The Leading Logic In Sports Handicapping |
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msudogs
Moderator
Registered: Nov 2005
Posts: 65535
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It’s the final installment of the North London Derby at White Hart Lane on Sunday as Spurs confirm their temporary home for next season and it cannot have come at a better time for the Lily Whites.
THE PREMISE
Tottenham Hotspur playing Arsenal has always been a massive encounter at any point in the season no matter where the two sides were sat on the league table. But there has been a shift in power in the North of London as Pochettino’s young and vibrant Spurs, unbeaten at home, look set to finish above their arch nemesis and three points on Sunday could all but seal it – with four games to spare.
Caught in the tail-end of a title challenge, the Argentine manager can play down the prospect of finishing above Arsenal all he wants in the press conference but there is a general consensus that Tottenham Hotspur cannot wait for the season to end to enjoy their finest league campaign in a very long time before they look forward to a new home.
On the contrary, this has been Arsenal’s worst showing in the league since Arsene Wenger took over in England – just over twenty years ago. The Gunners will need a miracle to finish in the top four but if there is anything they could salvage from a disastrous campaign besides winning another FA Cup, it’s by putting an irreversible dent on their neighbours’ title challenge which could be seriously affected should the visitors get maximum points.
Arsenal are not in great form on the road – losing two of their last three games away from home, but given the clichéd notion that form goes out of the window in derbies coupled with a thrilling semi-final win against City which may just be the morale boost they needed, for them to go and spoil the party at White Hart Lane.
TEAM NEWS
Harry Winks, Erik Lamela, Michel Vorm and Cameron Carter-Vickers are all out. But the prospective absence of Mousa Dembele in the middle of the park could be telling for Spurs, who will be assessed before any decision is made. However, Pochettino will be boosted by the return of Danny Rose who could start on the bench, after recovering from an injury he suffered against Sunderland, back in January.
Arsenal could be without two of their first choice center-backs as Shkodran Mustafi and Laurent Koscielny are both doubts, while Santi Cazorla is ruled out. David Ospina and Lucas Perez returned to training this week and could feature in the match-day squad.
PREDICTION
It’s probably the biggest North London Derby for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League era, given their fabulous record at home this season followed by a promising new future elsewhere. Going against the usual trend, I think Spurs will not ‘Spurs’ this.
Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Arsenal
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04-30-17 01:36 PM |
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msudogs
Moderator
Registered: Nov 2005
Posts: 65535
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The title race is on in the Premier League with only four points separating Chelsea and Tottenham. Although they have been in the box-seat for the majority of this campaign, they have not been crowned champions yet and the Blues need to ensure that they remain focused on winning their remaining matches. This weekend sees one of their most difficult fixtures left to play as they travel to Goodison Park to face in-form Everton. They haven’t lost at home since December and there is a real chance that the league leaders could slip-up on Sunday.
Everton are set to qualify for next season’s Europa League and that would represent an excellent first season in charge for Ronald Koeman. The talent has been there for years, but the team lacked consistency under Roberto Martinez. That hasn’t been the case this season as they have been picking up wins with regularity and are on the tails of the top six. This was seen as a transition year at Goodison Park and there is reason to believe that they can push on further next season.
Although they would have liked to have wrapped the title up with more ease, the renewed challenge posed by Spurs can be seen as a good thing for Chelsea. Antonio Conte will learn a lot about those in the squad, especially whether they have the strong mentality required to win titles at the highest level. This will be a massive game for the side and if they get the three points, they will take a giant step towards lifting the Premier League trophy. They bounced back well from two disappointing defeats against Crystal Palace and Manchester United, once again giving them the positive momentum that they need in the run-in.
Everton have won two of the last four meetings in all competitions, but Chelsea won the return fixture earlier this season by a convincing 5-0 scoreline. This came when the Blues were playing their best football and the Toffees were in questionable form. Ronald Koeman will be keen for his team to perform a lot better on Sunday. The goal-scorers on that day were Eden Hazard (2), Marcos Alonso, Diego Costa and Pedro.
INTERESTING STATS
Everton have scored 41 goals at home this season, which is more than they have managed in any of their last 26 top-flight campaigns.
Chelsea haven’t kept a clean sheet in the Premier League in 11 matches, their worst run since 1996.
VERDICT
This could be the most entertaining match this weekend as Everton have the quality in attack to cause Chelsea real problems. The Toffees have been incredible at home in recent weeks and can take great confidence into the match. They have nothing to lose and that makes them even more dangerous to the league leaders. There will be goals scored and it will be a great game for the neutral ahead of the North London Derby. If the home side manage to take something from the game, that will give Tottenham extra motivation in the later game. I think it will be a score draw, which will make the title race even more interesting.
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04-30-17 01:38 PM |
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