Back transformed Claudio Ranieri and gritty Leicester City to keep Tottenham at bay
SURPRISE package Leicester City face Tottenham tomorrow and I think they can continue their unbeaten start to the season against the underperforming Lilywhites.
The Foxes, who won seven of their last nine games at the end of the 2014/15 campaign, have carried on from where they left off, after following up their Sunderland 4-2 home victory on the opening day with an impressive 2-1 win at West Ham.
This term’s 100% record owes much to a solid defence, featuring man mountains Robert Huth and Wes Morgan, and a team not afraid to roll up its sleeves and work hard, epitomised by Jamie Vardy.
Shinji Okazaki and Riyad Mahrez add the flair in what is a well-balanced side – no wonder the Tinkerman named the same starting XI in both games.
Make no mistake – there’s not an abundance of quality, and I think the long-term forecast is a lot more unsettled for Claudio Ranieri’s men, but they have all-important momentum behind them and are a match for middle and lower-half opposition.
Tottenham are undoubtedly a superior outfit to Sunderland and West Ham, but I think Leicester can ride the crest of the wave for a little longer.
Spurs have yet to get their act together.
They were unable to threaten Manchester United and surrendered a two-goal lead at home to Stoke.
Their away record under Mauricio Pochettino last season was decent, and they did win 2-1 at the King Power, but Harry Kane, who scored in that game, is clearly not fully fit after his summer commitments with England U21s.
Cameroon striker Clinton N’Jie may make his debut but the £10m man is largely unproven and it’s easy to see why Pochettino is desperate to add Saido Berahino to the ranks.
If this game was in a few weeks’ time then I’d back the Londoners to win it comfortably, but the draw, at 12/5 with Betway, looks a good bet in the circumstances.
I’d also recommend no goalscorer at a best-priced 12/1 with Betway and selling total goals at 2.75 with Sporting Index.
▀ Pointers…
Draw at 12/5 (Betway)
No goalscorer at 12/1 (Betway)
Sell total goals at 2.75 (Sporting Index)