Carling Cup / Dan Fitch / 22 January 2008 / 2 Comments

Dan "The Betting Man" Fitch tells us why Spurs v Arsenal will be a great game to watch and but tricky one to bet on

A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to see Rockney duo Chas'n'Dave at the 100 Club. Having belted out such hits as Margate, Aint No Pleasing You and of course, Snooker Loopy; Messrs Hodges and Peacock went out into the crowd to meet their adoring fans.

For some reason they were stood about 10 feet away from each other, so those hoping for an amusing photo opportunity had to choose between their idols. As there was a table between me and Dave, I posed for a snap with my arm around Chas. Having said 'cheese', I asked this most iconic of Tottenham fans the question that has been on the forefront of all Spurs supporters' minds.

"Chas, will we beat Arsenal?"
Chas shook his head and gave the following disappointing answer.
"All that matters is Chas and Dave."

Whilst I do concede that he's got a point, the answer was disappointing for two reasons. Firstly, though I can understand that Chas and Dave must get annoyed at being constantly asked questions about Tottenham by drunken fans at their gigs, what do they really expect, having recorded several singalongs devoted to the Lillywhites? I didn't see them trying to distance themselves from Spurs when they were raking in the cash from being number 4 in the charts with Ossie's Dream.

The other reason that this answer saddened me, was that it somehow summed up the feelings of every Tottenham supporter I know. We hope we'll win with all our hearts, but despite being the best team in the first leg and having scored an important away goal, none of us really believe it. When even one half of Tottenham's most famous cheerleaders, doesn't have faith, what chance is there for the rest of us?

Time and time again, Tottenham have lead in North London derbies, yet always seem to get pegged back. It has been suggested that Spurs are suffering from kind of mental block, but in truth there is not much difference in Tottenham's record against Arsenal than against either Manchester United or Chelsea. I believe that it's less of a psychological issue, than a simple fact of being persistently not as good as these teams.

Tottenham are the [2.34] favourites for this match, with the draw [3.5] and Arsenal [3.35]. Spurs certainly looked the better side in the first game and spurned plenty of chances to kill off the tie. I would expect the same Tottenham team to be selected, with the mobility of Jamie O'Hara preferred to Huddlestone in midfield.

Ledley King has been rested since the first leg and his experience will be vital. Despite keeping a clean sheet at the weekend, Spurs' defending was often atrocious and it was a miracle that they didn't concede. It is up to King to organise this defence, as without him they are leaderless and unable to even do the basics, such as marking properly on corners.

Tottenham have scored more home goals than any other team in the Premier League, but only Fulham have conceded as many. Even with King, you wouldn't back Tottenham to keep a clean sheet, so the [1.87] for over 2.5 goals and the [3.1] for over 3.5, have to be considered. Arsenal may bring in Gallas for the injured Djourou, but otherwise Wenger will keep faith in his youngsters.

This creates a problem when it comes to North London bragging rights. Should Tottenham win, any celebrations will be met with the disclaimer that we only beat their reserves. Whereas if we lose... well that's just unthinkable.

To paraphrase Kevin Keegan (by the way, whatever happened to him?), I would love it if we beat them. Getting to Wembley would be great, but to be honest, just a pleasant side dish to the main course of beating Arsenal.

Knowing Tottenham, it won't be easy, whatever happens. As I write this, I'm currently laid up in bed with the Norovirus. So one thing is certain, when I drag my sickly body down to White Hart Lane on Tuesday night. Win, lose or draw, it's going to be squeaky bum time.

Tags: Carling Cup betting, Chaz and dave, ledley King, Spurs