Stevenage-Tottenham Betting Preview: Why Spurs should be backed to be ahead at the break & the final whistle

Jul 18, 2012 11:55:00 AM

In Andre Villas-Boas' first match in charge of the north Londoners, Phil Kitromilides insists there is value to be had backing them in the half-time/full-time market

It is rare that two teams separated by two tiers of football face each other twice in one season. Yet Tottenham and Stevenage enjoyed two meetings in last season's FA Cup, with the team from Hertfordshire earning a 0-0 draw at home in their 5th round tie, before taking the lead in the replay at White Hart Lane only to end up losing heavily.

Spurs make the short trip north to Broadhall Way priced at 4/9 (1.44) with Paddy Power to claim a victory and while the Londoners should pretty easily dispatch the side from League One, some punters might have less than fond memories on the last time the two sides met at Stevenage's home ground.

The hosts, meanwhile, are priced at 5/1 (6.00) to win while the draw is offered at 3/1 (4.00).

Pre-season friendlies are of course an occasions slightly unreliable, given that they are often used to experiment with new formations, signings and ideas.

This might dissuade people from investing heavily in them, although the 6/5 (2.20) offered for Spurs half time/full time looks extremely attractive.

Andre Villas-Boas will be keen to get his idea of playing high tempo football across to his players right from the outset, with his failure to do so at Chelsea one of the reasons for his departure from Stamford Bridge.

The price looks to hold some value, and while friendlies should not be used for serious investment, a medium sized bet could be a shrewd move.

With it being a friendly match there are fewer markets offered than usual, but the correct score market could the best option for a small value bet. Spurs to win 3-1 is offered at 11/1 (12.00) and that looks as good a bet as any given Spurs' propensity for conceding goals (the side managed only two clean sheets in their last seven Premier League matches of the season).

With new centre-back Jan Vertonghen yet to form an understanding with his new team mates, Stevenage could potentially capitalise on any uncertainty at the back.

BET

OF THE

DAY

BEST BET

VALUE BET

Spurs half time/full time at 6/5 (2.20) with Paddy Power

Spurs to win 3-1 at 11/1 (12.00) with Paddy Power

Sign up with Paddy Power for up to £250 in free bets

Phil Kitromilides is a sports broadcaster working on radio and TV in London and Madrid. You can also follow Phil on Twitter.

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