Sherwood's Spurs to march on to at least a draw

Forget about the Premier League this weekend. It’s all about the FA Cup and the third round which sees the entry of the big boys.

Forget about the SPL too. What a ridiculous penalty it was for Hearts to concede last night and turn a potential profit on the total goals spread into a small loss.

Arsenal and Spurs is the eye-catching match on Saturday – and no surprise that ITV are all over this one with live coverage of the 5.15pm kick off from the Emirates.

Although Arsenal are edging it in the Premier League it might not be that straightforward for the hosts as they face a Spurs side with momentum under new boss Tim Sherwood and are doing really well away from home having won 13 of their last 16 fixtures.

The head to head records show there’s usually plenty of action between the two – including, incredibly, two consecutive 5-2 wins for Arsenal in 2012….

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Max last 10 only)
Sep 2013 Premier Arsenal 1-0 Tottenham
Mar 2013 Premier Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal
Nov 2012 Premier Arsenal 5-2 Tottenham
Feb 2012 Premier Arsenal 5-2 Tottenham
Oct 2011 Premier Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal
Apr 2011 Premier Tottenham 3-3 Arsenal
Nov 2010 Premier Arsenal 2-3 Tottenham
Sep 2010 Carling Cup Tottenham 1-4 Arsenal
Apr 2010 Premier Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal
Oct 2009 Premier Arsenal 3-0 Tottenham

Spurs have a boost with the news that striker Emmanuel Adebayor is fit, while winger Andros Townsend, midfielder Lewis Holtby and striker Jermain Defoe returned to training on Friday and look set to feature.

Wenger, on the other hand, has a long list of injury problems building up. Striker Olivier Giroud is doubtful following illness and an ankle problem. German playmaker Mesut Ozil faces a fitness test on his shoulder injury, but forward Nicklas Bendtner (ankle), defender Kieran Gibbs (calf) and midfielder Aaron Ramsey (thigh) are out.

It looks finely balanced but I think Spurs will hold their own and am quite happy to sell the supremacy at around 0.45 with Star Spreads on that basis.

RECOMMENDED BET (1-10 points)

SELL ARSENAL / SPURS for 5 points at around 0.45 with Star Spreads

RUNNING RETURN (JANUARY): -3.65 POINTS

• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.