In a week where new grounds (or the prospect of them at least) seem to be logging the headlines Tottenham travel to the KingPower stadium. One of those stadiums built specifically for football and one that has tasted its own recent success. The Tottenham project may be on a larger scale but Spurs will be looking to do what Leicester have already done in the future, win the Premier League.
Despite actually seeing it happen, it’s still kind of difficult to believe that a side like Leicester could so completely tip the scale on the big boys and top the season after 38 games. But it happened and most Leicester fans would have accepted, perhaps even expected, a season of trouble since in exchange for being recognized as the best team in the land.
Leicester were the form team last season, Chelsea the form team this season but if you look over two seasons of football then it’s Spurs that come out on top. There are no prizes for that though, however commendable that may be.
Since the departure of Claudio Ranieri and the arrival of Craig Shakespeare Leicester have been a very different team to the one we saw in the first half of the season. In fact, they much more closely resemble the side we saw win the league last season. Mahrez seems more dangerous, Vardy is back among the goals and Leicester once again look a dangerous side.
Now Spurs effectively have nothing but pride to play for, this could be a good time for Leicester to welcome them. Tottenham have been very good this season but if they have a weakness it’s their form away from home. Their stats drop pretty much across the board on their travels, 47 goals scored at home, 26 away. 9 goals conceded at home, 15 away. The best home record in the Premier League, only the 6th best away.
Looking at the form over the last six games you could easily be tempted into backing Spurs here. That may be a mistake though, check out their form over their last 6 away games (3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss) and things don’t look so rosy.
I’d love to be able to back Spurs, I really would but I think the energy was spent in the game against Manchester United and this could be a case of “after the Lord Mayors show”. Instead, I think this game will end in a draw which, while disappointing as a fan, gives me an opportunity as a bettor.
BetVictor are currently offering 3.9 for a draw and that’s a healthy set of odds for this game. Certainly better than my second bet which would be both teams to score which is a paltry 1.62 in comparison. A correct score bet is at 8 with both green listed bookmakers William Hill and BetVictor and I can see this one finishing 1-1.
For once though I’m not going to go that far though. I’m happy with my 3.9 on the draw and am happy to call it a day at that.