*EPL: Arsenal vs. Tottenham – 1st Half Correct Score 0-0 (+170)
*1-2 so far in Premier League action this weekend, but when analyzing both Arsenal and Tottenham this season, I very much expect a goalless first half in the North London derby. (+170)
Another pick with decently high odds and good value. One that I can admittedly say is not a certain lock, but a pick that seems destine to happen based on what we’ve seen so far from these North London rivals. Lets start with one quick negative before I hit you with the stats… Football is quite harsh in the sense that a goal can come from ANYWHERE and therefore this pick is a bit risky when thinking a lucky bounce, or cheap penalty can kill the bet so fast. BUT… both Arsenal and Tottenham haven’t looked at all convincing on the attacking end. Arsenal have only managed two goals in five games this season, while Tottenham have three, both of which are in the bottom four of the league in this category. Tottenham have already had three out of their five games finish 0-0 at half-time and are 19th out of 20 in shots created. Arsenal have only scored one first-half goal in their five games played this Premier League season. With both teams DESPERATE to avoid defeat and drop all three points, the approach from both sides will be safe. We’ve seen with Tottenham that they play every game safe, a tactic that Nuno Espirito Santo has been known to implement over the years with Wolves and now Spurs. Arsenal though, have looked very weak defensively, conceding nine goals this season so far, but I think the immense lack of creativity shown by Spurs will be no problem for the Gunners to go into the break with a clean sheet at home. I can certainly still see this game being 1-1 in the end, but I expect both sides to be tentative and kind of feel each other out in the first-half.
){kind=link}