*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
What’s the definition of madness? Well, in theory it’s anyone who believes a Lion bar is superior to absolutely anything Cadbury put out; drinking rum by choice or those people who sing the national anthem when it comes on television.
But those more cliché-driven also tell me that it’s repeating the same thing twice and expecting different results. Not sure just how these people explain rolling a dice, but there you have it.
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In footballing terms, the prime example of this quaint philosophy might well be Tottenham and this away trip to Middlesbrough on a Tuesday evening looks like the perfect case study under which to examine their willingness as a guinea pig.
Antonio Conte seemed genuinely distraught after they threw away a huge scalp of Man City by falling flat against Burnley and right now, we’re in a very similar situation.
Tuesday 7.55pm: Middlesbrough v Tottenham
TV: BBC One
No, knocking four past a team who’ve since sacked their manager doesn’t quite equate to beating City, but failing to beat Burnley also isn’t quite as dramatically bad as slipping up to a Championship side.
So, the big question here is – do Spurs do the same thing they’ve been synonymous for over the years and revert to type, or does Conte’s emotional burst feel like their moment of deliverance? Here’s three best bets for what is effectively a crossroads.
Short-Price play: Spurs to Win
I wanted to run through a brick wall for Conte after watching his presser the other day, so I can’t really envisage a situation where that group of players can let him down again.
I know, I know – if any club etc. But I honestly don’t believe, particularly given this exact situation played out just over a week ago, that it can happen again. Your point is very well-taken that if it was just about the quality of the squads, then we wouldn’t be worried about Spurs to begin with – but coming back to beat Leeds felt as much a statement on their psyche as their ability on-field.
They’re the kind of performances we need from Spurs if they’re going to be genuine top-four contenders, not just the Harry Kane show where he notches against the run of play. Spurs to Win is your short-priced punt.
Value Punt: Over 3.5 Goals
Let me tell you something about these two teams. No side in the Premier League have drawn fewer games than Tottenham Hotspur this season. Coincidentally, no team outside the bottom five in the Championship have drawn fewer times than Middlesbrough this year.
It’s not in either side’s interest or DNA to genuinely sit back and hope for a result. They’re incredibly open and that’s what makes this midweek fixture worth tuning in for. There’ll be more open spaces here than in Bavarian village with Over 3.5 Goals.
Long Shot: Tottenham to have 4 or more Shots on Target in each half
This one is difficult because of the strength of the forward line he can put out, but even then – Boro play a dangerously high line, will chase goals even when the game feels out of reach and with Spurs in the shooting form that they were in last weekend, I don’t see why this Tottenham to have 4 or more Shots on Target in each half isn’t a worthwhile investment.
Middlesbrough v Tottenham tips
Short-Price play: Spurs to Win
Value Punt: Over 3.5 Goals
Long Shot: Tottenham to have 4 or more Shots on Target in each half
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*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
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