AFTER 13/1 and 7/1 winners on his debut correct score column, of course we invited Daniel McCulloch (@danmcc84) back for more…
Bournemouth v Spurs | Saturday 12:30 | Sky Sports 1
Having witnessed Spurs play first hand on Saturday, I can only say that I am not looking forward to the reverse fixture at White Hart Lane in mid-January.
However, whilst Mauricio Pochettino would surely have taken a point at The Hawthorns when his side went one down with less than 10 minutes to go last week, the reality is that but for the brilliance of Ben Foster, Spurs would have been two or three goals to the good at half-time.
Indeed, whilst I believe that they probably will overcome Eddie Howe’s men, their recent profligacy in front of goal leads me to put a saver on 1-1 as I also doubt their ability to keep a clean sheet away from home.
Since Pochettino arrived at The Lane, 18 of Tottenham’s 41 away games have ended in either the 1-1 (7/1 BetVictor) draw or 2-1 (17/2 Bet365) triumph.
A careful staking plan and willingness to shop around will give you combined odds of close to 4/1 and hopefully a profitable start to your weekend.
Arsenal v Middlesbrough | Saturday 15:00
In last week’s article, I wrote about Arsenal’s fondness for a 2-0 win and although you would be right to be worried that they may find the net more freely than I am presuming, a combination of the skinny odds on 3-0 (7/1 generally) and Aitor Karanka’s defensive set-up leads me to this.
Whilst the Teesiders have managed just one point from their last five games, goals for are of far greater concern to them than goals against. They have conceded just 11 times so far this term and an obstinate backline was key to their promotion last season.
Like Bob Bradley last week, Karanka knows that results at places like The Emirates will not define his side’s season.
Take the 11/2 Bet365 are offering on Arsenal to win 2-0.
Swansea v Watford | Saturday 15:00
Quite simply, I cannot believe the Swans are 8/1 with BetVictor to win by a 1-0 score line.
Like most new managers, Bradley is likely to try to build from the back and his primary aim – aside from winning the match – will be to keep a clean sheet. Virtually every stat you look at suggests that this price is too big.
Swansea won in this manner at The Liberty on five occasions last season and Watford lost by this exact score away from home three times, including in this same fixture.
I also wouldn’t put the greedier among you off from putting another few pennies on Gyfil Sigurdsson scoring the sole goal. That’s available at 35/1 with BetVictor.
Best Bets
Bournemouth v Spurs – Bournemouth 1-2 Tottenham (17/2 Bet365)
Bournemouth v Spurs – Bournemouth 1-1 Tottenham (7/1 BetVictor)
Arsenal v Middlesbrough – Arsenal 2-0 Middlesbrough (11/2 Bet365)
Swansea v Watford – Swansea 1-0 Watford (8/1 BetVictor)
Swansea v Watford – Gyfil Sigurdsson to score first and Swansea to win 1-0 (35/1 BetVictor)
