booking (9/2 SkyBet)
