Tottenham and Bayer Leverkusen couldn’t manage a goal between them in the Champions League nearly two weeks ago. It was a bit of a trend buster because Leverkusen had only one scoreless draw all season and Spurs none.
Indeed, Spurs had not – and have not since – failed to score in any other game. What is also interesting is how the game has clouded each other’s form since.
The German outfit, for example, lost 3-0 at home to Hoffenheim immediately after. They couldn’t beat lower league Sportfreunde in the German Cup, drawing 2-2 and eventually losing on penalties. They needed two late goals to beat struggling Wolfsburg last time out.
Tottenham’s results have fallen off a cliff since being the first side to beat Manchester City at the start of the month this term. A result which has been given a less glamorous context after City’s own implosion. They are without a win in five.
The market has Tottenham as short favourites for victory when they meet on Wednesday, however, reckoning that their fortune will improve. They are 2.05 (Betfred), Leverkusen are 4 among Green Listed Bookmakers Bet365, Betfred, Coral, Betway, Unibet, 32Red, 1888Bet) and the draw is 3.74 (Marathon).
Form aside, perhaps the greatest hindrance to Spurs is the dreaded Wembley Champions League curse. Admittedly this has something that has only become a, er, thing since the north London club were beaten by Monaco at their adopted home but there are some interesting theories behind it.
It is based on Arsenal’s terrible run at the ground in two Champions League campaigns because Highbury wasn’t quite up to hosting back then. They won just two matches there in 1998 and 1999 and Arsene Wenger called it a “mistake” because his players did not feel at home there.
It is entirely possible that Spurs used to a tighter White Hart Lane pitch and a more fervent home support ‘on top’ of the players, will feel a little perturbed. And also Leverkusen’s players might feel more inspired considering its Wembley.
But it doesn’t feel as though as it’s a trend that we have to put too much store in. So Spurs don’t feel at home? So what? No team coming to play will be able to say otherwise because it’s not their home, either.
Another 0-0 stalemate is 13 with BetStars but we see at least one goal this time, purely because such was out of character. A 2-1 Spurs win is 9.5 at BetVictor and a 2-0 success is 11 (BetStars, BetVictor). Leverkusen are 14 with BetVictor to win 1-0 or 2-1 respectively.
Tottenham have fitness concerns over Eric Lamela and Toby Alderweireld. Harry Kane’s ankle injury is also expected to keep him out. Without Kane, they look a little toothless but £17 million signing Vincent Janssen is beginning to find his feet.
Janssen notched from the spot against Leicester City last time out and he is 3 (Skbet, BetStars) for a goal at any time. Son Heung-Min, who has four goals this term, is the same price with Paddy Power, and Stan James.
It might prove tricky to nail the number of goals this time and our initial thought was a punt on over 2.5 goals at 1.85 (BetStars, Coral) but we reckon Spurs will get the win this time against a German outfit whose confidence must be at a low ebb.
Coupon Buster
Manchester United would have been the corner stone of many an acca at the weekend at 2-9 to beat Burnley. Their failure to win has meant that United’s up-and-down season continues. Just when you think they are about to turn the corner, they suffer a terribly poor result.
Jose Mourinho, who was sent to the stands, is now just 9-4 with Hills not to last the season at Old Trafford. That’s an incredibly skinny price.
United are as big as 29 (Skybet, Betfred, BetVictor, Ladbrokes, Coral, Unibet, 32Red, 188Bet, 888Sport). Man City are 2.38 favourites with BetVictor, Stan James and Betway. Liverpool are next best at 4.5 (Betfred, Stan James, Betway).
Chelsea look to be the stand out value, however. They swatted Southampton aside on Sunday and are still as big as 7 with BetStars, Betfred, BetVictor, Paddy Power, Stan James, Unibet, 32Red, 188Bet.
They have won four in a row in the league and their tactical switch to five at the back looks to have set up a strong title challenge. It would be remiss not to advise a punt on them with such great form and solid organisation.
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