Spurs v Wolves predictions, match preview & betting tips

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Tottenham will have the chance to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men have won their last five league games, jumping above Manchester City into second in the table.

They can reduce the gap between themselves and first-placed Liverpool to three points before the Merseysiders play Arsenal on Saturday evening.

But Wolves will be looking to upset another big side and could climb as high as seventh in the table with a surprise victory.

Read on for Spurs vs Wolves live stream options, team news, predicted XIs, stats, tips and more.

When is Spurs vs Wolves?

Competition: Premier League

Venue: Wembley

Date: Saturday 29th December

Kick-off: 3.00pm GMT

Match preview

This season’s reverse fixture between Tottenham and Wolves was a frenetic contest, to say the least.

Spurs were clinical at the Molineux and took a 3-0 lead early in the second half thanks to a Harry Kane strike, following up on first-half goals from Erik Lamela and Lucas Moura.

But the scoreline didn’t tell the full story. Wolves had a goal wrongly disallowed before the break and continued to create chances even when they were 3-0 down.

The hosts’ insistence on staying in the game eventually paid off when Premier League debutant Juan Foyth gave away two penalties, both of which were converted. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side peppered the Tottenham goal to find an equaliser but it wasn’t to be.

Since then, Wolves have remained about the same. Their form has been mixed but they are in the top half, looking at the teams above themselves rather than below.

Meanwhile, Spurs are flying. They have won their last five in the league, scoring 11 goals in their previous two games against Everton and Bournemouth.

For both sides, it’s now a case of finishing the year on a high. Wolves will be happy with a point, but Tottenham know they must win to keep the pressure on Liverpool.

Where can I watch live?

Viewers in the US will be able to watch Spurs vs Wolves on fuboTV.

Can Wolves upset another ‘big six’ club?

Wolves have lost to strugglers Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town already this season, but they’ve held Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal to draws and beaten Chelsea. On first glance, that doesn’t make a lot of sense. But it is in fact evidence of the clear preparation Nuno Espirito Santo puts in ahead of matches against the ‘big six’ clubs.

Wolves have perhaps been a little naive against Cardiff and Huddersfield, going into those games believing they are good enough to overcome the opposition and ending up on the wrong end of a beating. But last season’s Championship winners have shone brightest when the opponent is tougher.

Even in their 3-2 home defeat to Spurs, Wolves played well and were unfortunate to lose. Will they have a bit more luck this time?

When does Son go to the Asian Cup?

Son Heung-min has scored seven goals in five December matches so far, including braces in each of his last two appearances. He is the most in-form attacker among a group of very confident Tottenham forwards, and Wolves must be wary of his threat.

Unfortunately for Spurs, Son will head to the Asian Cup after a home game against Manchester United on January 13. The South Korean played for his country at the Asian Games in August, winning a gold medal and earning exemption from mandatory military service. As part of an agreement between club and country, Son will miss games for Tottenham yet again next month.

A silver lining for Mauricio Pochettino is that it could have been a longer absence. Part of the agreement that saw Son go to the Asian Games allows him to miss the Asian Cup group stages, which take place in the first half of January. Spurs must make the most of having Son while they still do.

Are Spurs genuine title contenders?

As recently as a week ago, nobody would have predicted Tottenham leaping above Manchester City in the Premier League table over Christmas. But that’s the situation in which the Londoners find themselves.

Spurs were never really in the title race last season because of City’s dominance, but they do have experience of challenging for the big prize from their 2015/16 and 2016/17 campaigns. Both ended in tears – will this year be the same?

Unfortunately for Tottenham, that may well be the case. Liverpool, who are six points clear at the top, remain unbeaten and Spurs still have to play at Anfield – and the Etihad. Throw in the uncertain move to the new stadium and Pochettino’s side could face yet another troublesome settling-in period. Never say never, though.

Head-to-head

Tottenham are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Wolves, winning three and drawing two, all in the Premier League.

In fact, Spurs have lost only two of the last 15 encounters. Wolves haven’t beaten the Londoners since a 1-0 league victory at Molyneux in February 2010. They beat Tottenham 1-0 away in the 2009/10 season, too.

Spurs wins: 47

Draws: 20

Wolves wins: 27

Team news

Tottenham will be without Mousa Dembele (ankle), Eric Dier (appendicitis), Jan Vertonghen (thigh) and Victor Wanyama (knee).

Serge Aurier (groin) has returned to training and could be in contention, while Dele Alli will be assessed after missing the Bournemouth game following his half-time substitution against Everton.

Diogo Jota missed Wolves’ draw with Fulham with a hamstring injury. Conor Coady and Ryan Bennett avoided bookings at Craven Cottage that would have seen them suspended and should start.

Morgan Gibbs-White was given a chance to shine against Fulham, but Ruben Neves might reclaim his place at Wembley.

Predicted Spurs XI: Lloris; Aurier, Sanchez, Alderweireld, Davies; Winks, Sissoko, Eriksen; Lamela, Son, Kane.

Predicted Wolves XI: Patricio; Bennett, Coady, Boly; Doherty, Saiss, Moutinho, Neves; Jonny, Traore Jimenez.

Spurs vs Wolves betting tips from FansBet

Click here for Spurs v Wolves tips and enhanced odds from FansBet

Tottenham have certainly got themselves back into the title conversation over the Christmas period. Pochettino’s team now lie second in the Premier League after a run of five consecutive league wins. Wolves at Wembley are the next side in the firing line of a team that doesn’t have any problems finding the back of the net. Form Labs bring you their betting preview and tips for the game and if you are after some more value for the weekend’s Premier League action then check out our enhanced accas and odds.

Read on HERE

The post Spurs v Wolves predictions, match preview & betting tips appeared first on Squawka News.



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