Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur and Pick to Win
Date:Saturday, February 10th, 2018
Where: English Premier League The Lane Tottenham, Greater London, UK
by Keith, Professional Soccer/Football Handicapper, Predictem
Match Odds: Arsenal 13/5, Tottenham Hotspur 21/20, Draw 5/2
Moneyline: Arsenal +260, Tottenham Hotspur +105, Draw +250
Over/Under Best Market: OVER 3.5 6/5 (+120)
We have said it before but there is perhaps no bigger rivalry in the English Premier League than the North London Derby. Across Greater London, there are many renditions of this fabled series of cross-city feud. However, none stack up like the Gunners of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Geographically, the two sides are in close proximity and are just a few stops away from each other on the Underground. The two teams are located along both the Piccadilly and Victoria lines. Its Highbury versus Tottenham. The next edition of this animated feud will take place at The Lane in Tottenham on Saturday, February 10th, 2018. As of late Tottenham has fared well in this rivalry series which is something that Spurs supporters delight in. However, Arsenal owns the most recent win in November when the Gunners smashed the Spurs 2-0. As a whole, Arsenal has had a lot of command over this rivalry but the ebbs and flows of the Premiership as of recent have tipped the balance toward Tottenhams favor. The Spurs are now one of the EPLs premier teams. They have been a regular in Champions League qualification as of late. Moreover, the Spurs combining their prowess known with a robust home pitch advantage has made them a tough out at The Lane. Location of venue is an instrumental factor in the outcome of these contests. As a whole, the North London Derby is a rugged affair where every goal counts and every moment can be historic.
The match-up is big as usual. The two teams are separated by just four points in the standings which can ultimately be an enormous swing for the victor. Tottenham and Arsenal are both the current qualifiers for the Europa League. However, Tottenham is just a point out of being in the Champions League play-in echelon presently occupied by Chelsea. A win here for Spurs gives them some breathing room. Arsenal comes in off an impressive win when they tackled the Toffees of Everton by a score of 5-1. Previous to this, Arsenal was defeated in a 3-1 loss in a shocker by the defunct Swansea City. Despite the transfer of forward Alexis Sanchez, the Gunners did not look like they lost a step offensively in their latest exploit.
Overall, the Spurs have to be delighted with how they have fared as of late. In their last six contests, Tottenham has remained undefeated. Most recently, Tottenham drew Liverpool in a 2-2 draw. Previous to this, the Spurs rolled second-place Manchester United at The Lane by a score of 2-0. Spurs have the offensive prowess to scorch opposing back lines. This is a far contrast to what we have seen from them historically as they are known as an outfit that enjoys playing a blue-collar and workman-like approach to the game.
Once again we find that it is quite difficult to lay Tottenham on their own pitch with a price this good. After all, the Spurs are still offered above evens even after earning an impressive win against Man United in their last exploit. The odds show that the likelihood of Arsenal and a draw manifesting are fairly close. Given the road woes of Arsenal historically and the importance of home pitch advantage in this rivalry, we are going to go ahead and back Tottenham with the best price on the market. This play is further reinforced by the momentum Tottenham is riding at the moment Typically, North London Derby contests are also low scoring affairs. Therefore, we will take a contrarian approach and suggest that this one way may have a bit more fireworks. After all both teams offenses are igniting at this point in the campaign. Thus, the OVER 3.5 offers tremendous equity with a price of 6/5 or +120. As a whole, we stand to net 2.25 units if both wagers are successful by virtue of risking two units.
Arsenal Recent Form
W Everton 5-1
L Swansea City 1-3
W Chelsea 2-1
W Crystal Palace 4-1
L Bournemouth 1-2
Tottenham Hotspur Recent Form
D Liverpool 2-2
W Manchester United 2-0
D Newport County AFC 1-1
D Southampton 1-1
W Everton 4-0
Keith’s Prediction for the Game: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 21/20 (+105) and OVER 3.5 (6/5) +120
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