Before each of our games I’m going to try and assess our chances and come up with a few punts along the way. Not easy before we have seen any real action but let’s see.
Tottenham start the game as reasonably strong favourites especially considering we are the away side. It won’t be an easy game as Middlesbrough can beat anyone at the Riverside on their day and with a fit Alves in their side, it won’t be an easy afternoon for Tottenham’s back line.
Team News
Nothing much to report on this front yet, I’ll probably update tomorrow but it looks like Spurs are without Hutton and Modric has a knock. I’d expect Ramos to play Bent on his own up front even if Berbatov is still with us.
Head To Head
Tottenham have a superb head to head record against Middlesbrough, having only lost two of the last ten meetings between the clubs.
Pre-season Form
Both clubs have had an impressive pre-season, netting a large number of goals in the process. Spurs performances have looked the more assured though, having only conceded three goals in their six friendlies, culminating in the superb 5-0 win over Italian giants Roma.
Conclusion
This will not be an easy game for Spurs but it is one where I expect them to go out, do a professional job and come away with at worst a point. This is an important game not to lose and it would be so nice to get off to a flyer after last season, with a very winnable home game to come next.
I think Bent could well score considering the form he’s in but Woodgate is getting involved a lot more at set-pieces these days and it’s uncanny how often players score against their old side.
Best Bets
Spurs to win 2-1 @ 10/1 with BlueSq
Jonathan Woodgate to score at anytime 14/1 with Skybet
As always, let me know your thoughts, good or bad!
Modric played against Roma and he dont look injured think you got the wrong info
Agree with you, think it will be a tight game, 1-0 either way or 1-1.
I think you’re right that it’s important to get off on a positive footing, even if it’s only one point.
We were clear favourites at the beginning of last season against Sunderland and losing one nil seemed to dent the morale.
Feeling really optimistic about this season. The squad is definitely stronger, our pre-season was great and Ramos’s fitness regime should pay dividends for the run in next spring.
I’m going for 2-1 with Bent and Bentley to score.
Bent first scorer for me
boro are a decent side at home, your mob will get beat.
spurs have no fire power, boro 2-0 Alves to get them both
cuntchops