"Tottenham’s last three have seen overs. In fact, eight of their last nine games have seen three goals or more."
Watford
The Hornets made a bright start under new manager Walter Mazzarri this season, but are in the middle of a sticky patch of form.
Watford have only won one of their last six games and had to fight back to draw with Crystal Palace in their home match on Boxing Day. Troy Deeney's penalty levelled the scores, but it was only his fourth of the season. Much of Watford's success last season was down to Deeney's prolific partnership with Odion Ighalo, but both are now struggling to find the net.
Mazzarri's job has not been made easier by the number of injuries he has had to contend with. Valon Behrami, Daryl Janmaat, Adrian Mariappa, Stefano Okaka, Roberto Pereya and Isacc Success are all out. In addition, Miguel Britos is banned, while Ben Watson misses the game for personal reasons.
Tottenham
The pressure was on Spurs as they approached their recent match with Southampton. With all the other teams in the top five having won over the festive period, only a victory would do.
Things didn't look good when Southampton took the lead in the first minute. The Saints are excellent at home, with a formidable defensive record, so it says much for Tottenham's resolve that they were able to come back and end the match as comprehensive 4-1 winners.
Injury problems have meant that Mauricio Pochettino's team are yet to hit the heights of last season, but nevertheless they have more points on the board than they did a year ago. To play within themselves and still keep apace with the leading pack - Chelsea aside - points to the quality of Pochettino's squad and their potential to improve in 2017.
Pochettino has some selection issues ahead of the trip to Watford. Jan Vertonghen and Kyle Walker both picked up yellow cards against Southampton and are suspended, leaving Spurs hoping that Toby Alderweireld will recover from the virus that kept him out of the Wednesday night match. Erik Lamela remains injured with a hip problem.
Spurs are the 1.72 favourites, with the draw at 3.95 and Watford at 6.00.
Tottenham are chasing a fourth successive win, but given their selection problems in defence, their price looks a little too slim to recommend.
Instead take a chance on the Half-Time/Full-Time market. Spurs were drawing in their last two games at half-time, before going on to win in the second-half. They're 4.90 to do that again.
Tottenham are chasing a fourth successive win, but given their selection problems in defence, their price looks a little too slim to recommend.
Instead take a chance on the Half-Time/Full-Time market. Spurs were drawing in their last two games at half-time, before going on to win in the second-half. They're 4.90 to do that again.
Over/Under 2.5 Goals
Unders is the favourite at 1.93, with overs out at 2.04.
Though under 2.5 goals has landed in each of Watford's last three games, Tottenham's last three have seen overs. In fact, eight of their last nine games have seen three goals or more.
Both Teams To Score at 1.98 is another bet worth considering. Spurs have only kept two clean sheets in their last 13 matches and will be missing two members of their regular back four.
To Score
Harry Kane was back among the goals against Southampton and looks nicely priced at [2.15] to add to his tally. It ended a run of three games with a goal, but prior to that he'd scored seven in six appearances.
Another player who found the net against Southampton was Dele Alli. He hit a brace and with six goals in 17 Premier League games, is on course to better last season's tally of ten. Alli is available at 3.25 to score again.
Recommended Bets
Back the draw half-time/Spurs full-time at 4.90
Back Over 2.5 Goals at 2.04
Back Kane to score at [2.15]
Back Over 2.5 Goals at 2.04
Back Kane to score at [2.15]
