LEICESTER host Spurs on Sunday in the Premier League. Daniel McCulloch (@DMcCulloch1984) shares his favourite fancies.
Leicester vs Tottenham | Sunday 23rd May 2021, 16:00 | Sky Sports
Despite the fact that Leicester won the FA Cup last week, it feels like these two sides are going in to this crucial game in poor form.
Since their 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace on 26th April, Leicester have managed just four points from four league games. Given that the sole victory came against a Manchester United who had made ten changes from their previous game. Included in that run was a draw with Southampton in which their opponents had a player sent off, a 4-2 home defeat to Newcastle and Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, where the scoreline does their opponents a disservice.
Their opponents Spurs have also looked pretty flat recently. Ryan Mason has had five league games as Tottenham manager and a nine point return may not sound too bad but given that they have not faced a single top six side in that run, I don’t think it is a great return. A 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa was concerning, as was the 3-1 defeat at Leeds.
The truth is that I do not think either side has looked great defensively in recent times and given the quality of attacking options that both sides possess, I was looking to find a way to back goals.
Both Teams To Score at 4/7 looks a little skinny but the 3/4 William Hill are offering on BTTS and Over 2.5 does appeal. This has landed in four of Leicester’s last five league games and four of Tottenham’s five league matches under Mason.
Elsewhere, I did consider a few in the goalscorer markets but have eventually settled on backing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the ‘shown a card’ market. The Dane has eight bookings in his last 25 matches and while referee Anthony Taylor is less fussy than other officials, I think the fan factor could have an influence here, as could the importance of this fixture, particularly for Leicester’s Champions League hopes.
Regardless, the 3/1 SkyBet are offering on someone with Hojbjerg’s recent record to be carded seems like value to me.
Best Bets
Leicester vs Tottenham – Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams To Score (3/4 William Hill)
Leicester vs Tottenham – Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to be booked (3/1 SkyBet)
