West Bromwich ended the poor run of results with a home win over Bolton and thus moved to a safe distance from the relegation zone, but the Baggies could be in for a difficult task against high-flying Tottenham. Spurs have climbed to 3rd place in the standings after four straight wins and they are determined to make it five in a row.

Tough task for the Baggies

West Bromwich largely struggled in the first part of the previous Premiership campaign, but they then showed a massive improvement under Roy Hodgson, finishing the season in 11th place. The Baggies were, therefore, expected to continue with solid performances and maybe even enter the race for the top table finish, but they have been playing well below the expectations. Roy Hodgson’s side did manage to beat fellow strugglers Norwich, Wolverhampton and Bolton, while also beating Aston Villa away, but they have been pretty pathetic in the games against top table sides, losing to United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal. The clash between boss Hodgson and key striker Peter Odemwingie is also adding to the problems, and it is more than clear that the dressing room atmosphere is far from perfect. The Baggies do have enough quality to avoid the drop, but their weaknesses are there for everyone to see when they face top table sides, so I really doubt they can stop in-form Tottenham from winning this game.

Peter Odemwingie remains doubtful with a knee problem, whereas Shane Long, Paul Scharner and Graham Dorrans are also injury doubts.

Tottenham just keeps going

The demanding Champions League campaign prevented Tottenham from mounting a serious top 4 challenge last term, but with no European distractions this season, Spurs are determined to make things right and ensure another season of Champions League football. Things haven’t started well for Harry Redknapp’s side as heavy defeats to Manchester rivals threatened to end team’s top 4 challenge before it even started, but the players have responded brilliantly, dropping just two points in next nine league games. New signings Scott Parker and Emmanuel Adebayor have got to be given credit for Spurs’ uptrend in fortunes, but other key players like King, Bale, Lennon, Modric and Van der Vaart have also stepped up the plate and helped the team climb to the third place in the standings. Tottenham are now playing with a lot of confidence and they are very motivated to continue the amazing run of results, so struggling West Brom shouldn’t prove to be too big a problem.

With Tom Huddlestone, Michael Dawson and William Gallas still sidelined, Redknapp is likely to stick to the same side that beat Villa on Monday.

Verdict

West Brom may have done well against bottom table sides, but they have yet to pick up a point against top table teams. Tottenham, on the other hand, are on top of their game at the moment and backing them to win at Hawthorns looks like one of the best betting tips this weekend.

Our prediction: Away win

Odds: 1.91 (10/11)

Bookmaker: Bet365