WILLIE DUNCAN (@Willie_Duncan) shares his verdict on Thursday’s live Premier League action between Spurs and Leicester.
Leicester v Tottenham | Thursday 19:45 | Sky Sports 1
There was barely a dry eye in the house on Sunday as Spurs signed off from White Hart Lane with a memorable 2-1 victory against Manchester United.
It’s easy to say that the north Londoners were fully motivated for that match and, with nothing left to play for in their final two fixtures, Mauricio Pochettino’s team will take their eye off the ball.
But it would be surprising should that happen because Tottenham have been terrific so far in 2017 and the former Southampton boss will be determined not to let standards slip in the dying days of the campaign.
Leicester looking up
Leicester, though, will provide a stern test for Spurs in what is their penultimate home match of the season – and the Foxes, who have enjoyed a revival in fortunes under the stewardship of Craig Shakespeare, can move into the top half of the table with three points from Thursday’s clash.
The Foxes may have already surrendered their Premier League title to Chelsea, but Shakespeare and Co have a proud home record to preserve – Leicester are unbeaten in seven matches at King Power Stadium since Claudio Ranieri departed back in February.
In fact, Atletico Madrid are the only team to avoid away defeat against Leicester during that spell, while the Foxes have kept four clean sheets in their last five home games in all competitions.
Spurs pack a punch
If there is a team, though, who can find their way through, it is surely Tottenham; Pochettino’s men pack an almighty punch with Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Heung Min-Son amongst the attacking options that would surely be the envy of most managers in the country.
Curiously, though, it is in defence that Spurs have the most impressive of records; Pochettino’s miserly outfit have conceded just 24 Premier League goals so far this season – a tally that is far superior to any other team in the top tier.
Goals at a premium
No fewer than five of Spurs’ last six Premier League away-days has produced fewer than three goals and there could be value in backing that trend to continue in this tie.
Leicester’s dogged defensive discipline has been restored under Shakespeare, while just one of the last five meetings between these teams has produced more than two goals.
Defences on top, then, could provide punters with a path to profit at 6/5 with Bet Stars ahead of Thursday’s tussle at King Power Stadium.
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Leicester v Tottenham – Under 2.5 Goals (6/5 BetStars)
