Betting Picks

Team Preview: Tottenham Hotspurs

There are plenty of options this time of year to bet on sports, with some seasons soon to start, while other leagues near a final stretch. NFL betting is in full force as every team has started training camp and preseason matches are only a week away.  Meanwhile, the NCAA is preparing as well and college football betting is also available. And of course, MLB betting takes place daily as pennant races heat up as baseball heads towards the fall and the postseason.

The World was captivated earlier this summer by the World Cup 2010 from South Africa, as 32 nations came together for sports biggest tournament.  Spain went on to lift the trophy, but the sport certainly gained in popularity and showed just how exciting soccer can be.  However, while is it entertaining, the best soccer arguably takes place in Europe, and in the English Premiere League.  The Tottenham Hotspurs are among the many teams looking to make a strong run and compete with powerhouses Chelsea and Manchester United.

A strong year last season in which they exceeded expectations by some saw the Spurs end up in fourth place with 70 points: 21 wins and seven draws to only 10 losses. It was their highest finish this decade, and now has raised the bar for the 2010 season. Because of their fourth place finish, the Spurs will be making a run at the Champions League this season.

In a friendly last week, the Spurs edged Benefica 1-0 on a goal from Gareth Bale as the team prepares for the season.

Off the field, manager Harry Redknapp has been looking to make key moves to add experience and talent on the squad for the upcoming season. He has recently bid to acquire 29-year-old midfielder Scott Parker, however West Ham has suggested they are not interested. The Spurs have also been in the market for Gai Assulin, a 16-year old released by Barcelona last week.

One moved that has been confirmed is the release of midfielder Adel Taarabt, who failed to meet expectations and made only nine appearances for the club. David Button and Sam Cox have also been let go.

The core of the team is still intact, and Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch, and Robbie Keane are expected to lead the team offensively once again.

The season kicks off with home game against Manchester City, a rival for much of the season last year with the Spurs.  Manchester City finished just three points behind Tottenham in fifth place, just missing the Champions League birth. The Spurs have a favourable start to the season with games against Wigan Athletic, Wolverhampton, and West Ham United.  Look for them to get out of the gate with a great start, and use that momentum to carry them into the fall.  It will be hard to match the success of last year, particularly with the added pressure.  They will have a great campaign, but fall one or two spots in the table this season as they play between the EPL and the Champions League.