In the 33rd round of the Premier League, Tottenham welcomes Nottingham Forest to Tottenham Stadium.
What We Know
- First matchup: Nottingham Forest - Tottenham 1-0
- Tottenham leads the head-to-head record, 59-29-38.
- Before the first matchup of the season, Forest had counted only a single win in 10 games against Spurs.
- Tottenham has a 6-3-7 record at home this year.
- Forest has the second-most away wins in the league behind Liverpool (8-2-6).
Tottenham
The midweek clash with Eintracht Frankfurt was naturally the focus for both the club and the fans. At this point, there is nothing to play for in the league except avoiding finishing 17th, which is the last place outside of the relegated teams, and, to be honest, a somewhat humiliating position.
So, Tottenham clearly gave up in the league after a certain point. Undoubtedly, injuries played a part as the Spurs lost several key players for different periods of time. That affected the team and pushed it out of rhythm, but there was never a comeback, even when the injured players progressively returned to fitness.
The victory over Eintracht Frankfurt should show their fans that there is at least some hope for the future, since Spurs fans have endured a lot, especially this season.
Tottenham scored a single win in their last six games, and that is the home 3-1 win against last-place punching bag Southampton. Spurs lost their three other most recent games against Fulham, Chelsea, and Wolves.
At Molineux, the Spurs were barely competitive. That was a truly shambolic display, especially on the defensive side of the pitch. Spurs cut Wolves’ lead to one goal twice, and twice Wolves struck back and pushed it to two.
Goals like the one Cunha scored are rarely seen in a match played by two professional teams, which is kind of a good summary of the Premier League season the Spurs have had so far.
Nottingham Forest
The team couldn't maintain that breakneck pace and intensity that has characterised their season at all times. Their achievements are remarkable anyway, even though they dropped to fourth in the league and are facing Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals in a week’s time.
Both Nottingham and Man City are locked in a fight for a Champions League spot as well. The Citizens are right there in fifth spot, with Chelsea and Aston Villa not far behind, so the competition is fierce for the Champions League next season. All Forest needs to do is stay strong and finish the season in the top five.
The two defeats to Aston Villa and Everton were setbacks, and the team needs to respond immediately, starting with the game against Spurs. Tottenham seem entirely out of contention for anything in the league, and after a tough European clash with Eintracht Frankfurt, Forest needs to take advantage.
They have not lost three in a row this year, and the last time they lost two, a couple of months ago, saw them come back with a goalless draw against Arsenal. This time, however, a single point might not be quite enough for Forest's aspirations to play the Champions League in the next season's campaign.
Betting Tip: Tottenham - Nottingham Forest
Even though Forest has lost 2 in a row, we don’t see the third loss coming this time, especially considering Tottenham’s motivation (or lack thereof) in the Premier League.
If we also take into account that Tottenham had an important game and big victory against Eintracht Frankfurt, Europe is definitely a priority for Spurs. Forest will be our pick with some cover: (2 DNB).
- Betting Tip: 2 DNB
- Odds: 1.91 (at the time of writing)
- Stake: 5
