Premier League: Tottenham vs Wolves

Two teams from the lower half of the Premier League table, each with vastly different trajectories, face off this afternoon at the magnificent Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The home side, Tottenham, have lost four of their last five matches and secured only four wins in their previous 12 games. Wolves, on the other hand, are experiencing a resurgence under their new manager, riding high after back-to-back victories.

Premier League Preview: Everton vs. Nottingham Forest

Injury Crisis at Spurs

Tottenham have been prolific in front of goal this season, with only Liverpool scoring more. However, their defensive frailties have left them languishing in the bottom half of the table. Spurs have managed to keep just four clean sheets this season, and injuries have further weakened an already porous defense.

Key goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario remains sidelined until March, leaving Fraser Forster as the stand-in, though his performances have been far from reassuring. Spurs’ defensive woes are compounded by injuries to Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, and Ben Davies. Djed Spence’s red card last week and subsequent suspension add to their defensive problems, while center-back Radu Dragusin is also a doubt due to an ankle issue.

Manager Under Pressure

These injuries have played a role in Tottenham’s dismal season, with the club sitting in the bottom half of the table for the first time at New Year since 2008. Manager Ange Postecoglou is under increasing pressure, with 16 losses in 2024 painting a grim picture. The former Celtic boss desperately needs positive results to keep his job, as fans’ patience continues to wear thin.

Wolves’ Immediate Turnaround

Wolves made a bold managerial switch, dismissing Gary O’Neil after just two wins from their first 18 games. Vítor Pereira’s appointment has paid immediate dividends, with Wolves securing victories against Leicester (3-0 away) and Manchester United (2-0 at home). Pereira’s tactical changes and renewed energy have reinvigorated the team, giving them a fighting chance to climb out of the relegation battle.

While Tottenham are formidable opponents at home, Wolves could capitalize on their defensive frailties and lack of confidence. History is also on Wolves’ side, having won the last three meetings between the two teams. Interestingly, Spurs are the team Wolves have beaten most frequently in Premier League history.

Match Preview: Tottenham vs Wolves

Tottenham’s defensive struggles were on full display in their recent home games, including a crushing defeat against Liverpool and a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest. The team has now conceded nine goals in their last two home matches. Sitting 11th in the table, Spurs are miles away from the top four, with double-digit points separating them from Champions League contention. Moreover, Tottenham have fallen behind in 10 matches this season, emphasizing their vulnerability.

Wolves, on the other hand, are flying high under Pereira. Their impressive debut win against Leicester and a follow-up triumph against Manchester United have boosted morale. Matheus Cunha has been instrumental, contributing with goals and assists. While Wolves have their own injury concerns, the potential return of Mario Lemina could further bolster their chances.

Betting Tips

Wolves have scored in 16 of their first 18 matches this season, and they face a Tottenham defense riddled with injuries and gaps. Spurs dominated possession against Forest with 65% but failed to find the net, a rarity for a team known for their attacking prowess. At home, only Brentford has scored more goals than Spurs this season.

The Tipster Prediction: Both teams to score (BTTS) at odds of 1.38 with Betsson (5 units).