Football Tips: Son to shine but same old story for Spurs at Sheff Utd

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change

In a way, Jose Mourinho is the physical embodiment of this Premier League season. He was written off after the opening week, before being hailed as rejuvenated and a potential league winner.

Well, since the end of November, Spurs have won just two of their nine Premier League games – wins-to-nil over Arsenal and Leeds – who are the most needlessly-expansive sides in the division. There’s a formula, isn’t there? In fact, for all that Mourinho-ites out there who fall back on stereotype – you’re not wrong.

Sunday 2pm: Sheffield United v Tottenham
Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League

Tottenham have won just three games in which they’ve conceded a goal; and they haven’t done so since a win over Brighton on November 1st. And while losses to Liverpool and Leicester, to a degree, can be forgiven, there’s really no getting away from points dropped against Wolves and Fulham in two weeks.

So, is it a bad time to face the practically-already-relegated Sheffield United, who are coming off the back of their first win all season? I think so.

Yes, Newcastle are the one team in the league whose attitude will be the sole indicator of how they perform on the day, but the Blades looked looser – and if they’re relaxed on the ball, they’re far more dangerous. Is this a definitive game in Jose Mourinho’s tenure at Spurs? Here’s three bets that would fit the narrative.

READ MORE: Our Trader’s Best Bets For Sheff U V Spurs & Man City V Palace

Both Teams To Score

There’s now an inevitability that Spurs concede a goal in a game when they most need a result. That wall of enthusiasm about playing counter-attacking football fades very quickly when you’re handing possession to a side whose wage bill is 10% of your own and they stick one in the top bin.

For Mourinho’s approach to work, there has got to be a buy-in, because what you’re doing is actually asking footballers who, in this day and age, are drilled to attack – to defend deep and hope for the best. The issue with this, is that psychologically, when you’ve conceded late in the last 15 minutes multiple times while having a lead in the not-so-distant past, you end up doing the same again out of fear more so than anything else.

Sheffield United are going to be handed chance after chance, and they’re likely to take one too, given their newfound confidence and realisation that they now need to start winning games and quickly. Both Teams To Score is the way to go.

Son to Score Anytime

Mourinho loves playing against teams who operate with back threes, because it’s a lot easier to slip a holding midfielder into a defensive hole when playing a four than it is when playing a three.

Go back and look where Heung-min Son does his damage and you’ll notice that the majority of his goals come from breaks down the opposite right flank, where full backs or wing backs have vacated their defensive shape. Jayden Bogle is immensely talented, but he’s raw and frequently tries to make things happen down the other end. The 20-year-old is in for a harsh lesson, I feel, with Son To Score Anytime.

Spurs to Lead at Half-Time

In each of the last six games Spurs have led in, they’ve been ahead by half-time. They haven’t taken the lead in a game they hadn’t already been winning by half-time since smash and grab against West Brom back in early November.

For all of their faults, it’s actually their own energy that ultimately sets them up for late-game heartbreak. Expect Spurs to Lead at Half-Time.

Tips for Sheffield United v Tottenham

Both Teams to Score
Son to Score Anytime
Spurs to Lead at Half-Time

These three selections in a Bet Builder will give you odds of around 7/1 with Paddy Power.

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change

More tips for Sunday

• Our 3 Best Bets For Man City V Crystal Palace On Sunday Night

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