Watford v Tottenham: Spurs to bounce back from Man City loss

FA Cup / Michael Lintorn / 26 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Harry Redknapp lifted the FA Cup in 2008 and reached the semis in 2010

"Watford have netted in each of their last nine home games – striking 19 times in that period – so with Spurs conceding in ten of their last 11 on the road, it appears likely that both will score at [1.89]."

Michael Lintorn expects Watford and Tottenham to open the FA Cup fourth round with a highly watchable spectacle at Vicarage Road on Friday night...

Watford v Tottenham, Friday 19:45 BST, ESPN, Match odds: Watford [7.4], Tottenham [1.54], The Draw [4.3]

Despite Tottenham's recent wobbles - if a home draw with Wolves and last-gasp reverse away to Manchester City count as such - it is difficult to make a case for them exiting the FA Cup to Championship strugglers Watford.

If the fixture was taking place a few weeks ago, with Watford unbeaten in eight, it might be different, but since putting some breathing space between themselves and the drop zone, they have lost three straight league games.

Spurs have a fine record at Vicarage Road, visiting five times without defeat since 1987, the last trip ending in a 2-1 victory in the Carling Cup three seasons ago. Add into the equation that they have won the four FA Cup clashes between the pair, and it is easy to see why they are [1.54] favourites.

Over/under 2.5 goals

It has been a fun campaign to be following Tottenham on their travels both in terms of results and entertainment and that pattern should continue here.

Eight of their last 11 away encounters have featured over 2.5 goals, and with Opta noting both that Spurs have scored 4.25 goals per FA Cup meeting with the Hornets and that the hosts' last ten ties in the competition have produced 41 goals, over 2.5 goals looks an appealing bet at [1.79].

Both teams to score

Watford have fired four blanks in front of their fans this term, however they all came at the start of the season as the side were adapting to the loss of Malky Mackay and the methods of his replacement Sean Dyche.

They have netted in each of their last nine home games - striking 19 times in that period - so with Harry Redknapp's men conceding in ten of their last 11 on the road, it appears likely that both will score at [1.89].

Correct score

Four of Tottenham's last six triumphs have come by margins of either 1-2 [[9.6]] or 1-3 [[15.0]], with the former also the outcome in Watford's only home defeat of the last three months.

The Lilywhites line-up is tough to predict given that they have a Premier League match against Wigan next Tuesday, though with it important that they return to winning ways ahead of that, Redknapp will be tempted to use his regulars.

If selected, Jermain Defoe is the standout contender to open the scoring at around [5.8]. The forward has grabbed seven in 12 appearances, the latest a very well-taken one away to Manchester City, and Opta reveal that he has eight in his last ten FA Cup outings.

Best Bet: Both teams to score @ [1.89]
Other Recommended Bet: Tottenham to win 3-1 @ [15.0]

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