Tottenham v Blackpool

Blackpool have reached crisis point in their bid to stay in the Premiership with trips to Tottenham and Manchester United included in their final three games. The first of these stern away tests comes in the televised Saturday evening clash at White Hart Lane. The seasiders have gained a reputation for constantly trying to outscore their opponents with an emphasis on attack over defence. This approach is very unlikely to suddenly change in May. With this in mind, we can expect the Tangerines to have a real go at Spurs even on their own patch.

The visitors should be encouraged by the team news coming out of the home dressing room which sees defenders Assou-Ekotto and Corluka added to Hutton, King and Woodgate as likely Tottenham absentees. The bad news is that with the exception of Tom Huddlestone, Harry Redknapp should have a full compliment to choose from higher up the pitch. Ian Holloway has close to his strongest side available too. James Beattie is expected to be fit to add to the threat of DJ Campbell and Charlie Adam that has been a constant in Blackpool’s season.

This is another match when the temptation is to look at the ‘total goals in the game’ market and aim high. But the bookies have become increasingly wary of the net bulging a few times in Blackpool games, and none offer longer than evens on there being more than 3.5 goals in the match. This is off-putting, but if we agree with their assumption that there will be a few goals, then let’s take the long odds available on a daring scoreline bet.

Tottenham will want to avenge their unexpected defeat at Bloomfield Road in February and in an open contest they should succeed. However, Blackpool will surely pile forward and the uncertain presence of Heurelho Gomes in the Spurs’ goal will only aid their cause. Expect Holloway’s side to go down fighting yet again. With other firms going as low as 16/1, the 28/1 available with Boylesports on a 3-2 Tottenham win looks like a great value punt.