Last season, it would have been laughable to think that Leicester City could have been favored over Tottenham. Alas, just two matches into the 2015-16 EPL season, the survivors from last year in better form than the Europa League reps, and as a result, the Foxes are actually the favored side against the Spurs.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Leicester City has earned the right to be called a contender for a Europa League spot with its recent form, which might make it a tremendous bet on Saturday against Tottenham. The Foxes are still just +160 at home to take down these three vital points, and this duel on the Asian Handicap is set at a straight pick 'em.
The total is relatively high in this one after two straight Leicester overs to start the season at 2.5 with -130 vig on the over.
KEY INJURIES
Harry Kane was used as a sub in Tottenham's last match against Stoke City, a surprising note for a man who started virtually every match last year for the Spurs. Roberto Soldado is still technically on the team for the time being, but it is only a matter of days until he is transferred away from the club.
Marc Schwarzer sat out Leicester's match against West Ham with the flu, but he should be available selection as the starting goalie for the Foxes on Saturday.
Matthew James is the only major injury concern on either side, as he'll be out for at least the first half of the season for Leicester City with a knee injury.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"He was tired. He came later in the preseason, and it is normal. He is better, but he needs time to arrive. We knew before the end of last season, Harry Kane would play a lot, and the consequences you can see now." – Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino on why Harry Kane was a surprise absentee from the Spurs' starting XI against Stoke City last weekend
RECENT FORM
Of all of the teams who have played in the EPL the last two seasons, the one which has the most points over the course of its last 11 matches is Leicester City, and it's not even close. The Foxes have a 9-1-1 mark in those 11 duels, including starting off the 2015-16 campaign with a 4-2 win over Sunderland and a 2-1 victory at West Ham. Granted, these aren't the toughest fixtures which Leicester City will face this season, but wins are wins, and for a team which figured to be threatened by relegation for the second season in a row, having six points out of the blocks is crucial.
Tottenham was dealt a 1-0 loss at Manchester United to start the season. That result wasn't the end of the world, but drawing against Stoke City might be. The Spurs really believe they are Champions League material this season, but they certainly don't look it out of the gates.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Is there any reason to believe that Claudio Ranieri's side isn't going to once again perform well in this match?
Shinji Okazaki and Jamie Vardy have been out of this world up top, and out of the midfield, Riyard Mahrez already has three goals to his ledger to go with 10 shots, six of which have been on target.
Ranieri has made this a more forward-thinking squad, and as we have seen, Tottenham just doesn't have any desire to go forward right now, especially when Kane isn't out there on the pitch.
If Kane doesn't debut in the Starting XI, we would be willing to go with the Foxes on the moneyline. As it is, we prefer the Asian Handicap, knowing that a draw will give us a return on our bet.
Leicester City 2, Tottenham 1
BookMaker has live EPL odds for every clash of the season. You can find a moneyline price on Leicester City of +160 and a total of 2.5 right now! BookMaker is also going to have multiple betting options available for this nationally-televised match. Live wagering during commercials offers an adjusted moneyline, total and spread. Log in and start gambling during the soccer game now!
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here, so start betting with BookMaker today! The fixture between Leicester City and Tottenham will take place at 10:00 a.m. ET on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at King Power Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Live Extra.
