Hotspurs challenge for UEFA Cup R32 spot
by Nila Amerova
Mired in Premiership doldrums, Tottenham Hotspurs brought the same despair to the international arena, opening with a 2:0 loss against Udinese in UEFA Cup action. Just as their plight was looking abysmal and sports bettors all but wrote the off the Spurs revived their bid. Tottenham atoned for the disappointment in their second match much to the delight of sports betting fans, beating Dinamo 4:0 at home.
On match day 3, the Spurs will trek to the Netherlands where they will look to earn a victory against NEC and keep their UEFA Cup bid alive. Currently in second place in Group D, but level on points with Dinamo Zagreb at three, Spurs are within striking distance of Group leader Udinese. The Spurs do not have happy Dutch memories though and they will need to overcome those to secure the win.
Soccer Betting Line:
Match Time: 01:00 P.M. Eastern Time Thursday November 27, 2008
Venue: De Goffert - Nijmegen - Netherlands
Soccer Betting Analysis: This is the first time these two sides meet in UEFA Cup action and it should be an exciting sports betting affair.
NEC Nijmegen +½ -140 +210 2½ O Ev U -120 Draw +220
Tottenham Hotspur -½ +120 +115 2½ O Ev U -120 Draw +220
NEC Nijmegen+210 : The home side lost their opening match and they will be looking to secure their first UEFA Cup victory against the Spurs. The odds makers do not give much stock to their hopes though, tipping them as the underdogs. If NEC loses this match, their UEFA Cup bid will surely be over so they will be desperate for the three points.
Tottenham Hotspurs +120: Hotspurs are the favourites in this match but they are priced so that they give sports bettor’s good value to consider. Spurs will be visiting the Dutch and admittedly they do not have happy Dutch memories. But after reviving their UEFA Cup bid at home against Dinamo Zagreb, Spurs are in a good position to challenge NEC for the three points.
The Spurs are back to their winning ways in Premiership after a minor setback against Fulham a fortnight ago. Last weekend they beat Blackburn 1:0 so they should be in good spirits. They were dealt a blow with injuries: defenseman Hutton is injured, Modric Dos Santos and Gilberto are out as well.
Soccer Betting Verdict: In spite of some of the problems coach Harry Redknapp faces on the bench the spurs are still favoured to win this match. The bookies like their chances on the away and I would agree. At the very least, should NEC launch an impressive performance, the Spurs should be able to grind out the draw.
Soccer Free Picks: Spurs +115 | Over 2.5 goals Even
Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room
