Spurs v West Ham: Spurs can edge closer to top four finish

SPURS remain in pole position for a top four finish in the Premier League but can't afford any more slip-ups when West Ham visit on Saturday. We asked Tom Love (@TomLove_18) to source the best bets.

Tottenham Hotspur vs West Ham United | Saturday 27th April 2019, 12:30 | Sky Sports

Spurs’ pursuit of a top 4 spot can take another step to completion in the early kick off on Saturday as they host London rivals West Ham.

Spurs have won all four of their competitive games at their brand spanking new stadium, all without conceding. They made hard work of it against Brighton on Tuesday night but a superb late Christian Eriksen finish secured all 3 points.

That win put them four points clear of 5th place Arsenal and three points clear of Chelsea meaning a win here would all but seal Champions League football again. Such an achievement is testament to Mauricio Pochettino and his men, especially given the financial restraints at the club in comparison to other top six sides.

They do have a huge game on Tuesday in the Champions League semi-final against Ajax, therefore it will be interesting to see if Poch rests and rotates his relatively threadbare squad.

However, it could be to the North London sides benefit that they’re coming up against a West Ham side in no mans land with little to play for. What’s more, the Hammers have lost 7 of their last 8 league games on the road. It’s been their achilles heel all season and it makes it hard to put any faith in them to win this one.

Instead of backing the hosts at short quotes of 4/9 I’m more inclined to take the 10/11 on a home win alongside under 4.5 goals which is available at 10/11 (Ladbrokes).

All 16 games West Ham have lost in the league this season have seen fewer than five goals, therefore this already looks like a worthy boost. In addition, Manuel Pellegrini has seen his side draw a blank in seven of their last eight road trips. 20 of Spurs’ 23 wins in the league have come alongside under 4.5 goals too.

Given the stats, Spurs to win to nil could appeal to some at 9/5. However, backing the win and under 4.5 at near even money gives us a bit more insurance if the away side do notch as we still get 2-1 and 3-1 scorelines on our side.

I’m also going to have a dabble in the cards market, and I must stress, if you’re getting involved I’d advise small stakes as more of a fun bet than anything, but it looks simply too big to ignore in my eyes.

If you use bet365’s handy ‘BetBuilder’ feature and back Kieran Trippier and Felipe Anderson both the be carded you manage to get a bulbous 66/1 quote.

It’s very rare that you can get just two players to be carded at anything over 33/1 never mind double that! I’ve got a bit of reasoning behind it too.

Firstly, should both play, they will be in direct competition with each other down the wing, this is always a benefit when looking at the player card doubles as it gives the potential of a fracas to ensue if the pair get into a personal battle.

What’s more, Felipe Anderson is one of the best dribblers in the division and is regularly fouled by opposition full backs who simply can’t cope with his ball carrying ability.

Having said that, the ex Lazio wide man does contribute defensively, averaging 2.4 tackles per game and 1.1 interceptions. With Spurs likely to take the game to the Hammers, he could be in line for another tracking back shift. On the flip side, that could mean more space for him to run into on the break and Trippier will then have to deal with him.

It’s a bit of a flyer but I was expecting half the price than what is on offer. Because the price is so big it has to be worth a small flutter for added interest in my opinion.