Benteke to show Spurs what they could have had
Published:Tottenham may have started the season adequately to sit sixth in the Premier League standings, but their ‘goals for’ column is certainly not befitting a team in such a lofty position.
Andre Villas-Boas has watched his team net just six goals in the opening seven top-flight fixtures, hitting the target more than once on a solitary occasion in this period, at home to Norwich.
They travel to Aston Villa next, opposition they have already beaten 4-0 in the Capital One Cup, and so there may be some added feeling that this game can kick-start improvement in front of goal.
However, this cup success was against a Villa side minus star striker Christian Benteke, who should make his comeback from injury here, after being fit enough to make the Belgium bench in their midweek World Cup qualifier in Wales.
This is the same Benteke that Tottenham should have signed in the summer.
The same Benteke that Spurs decided was too expensive, only to then go and spend £26m to break their club record to land Roberto Soldado, who has no sell-on value or Premier League experience.
The same Benteke that has already scored four Premier League goals this season, only two less than the entire Spurs squad.
The same Benteke that heads the top-flight statistics for having the best goals conversion rate, with his four goals coming from just nine shots this season. Only four strikers can boast a better goals per minute ratio than the 22-year-old too.
Furthermore, Spurs have averaged over 18 shots per game in the Premier League this season, which is more than any other club.
Now, will it be the same Benteke that steps out at Villa Park to show Spurs firsthand what they could have had?
Benteke’s odds are 6/1 to open the scoring against Tottenham, but with some doubts over his fitness, the 15/8 that he nets at any time in the 90 minutes may prove the more sensible bet.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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