Prediction: Tottenham vs Fulham

Verdict: Tottenham win and under 3.5 goals

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Bet365

While a move to their new stadium may have been once again pushed back, Mauricio Pochettino’s side got off to a winning start last weekend and know the importance of getting off to a good start. With World Cup stars Delli Alli and Harry Kane returning to their side, Tottenham will host London rivals Fulham at their adoptive home of Wembley on Saturday afternoon.

Tottenham

Starting with The Liliywhites, many around North London were left angered by Pochettino’s decision to not dip into the transfer market, especially as no other Premier League side had more players competing in the latter stages of the World Cup. While many expected the Argentinian boss to field an inexperienced side against Newcastle last Saturday, Spurs gave surprise starts to the likes of Kane, Alli, Vertonghen and World Cup winner Hugo Lloris. Although they may have only had a weeks training together, Poch’s gamble paid off and Tottenham picked up a 2-1 win in the North East after an impressive display. Despite not having a move to their new ground finalized yet, Spurs do hold an impressive record at the national stadium. Tottenham have only lost one of their last 18 Premier League matches at their adoptive stadium.

Team News

Tottenham midfielders Erik Lamela, Harry Winks and Josh Onomah have returned to training but are unlikely to feature this weekend. Last years 18 goal Forward Son Heung-min is away with South Korea at the Asian Games.

Fulham

As for Fulham, Slaviša Jokanović’s couldn’t have been more opposite to their hosts this summer. While Spurs kept their money in their pocket, the visitors heavily invested in their squad and broke the £100million barrier. Bringing back last seasons top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic on a permanent deal, Fulham also brought the likes of World Cup winner Andre Schurle, Alfie Mawson and Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri. While only Liverpool may have spent more this summer, The Whites have struggled at the start of the new campaign after booking their Premier League status after beating Villa in the playoff final. Coming off the back of a disappointing 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace in their return to the top flight, Jokanović’s side are now without a win over the past month. Losing four of their last five, it will be their form in the final third that should be the biggest concern. Aside from scoring two against La Liga side Celta Vigo, they haven’t scored in any of their other five outings.

Team News

Fulham defenders Tim Ream and Alfie Mawson are out with respective thigh and knee injuries, while Denis Odoi is suspended.

Left-back Joe Bryan should be available despite being forced off with an ankle problem against Crystal Palace.

Key Factors to Consider

• Harry Kane is still yet to score a goal in the month of August, it has now been 14 matches and 988 minutes.
• Tottenham have only lost one of their last 19 Premier League matches at Wembley.
• Fulham have now failed to score in six of their last seven matches.
• Tottenham have won eight of the last nine Premier League meetings between the sides, losing the other.
• Fulham have conceded in each of their last 18 Premier League away games.

Conclusion

Although The Cottagers may have been one of the Premier League’s biggest spenders this summer, Slaviša Jokanović will know that a trip across London will be an incredibly tough task on Saturday afternoon. Along with Fulham currently having some issues in front of goal, coupled with the fact that Spurs have only lost two of their last 38 matches at home, we’re backing The Lilywhites to come away with their second three points of the season. Backing Tottenham to win and under 3.5 goals seems like the smartest bet here.

Verdict: Tottenham win and under 3.5 goals

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Bet365