Prediction: Tottenham vs Cardiff City

Verdict: Over 3.5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

Two teams sitting on opposite ends of the Premier League standings will meet this Saturday. Tottenham will host Cardiff City in a game that will see both teams itching to get three more points to further improve their current position in the league table. Kick-off is scheduled at 11:00 BST, and Mike Dean will be the referee.

Tottenham

The Spurs are coming off a 4-2 home defeat against FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League earlier this week, giving them two losses in their first two European matches. However, that negative run of form has not affected them in the Premier League thus far. Thanks to two consecutive away wins at both Brighton (2-1) and Huddersfield (2-0), Mauricio Pochettino’s men have soared all the way back into the Top 4, and have not shown signs of slowing down since they have won seven of their seven Premier League matches thus far. The Spurs have an excellent chance to further cement their status as a top side in the league this season, but for that to happen, they need improve their home form – they have won just one of their first two home matches (W1, L1). Will they pull a third consecutive league win against a struggling team that already looks like a candidate to get relegated?

Team News

The Spurs won’t have a key player since Dele Alli has been ruled out with a thigh injury. Serge Aurier (thigh) and Vincent Janssen (ankle) have been ruled out as well.

As if that wasn’t enough, there are several players listed as doubtful. The list includes Mousa Dembele (thigh), Christian Eriksen (groin), Jan Vertonghen (thigh) and Michael Vorm (knee).

Cardiff

If Tottenham sit near the top of the standings of the Premier League, then we can Cardiff are on the exact opposite. The Wales-based side has struggled badly, and the numbers do not lie. Cardiff sit in relegation zone at the moment with only two points out of seven matches, are yet to win a game thus far (D2, L5), and the only reason why they are not last in the standings due to their goal differential. To make things even more complicated, they have lost their past four matches (conceding 14 goals over that span) and own the worst record in the past five matches with only draw and those four aforementioned losses. But there is some silver lining, as three of those four losses came against “Top 6” sides such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City. Facing Tottenham won’t make things easier for them, though. But can they pull the upset on their trip to London?

Team News

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (knee) and Lee Peltier (shoulder) won’t feature in this game for Cardiff.

As if having two injured players wasn’t enough, Aron Gunnarsson is doubtful due to a knee problem. He will need to pass a late-fitness test to determine his availability.

Key Factors to Consider

• Tottenham have scored 14 goals in seven Premier League matches this season. That gives them an average of two goals per game.
• The numbers have not been kind to Cardiff. They won the second-worst scoring record (four scored) and the joint-worst defence (16 conceded).
• Cardiff own the worst form in the Premier League over the past five matches, with one point out of their last five games (D1, L4).
• The Spurs only have one win at home this season, and recently lost to Barcelona at home in the Champions League.
• The H2H record has seen them play four times, with three wins for Tottenham and one draw. None of those games have seen both sides scoring.

Conclusion

There is no question the Spurs are the better side here, and shouldn’t have problems to secure the three points. In fact, this game should have plenty of goals. We could be in line to witness over 3.5 goals overall.

Verdict: Over 3.5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: 888sport