Dinamo Tbilisi vs Spurs: Goals galore in Georgia
Published:Although a 4,000-mile round trip in the first week of the season is rarely welcomed by managers, Andre Villas-Boas might be grateful to escape the transfer maelstrom surrounding White Hart Lane.
Willian and Erik Lamela have been mooted as arriving to replace Gareth Bale, but Villas-Boas will be focused on selecting the team to beat Dinamo Tbilisi in their Europa League play-off, with Spurs priced as 1/2 favourites.
Although the Portuguese manager has been unwavering in his commitment to the competition, he will surely give several squad players a run-out in Georgia.
Jermain Defoe could be brought in for new signing Roberto Soldado, and the England international is worth backing at 9/2 to open the scoring.
Dinamo have conceded in each of their six competitive fixtures so far this season, and lost 2-0 at home to Steaua Bucharest in their recent Champions League qualifier.
Spurs will be keen to wrap the tie up in the first leg, with the second match falling just days before the north London derby, and betting on the London side to score over 2.5 goals at 17/10 could prove fruitful.
Tbilisi’s strength is in their attacking play, and they boast former Valencia and Betis striker Xisco in their ranks.
The 32-year-old scored 24 times to help Dinamo to a league and cup double last season, and is 3/1 to score at any time.
If the Georgian side come out at Spurs, it is likely to be a high-scoring affair, especially if Spurs field a makeshift back four.
Considering Spurs conceded in all but one of their away matches in the Europa League last season, backing both teams to score at 17/20 looks a good bet.
Whatever the result in Georgia, Spurs will be expected to qualify for the Europa League group stages, and the London side are 12/1 to win the competition.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
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