Spurs provide value on their travels

Watford welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Vicarage Road on New Year's Day in looking to pull themselves away from the relegation zone. Spurs have been steadily improving since Antonio Conte has taken to the helm, and with some shrewd additions in the January transfer window they will be confident of pushing to finish in the top four in the second half of the season. Harry Kane has endured a difficult start to the 2021/22 campaign but will be desperate to make up for lost time, starting against the Hornets with the turn of the year providing a fresh slate. Spurs still provide value as strong favourites coming into this encounter.

Process

The Hornets are trending like a side that will be embroiled in a relegation battle for the vast majority of the season. Claudio Ranieri’s days are numbered in the dugout if Watford’s ruthless reputation is anything to go by and the way they capitulated at home to West Ham United last time out does not suggest they are ready to conquer Conte’s men.

Watford have scored the same amount as Spurs, 22, but from less quality chances and have been very leaky at the back. The Hornets’ only clean sheet this season came against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup and therefore Spurs will be licking their lips at gaining a comfortable victory. Spurs’ defensive contingent has improved markedly since Conte’s arrival and it looks to be how they are going to build a solid foundation to kick on in the second half of the campaign.

Goals?

Not my chosen angle given the value on Spurs, but Watford’s poor defensive process could lead this towards another goal-laden game at Vicarage Road.

• Watford have scored in seven of ten.
• Watford have conceded in all of their last 16.
• Watford have seen both teams score in seven of ten.
• Watford have seen over 2.5 goals in eight of ten.
• Spurs have scored in eight of ten.
• Spurs have conceded in six of ten.
• Spurs have seen both teams score in five of ten.
• Spurs have seen over 2.5 goals in seven of ten.

Watford look hopeless at the moment, senior players might be beginning to predict when Ranieri will be dismissed and Spurs are a team on the up. The North Londoners were much the better side in their 1-1 draw at Southampton last time out and they should be able to make amends for the dropping of two points in Hertfordshire.

Watford - Tottenham Hotspur Betting Tip

Tottenham Hotspur (-0.75) Handicap with bet365 at odds of 21/25 or 1.84.

Bet Tottenham Hotspur (-0.75) Handicap on Bet365