Spurs are improving, having won four out of four and scored 13 goals in the process. Such an excellent run of form has lifted them to seventh place, one point and place ahead of Reading. Steve Coppell knows defeat here, against direct rivals, will deal a serious blow to his side’s chances of claiming a European berth.
Reading travel to White Hart Lane as underdogs because their form is poor. They have lost two and drawn one of their last three games, although those defeats came against Arsenal and Manchester United. The Royals’ major concern is a lack of firepower, with Kevin Doyle the most obvious culprit in front of goal. The Republic of Ireland international has failed to find the net in nine of his last 10 Premiership outings after scoring eight goals in his first 15 top-flight games. The end to his rich vein of goalscoring form is one of the main reasons why Reading look increasingly likely to finish the season in mid-table rather than celebrating a top-six finish.
Spurs have no attacking shortcomings to worry about. Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane were powerless to prevent Chelsea winning 2-1 in the FA Cup quarter-final replay at White Hart Lane last week but remain the most potent duo in the Premiership – they have scored 14 goals in their last 15 appearances. In theory they would be the danger men, because both are more prone to scoring at home: nine of their 12 league goals (Berbatov six out of eight, Keane three out of four) have come at White Hart Lane. However, Martin Jol chose to rest both men before Spurs’ last crucial Uefa Cup fixture against Sporting Braga. With the Uefa Cup quarter-final first leg against Sevilla taking place next Thursday, the striking duo may be left on the bench again.
On top of recent form, another strong reason to back Spurs is their superior record against direct rivals this season. In seven matches against non-Big Four sides in the top half of the table they have earned 11 points, equating to 1.57 points per game. Against the same opposition Reading’s record is a far poorer 0.83 points per game. Their last win over a top-10 side dates back to December 2, when they beat Bolton Wanderers 1-0 at the Madejski Stadium. That’s why we fancy Tottenham to win here. Given the uncertainty over Spurs’ line-up, we recommend you stick to match betting and save your money for another time.
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Recommended bets
Tottenham to win 17/20
* All prices correct at time of writing.
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