PREMIER LEAGUE expert Daniel McCulloch (@DMcCulloch1984) runs the rule over Wednesday night's EFL Cup encounter between Arsenal and Tottenham at The Emirates.
Arsenal v Tottenham | Wednesday 19th December 2018, 19:45 | Sky Sports
The match odds here are similar to the Premier League game when the two teams locked horns and I won't make the same mistake of opposing Arsenal. That said, I cannot make a case for backing Tottenham.
I really struggle to pick a winner here with the starting line-ups unknown. Aside from a semi-final place, both North London sides have an incentive to win: Arsenal lost at the weekend while Tottenham won't want a second defeat away to their closest rivals in the last two-and-a-half weeks.
Still, I feel that Tottenham's recent matches have been more intense. Arsenal have been able to largely rest their first choice side in the Europa League while Tottenham have faced a series of challenging matches last week. They were in the Nou Camp this time a week ago and while they dominated against Burnley, it took them until injury time to win the game and Mauricio Pochettino may have one or two tired legs.
All things considered, there are two bets I like. Firstly, the second half to feature the most goals – that is available at 11/10 with Paddy Power. In my experience, watching patched up sides (featuring first and second string squad members) it takes a while for them to get going. It may therefore take subs to decide the game so this is the way to go.
Secondly, I like Alexandre Lacazette at 7/5 with Betway in the Anytime Goalscorer market. The Frenchman averages a goal every 176 minutes in the Premier League this season and has scored against Liverpool, United and Tottenham in recent weeks. He is almost certain to start and against what could be a makeshift Spurs backline, this price looks too big to me.
Best Bets
Arsenal v Tottenham – Second-half to be the Highest Scoring Half (11/10 Paddy Power)
Arsenal v Tottenham – Alexandre Lacazette to score at anytime (7/5 Betway)
