15th April 2016 Kickoff: 1230hrs Tottenham v Bournemouth – England – Premier League Tottenham continue to apply as much pressure as they possibly can by not only winning their games, but doing so handsomely. Unfortunately for Spurs it is not having much impact on leaders Chelsea who refuse to flinch in their quest to win this title. The North Londoners again have an opportunity to narrow the gap to four points for at least a day by playing on Saturday whilst the Blues have to wait until the following day. Bournemouth are the visitors to White Hart Lane and the Cherries are probably a win away from securing a third straight season in the Premier League – plenty to play for at the ‘Lane.
Last Saturday’s 4-0 win over Watford was vintage Tottenham but perhaps importantly it was done predominantly without Harry Kane spearheading the attack. Kane had to make do with a place on the bench as he continues his comeback from injury but his colleagues didn’t look to be missing him as much as they have in the past as they went with a three goal lead at half time. Dele Alli and Heung-Min Son starred for Maurico Pochettino’s men who were winning their sixth straight league game and scoring three or more goals for the fourth time in that run. Spurs remain unbeaten at home in the league, too, with 14 wins and two draws thus far. Arsenal and Manchester United will complete the set of teams to visit White Hart Lane after Saturday and you have to think that they will need to take maximum points from those game should they have desires for the title.
It was looking a little ropey for Eddie Howe and his players a few weeks ago when Bournemouth lost fourth straight between January and February. As we so often find out in this league, though, teams who carry a consistent attacking threat usually find themselves out of trouble quicker than those teams who are less potent on the goal front. The Cherries have always created chances and that has been key to their improvement over the last six weeks. A morale boosting draw at Old Trafford when playing the whole of the second half with 10 men seems to have been the turning point as it was the start of run of five without defeat. That was of course ended by Chelsea’s 3-1 win on Saturday evening but by taking nine points from 15, Bournemouth look assured of their place in the top flight for another season. With games against Sunderland and Middlesbrough still to come, that crucial three points is more likely to come from those type of games as opposed to an away game at Spurs but they are a dangerous team to write off.
Tottenham v Bournemouth Betting Tip
Somewhat surprisingly the reverse match between these two players earlier in the season finished goalless back in October. That was a stage of the campaign when Spurs were struggling to balance their domestic commitments with their Champions League aspirations and there’s no question that Pochettino’s men are in much better form since exiting Europe at the beginning of this year. As good as Tottenham have been at home it has been the exact opposite for Bournemouth on the road having managed just two wins all season – that’s a record I do not envisage changing much this weekend.
Some would argue that this is typical Spurs by playing at their best when the expectation is at its lowest as the games are fast running out in their pursuit of Chelsea. I’m not so sure it’s over just yet but this weekend will be pivotal as Chelsea faced Manchester United away from home 24 hours or so later. Tottenham can only concentrate on winning this one, though, and I think they’ll do it impressively with Kane likely to return to the starting eleven. Spurs have been on fire of late and the over three goals in the game appeals. Eight of the 15 league games at White Hart Lane have seen three or more goals scored this season whilst it has been the same in 10 of Bournemouth’s 15 away matches. It makes the odds against on this market good value.
Over 3 goals 11/10 @ William Hill
