The Anorak: Arsenal clash will spur Tottenham on

Published on 02/03/2013 02:01

TOTTENHAM can avenge the thumping they received at the Emirates in September and can confirm themselves top dogs in London.

It took a little time for Andre Villa Boas to get his message across as the first half-dozen results saw Spurs languishing in the bottom six, but after some exhilarating high-tempo football and a genuine world top-five player in Gareth Bale, they now sit third and look the best positioned team to stay there.

Bale’s recent form has been nothing short of sensational and inevitably he was the match-winner again on Monday – his second goal against West Ham flying into the net in trademark fashion in the final minute.

You always feel Arsenal could self-destruct at any time and for me they don’t have the defensive capabilities to thwart their bitter rivals. Sure they beat Aston Villa last week, but in truth they were second best for long periods and were booed throughout the game.

I don’t expect the jeers to stop from the Gunners fans and you can be sure they will be on edge tomorrow - especially every time Bale picks up the ball and casts his eye goalwards. I make Spurs a cracking bet at 7-5 with Hills.

I can’t have Everton at long odds-on against a battling Reading side. Even Oldham scored three goals in two games against the Toffees, and on recent evidence I would suggest backing both teams to score at 5-6 with Coral.

Walsall are punching well above their weight in League One and I think they are well capable of seeing off Shrewsbury at home – general quotes of evens look a good way of doubling your money.

Norwich City are a tough team to break down nowadays and despite the hype quite righly surrounding Ryan Giggs’ 1,000th competitive appearance, I think they could nick a draw at Old Trafford.

At 5-1 with Betvictor it’s worth a wee interest, particularly as United will have one eye on the Real Madrid tie, while Van Persie is out with a freak hip injury.

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