Monday, February 23, 2009

ALL TO PLAY FOR AFTER THE BREAK ?

ENGLAND PREMIER LEAGUE

HULL CITY - TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Surely we can expect a very cautious opening in this kep match up, between two relegation threatened clubs at the KC Stadium.

Spurs have struggled all season, especially on the road and remain in 16th, just two points outside the drop zone. Harry Redknapp, chose to focus on this game and sent a very weakened side to the Ukraine last midweek, it will be a case of "all change" tonight, with Keane, Pavlyuchenko, Woodgate, Corluka, Modric, Palacios, Lennon and Cudicini all back in the squad. This is too good a squad to be struggling at the foot of the table.

However, that has been said before, about other teams, Leeds for example and look where they are now ! I do feel that they might win this evening, but feel it may well take some time for them to get on top. They have gone in level at the break in 16 (64%) of their 25 league starts and in 9 from 12 (75%) on the road and have managed just one first half goal in six away starts.

City must give praise every day for their flying start to the season, which included a win at White Hart Lane in the reverse fixture, a lot of water and not many points (for either team) has flown under the bridge since then. The Tigers have not won a league match since December 6th, with the previous victory coming way back in October, so just one win in 17 starts.

Looking at their opening 45 minutes, they have drawn 8 of the last 14 and scored just once in 9 starts.

I really do not see, with so much on the line, these patterns changing and will be backing the half time stalemate. Respective coach's Brown and Redknapp would probably settle on that and maybe look to press on in the second half, I will also take a tiny bet on Spurs going on to collect all three points after the break.

4.5 points half time draw 2.10 general quote..... you are likely to find bigger on the exchanges, later in the day.

1.5 points Draw half time- Spurs full time double result 5.50 general quote.

Good Luck.

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