No pace in Spurs injury-depleted attack worries Redknapp
Published:Harry Redknapp is hoping that his lack of available strikers and pace at the attacking end of the field does not prove too much of a hindrance on their Premier League title aspirations.
Not only did Spurs drop two points in their disappointing home draw with Sunderland, but they also saw their striking options diminished as Roman Pavlyuchenko left the field with a back injury.
The result leaves Tottenham sixth in the Premier League standings and they are now 150/1 to win the Premier League this season.
More of a concern for Redknapp is the lack of speed in his team, with Gareth Bale likely to prove the only pacey outlet in their next league game at home to Blackburn.
Peter Crouch is currently the club’s only fit striker and he is more renowned for his aerial prowess and ability to hold the ball up, rather than a desire to sprint in behind defences.
Meanwhile, Aaron Lennon missed the Sunderland draw and is also a big doubt for the Blackburn game with a hamstring injury.
This lack of speed could be an issue against Blackburn as Sam Allardyce’s team are known for their physical robustness, with central defenders Chris Samba and Ryan Nelsen seemingly happier playing against height rather than speed.
Therefore, Spurs may have to uncover a different strategy rather than pumping long balls up to Crouch and benefiting off the knock downs if they are to reap any rewards at White Hart Lane against Blackburn.
Spurs are 4/7 to beat Blackburn and can count on the fact that they have won their last two home matches against the opposition.
However, the loss of Pavlyuchenko could prove especially problematic as he scored three goals in these two victories, although Crouch did strike both goals in a 2-0 win at Ewood Park last season.
Blackburn are 4/1 to beat Tottenham, while the draw can be backed at 5/2. See the full Tottenham vs Blackburn match betting odds market.
