Tottenham the Value in This Weeks EPL

This weeks clash will be one of epic proportions, as Tottenham Hotspurs prepare to take on Everton away at Goodison Park, in a match that will have a massive influence on European aspirations for both teams.

Tottenham have been in impressive form since their demolition over Arsenal, almost stealing a draw against Manchester United last week at Old Trafford but were denied by the woodwork. They face a depleted Everton side, short on players but high on spirit after holding an impressive 100% record in the Premier League since the New Year. They will lose Michael Dawson, who was sent off against United, But they gain the services of former Real Madrid centre half Jonathon Woodgate, while mercenary full-back Pascal Chimbonda returns from a suspension. They go into the match, bidding to beat Everton for the fourth time in a row away at Goodison Park. Much of their success has ridden on the forward duo of Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov, with the two combining for nineteen goals (just less than half of Tottenham's total season tally of goals) and their lead-up play and passing has been nothing short of phenomenal

Everton have been overly imposing since the start of the New Year, their loss to Chelsea in the Carling Cup being their only defeat so far in 2008. They will be tested by Tottenham, with over half of the Toffee's first team injured, suspended or at the African Cup of Nations. The list is growing but so far includes Tim Cahill, Yakubu, Tony Hibbart, Joseph Yobo, Stephen Pienaar and Leighton Baines, all who are unavailable for this match. To win, they will need to buck the trend between the two teams, in the last four matches the away team has come out on top with Everton coming out on top last time at White Hart Lane. With their spearhead Yakubu away, most of the attacking threat will fall to Andy Johnson, who is a double short of 100 Premier League goals and will make his 50th appearance for Everton.

Both teams have been in striking form but with Everton's growing list of unavailable players, their depth is being severely tested and I believe Tottenham will be the first team to topple them in the league this year. The odds are juicy, $3.00 available for the Hotspurs at PartyBets

The other value match is intriguing, with a struggling Liverpool side taking on a resurgent West Ham at Upton Park in a match they need to win to keep Champions League ambitions on-side.

Liverpool started the season with zest, but they find themselves ousted from the "top four" placing, and with a real fight on their hands to secure a Champions League spot they would deem necessary for the season to be considered a success. There have been talks of unrest within the camp at the owners handing of incumbent manager Rafa Benitez. This has taken a major effect on the playing squad, with only two wins in their last six outings and a spiritless away performance in the FA Cup against amateur side Havant and Waterlooville, having to come from behind on two separate occasions to garner a win. They regain five of their best, with Steven Gerrard, Jose Reina, Xabi Alonso, Jamie Carragher and Fernando Torres after the quintet was rested and Benitez will be hoping they can have a influence on his lethargic side.

West Ham have rediscovered their best form in recent weeks, solidifying their mid-table placing with only one loss in their last six appearances They have injury problems with Craig Bellamy, Danny Gabbidon, Bobby Zamora and Nolberto Solano all expected to miss after only returning to training this week, but Dean Ashton and Matthew Etherington are fit and ready to go. The Hammers have struggled for goals this season, and have only been able to put up twenty eight goals and is reflected in their leading goal scorer, Dean Ashton who is leading with only six goals. On the other side, there defending has been world-class, only letting in twenty one goals, a figure only bettered by the upper echelon of the Premier League.

The two teams have been in contrasting form, but with the talent that Liverpool are re-injecting into their first-team, they should be too good for the likes of West Ham United. I would take the $1.91 available at PartyBets for Liverpool.

• 
• 
• Email to a friend
• Print