Watford vs Tottenham Hotspur
When I think of this fixture, I recall their meetings in the mid-1980s when Watford were punching above their weight in the then First Division and Spurs were arguably the most exciting team in the country under the management of David Pleat and 49-goal man (in one season) Clive Allen.
I could recall off the top of my head the story of the barman Gary Plumbley but that is for another day.
Many Premier League fans won’t recall that era, let alone SBOBET followers.
But could this latest meeting provide one of the Premier League 2018 highlights of the weekend?
Talking Points
The Premier League 2018 betting odds suggest not – and why should they?
Spurs have just returned from Old Trafford with a 3-0 win over Manchester United in which they rode a bit of luck and then displayed their title credentials in abundance.
It was a match in which Toby Alderweireld showed why, on his day, he is as good as any central defender in the Premier League.
Why Lucas Moura could have a big role to play following his January recruitment from Paris St Germain – a player of undoubted class.
Harry Kane has picked up where he left off last season, and then there is the exquisite Christian Eriksen, yet to come to life in the early stages of the new campaign.
That just to name but few.
Even the captain Hugo Lloris is being backed by his manager and club after his own personal misdemeanour last week, suggesting the team spirit and loyalty remains strong.
Lloris will actually miss this contest with a thigh injury but he has a more than able replacement in Swansea shot-stopper Micael Vorm.
Moussa Dembele (hamstring) is also out while Erik Lamela will be assessed after picking up the same injury.
A trip to Watford, who have enjoyed a fine start to the season themselves, respectfully won’t hold any fear for Mauricio Pochettino after they conquered Old Trafford earlier this week.
They also have the likes of Barcelona and Inter Milan to eagerly anticipate in the autumn ahead after a tantalising Champions League draw paired them with the Spanish and Italian giants, as well as PSV Eindhoven.
Yes, Spurs are clear favourites.
Watford have less glamorous matches ahead, but those are no less important for the club. One of those are Spurs who they meet again towards the end of September after being paired together in the League Cup.
Both sides are looking to preserve their perfect starts to the new season this weekend, and for all the talk of Spurs stars, Watford have a man in form of their own.
Step forward Roberto Pereyra, the Argentine who has scored three times in two games on home soil so far this term.
Their main team news is encouraging for boss Javi Gracia who largely has a clean bill of health with the exception of Tom Cleverley (achilles), while the contest could come too soon for exciting Spanish winger Gerard Deulofeu.
History
Watford have an awful record against Spurs and have still to beat them in the Premier League (three draws and three defeats).
I do recall a 1987 top-flight victory when the late Graham Taylor was in charge and the Hornets won 1-0 at home, just a matter of weeks after a weakened side had been well beaten – 4-1 by Spurs – in an FA Cup semi-final.
The Spurs side of that era contained the likes of the prolific Allen, Glenn Hoddle, Chris Waddle, Ossie Ardiles and Richard Gough.
In truth, this is probably the best side Spurs have had since that period (with a nod of affection towards the early 90s outfit led by Gary Lineker and Gazza).
Last season when the two sides met, Watford held Tottenham to a 1-1 draw after Christian Kabasele and Son Heung-Min traded early goals and Spurs played most of the second half with 10 men.
Spurs saw off the Hornets in the return Wembley fixture in April when Dele Alli and Harry Kane found the net in a 2-0 win.
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Watford vs Tottenham Hotspurs | 2-3 Total Goals @ 1.97 |
| September 2, 23:00 (GMT+8) |
Given the attacking quality of both strikers, it wouldn’t be hard to imagine both of these teams finding the back of the net and turning Vicarage Road into an entertaining spectacle of a match. Kane and Pereyra should be able to get goals for their squads, with Alli possibly getting a winner at the death.
If you think Watford can manage an upset at the end of 90 minutes, 1X2 is available at 5.40. Tottenham, in the meantime, sit at 1.60. If you think a draw is in order, it offers a fair 3.80.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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