Defensive consistency has kept what we view as an undermanned Tottenham side right in the thick of the fight for a Top 4 spot in the Premier League. Matches on the road are tricky no matter the foe though, and Saturday's tussle at The Hawthorns against West Brom is certainly no exception.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
West Brom +350
Tottenham -115 Draw +253
Over/Under 2.5 (over +115)
ODDS ANALYSIS
The total is relatively high in this game considering just how well the Spurs have played at the back in their most recent run of success. They haven't allowed a goal in consecutive matches, and that's part of the reason why they're -115 moneyline favorites on the road.
For all intents and purposes, it's a 50/50 proposition whether Tottenham will take all three points or whether West Brom, a +350 moneyline underdog, will get at least a share of the spoils.
The total opened at a middling 2.5 and -135 vig on the under.
KEY INJURIES
Part of Tottenham's success this year has been about staying healthy. There are nine different men who have played at least 18 matches, a stunning turn from last year when Mauricio Pochettino was shuffling men in and out of the lineup in different positions. Alex Pritchard and Nabil Bentaleb are the only real notable absentees from the lineup at this point.
WBA's big absence will be with Claudio Yacob serving a one-match suspension for yellow card accumulation.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"Everybody can see the way we are playing and our mentality is different. I think everybody can agree with that. I don't want to say we're more 'men', but we're more confident, we're a group and that's something we've worked on for a long time, so we're happy with that." – Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele on his team's most recent run of good fortune and success
RECENT FORM
Tottenham has rolled off 13 Premier League matches in a row without defeat, something which was highlighted by last week's scoreless draw at home against Chelsea. It was a fine result considering the fact that eight of the starters played in Azerbaijan just three days earlier in the Europa League. The Spurs aren't always the keenest in front of net, scoring more than once just once in their last four matches overall, but they've been pillars at the back.
The Baggies pulled a point out of the fire last week at West Ham in a match which wasn't their best. They did beat Arsenal and looked the better of the sides against Leicester City in recent weeks, so this match isn't beyond them. Tony Pulis though, knows that his team needs to be a lot better than it was last weekend if it wants to get even a point from this encounter with a significantly better team.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
As the year rolls on, Tottenham could run into some issues. Chemistry is being built for sure, but depth is still a problem, and replacing Bentaleb has been a big issue.
However, having a full week off to prepare for this match should still work well. We're a little worried about the Spurs and their attacking prowess, but we don't see Pulis' side putting one in the back of the net against Hugo Lloris and his personal protectors, Toby Alderweireld and Eric Dier.
If Harry Kane can get one through and create a moment of magic, Tottenham should be just fine. The under is a strong play as well, but we fancy the visitors.
Tottenham 1, West Brom 0
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