Spurs to bounce back
You won't need to wait long in 2019 for the football to get underway with a host of New Year's Day Premier league fixtures including the late kick-off; Cardiff City vs. Spurs. The Bluebirds, who were humiliated 1-5 by a post-Mourinho United a couple of weeks ago, have now bounced back with a 0-0 draw away at Palace and a 1-0 win away at Leicester. Spurs have also picked themselves up after a slump and now have a point to prove.
Cardiff
Like many others, there are two sides to this team. At home there is an energy and tenacity to this team but away from home the Bluebirds can really struggle. Before they lost at home to Man Utd 1-5, Cardiff had had a three match winning streak at the Cardiff City Stadium. Although it has to be said these wins were against other struggling teams and whenever they have met a better team they have always lost. 1.30 goals scored and 2.00 conceded on average per game at home this season, which suggests that they will really struggle to stay in England's top flight. Their expected goals are in line with their actual results. The most important factor to consider here is that they lose, often by big numbers, against the bigger teams; 1-5 against Manchester United, 0-6 against Manchester City, 2-3 against Arsenal and so forth. Cardiff are missing their key player Zohore, but otherwise have no other major injury concerns.
Cardiff City lose, often by big numbers, against the bigger teams; 1-5 against Manchester United, 0-6 against Manchester City, 2-3 against Arsenal.
- League Position: 16
Spurs
Spurs' last game descended into a fiasco, after taking the lead they were overrun by Wolves, losing 1-3. We shouldn't read too much into this, these results can happen every so often, especially in this hectic winter period. With this result aside, Spurs are still a team in form, with a fantastic squad and manager. To get over the Wolves debacle I believe Spurs will go for the kill this time, and I can't see how Wolves can stop them. If we forget the Wolves game then Tottenham have seven wins in a row away from home. They have won nine of their eleven away games this season, often convincingly. Before the Wolves game they had beaten Everton 2-6 and before that Leicester 0-2. Tottenham are averaging 2.27 goals per game and 1.09 goals conceded per game this season away from home. There are a number of injuries that Spurs will have to contend with, but it's only really Vertonghen who as part of the starting XI will be missed. Son, Kane, Alli, Eriksen should be more than enough to overcome Cardiff.
If we forget the Wolves game then Tottenham have seven wins in a row away from home.
- League Position: 3
Betting Tips
In betting you have to take advantage of how hiccups, like Spurs' game against Wolves affect the odds. In this instance the market has completely overreacted to their loss to Wolves. Cardiff may have proven themselves against weaker opposition at home but Spurs are an entirely different kettle of fish. Tottenham will have their revenge and have all the quality in the world to overcome Cardiff on Tuesday. I will be bet on Tottenham -1 at odds of 4/5.
