Premiership Predictions:Tottenham To Raise Their Game Against Wolves

Posted by Justin Jones in Premiership on February 9, 2010

ENGLAND – Ominously for the clutch of teams chasing fourth place in the Premier League, last weekend’s results put Liverpool into that spot just weeks after Rafa Benitez’s side had all been written off for that finishing position.

Liverpool’s resurrection is a combination of their own good form and failings among their nearest rivals. Of the three sides battling with the Reds for the opportunity of Champions League football, Tottenham Hotspur appear to have the most balanced squad.

Yet Spurs, to the frustration of their fans, have been misfiring since the turn of the year. Their form hasn’t been dire but the annoyance has been all the greater because chances have been missed against sides that Harry Redknapp’s team should have seen off.

Spurs Fail To TakeThe Bull By The Horns

Birmingham City- admittedly a good side at present- were allowed a last minute equaliser at St Andrew’s; Hull City snatched a 0-0 from White Hart Lane and Aston Villa were also able to grab a point, though that may be a decent result in the long-term.

The 2-0 loss at Anfield was especially galling because Liverpool were there for the taking. The three points conceded allowed Liverpool back into the race for fourth and spread confidence through their squad.

There is unease among Spurs fans that their players are not mentally tough enough to grab fourth place and may end up in the comfort zone of fifth or sixth position.

On face value that would be a decent result but with teams like Manchester City strengthening and Liverpool possibly resurgent, this may be Redknapp’s only real opportunity to crash the top four.

Wednesday night’s trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers has become a must-win fixture. Manchester City stumbled at the weekend and Aston Villa have to play the champions; Liverpool travel to Arsenal for a hard encounter, so a win in the West Midlands could drive Spurs back to fourth.

Defoe-Crouch Partnership Is Vital

Winning at struggling clubs is essential for a club with top four aspirations. It’s also important to encourage Spurs fans who were jolted by Redknapp’s decision to let Robbie Keane go on loan to Celtic.

A lot of faith has been invested in the Defoe-Crouch partnership up front but they should be good enough to see off Wolves with the rejuvenated David Bentley on the flank and Tom Huddlestone threading the needle from midfield.

Anything less than three points won’t be good enough but Spurs should have the quality to beat the home side who are beginning to struggle at this level and don’t carry a great goal threat. Apart from the desperate Portsmouth, Wolves are the lowest goal scorers in the Premier League. With Defoe on fire Spurs should stroll to a comfortable win.

PartyBets.com Prediction: Tottenham to win and Jermaine Defoe to score at any time at 2.80.

There are four Premiership games being played tonight, click on each game to bet on the Premiership fixtures.

Fulham (1.73) V Burnley (4.75)

Manchester City (1.44) V Bolton (7.55)

Portsmouth (2.40) V Sunderland (2.85)

Wigan (2.20) V Stoke (3.25)