Thursday 28 July 2016

Tottenham Hotspur v Atletico Madrid: Spanish side can keep it tight

Tottenham Hotspur v Atletico Madrid Betting: Spanish side can keep it tight
Spurs face a tough test in their second friendly in the International Champions Cup and Diego Simeone's side are likely to prove too strong for the north Londoners in Melbourne
Despite seeing his side lose their opening friendly in Australia 2-1 to Juventus, Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino declared himself "very happy" after the game. The match saw the north Londoners field several impresisve youth prospects against the Italian champions, while new signings Victor Wanyama and Vincent Janssen also made their debuts.
Next up for the side that finished third in the Premier League is a clash with the side that finished third in La Liga, Atletico Madrid. The team from the Spanish capital have travelled down under with close to a full squad, although they are missing perhaps their most important forward players.

French star Antoine Griezmann will not be involved, neither will Belgium's Yannick Ferreira Carrasco, with Argentine forward Lucas Vietto missing too ahead of a proposed move away from the Vicente Calderon, while Angel Correa competes with the Albiceleste at the Olympics.
Nevertheless, the runners-up from last season's Champions League are clear favourites against Spurs, with Paddy Power pricing an Atleti win at 11/10 (2.10) while Pochettino's men can be backed at 23/10 (3.30) and the draw is offered at 5/2 (3.50).
Of course Atletico are famed for their miserly defence and with seven players who started the Champions League final two months ago in the squad, Diego Simeone's men are likely to be as solid a unit as ever. Spurs for their part are missing their first choice centre back pairing with youngsters Dominic Ball and Cameron Carter-Vickers failing to impress against Juve, especially in the early stages when the Italian champions struck twice in quick succession.

Furthermore, Christian Eriksen is likely to be out for the game meaning that the White Hart Lane outfit will be without their most inventive player.
Naturally, pre-season friendlies are about fitness and giving opportunities to young players, but the potential Spurs line-up looks a little weak to take on a side of Atletico's stature. The price for a win for Los Rojiblancos is surely big enough to consider, while the price of 15/8 (2.88) for them to keep a clean sheet should offer great value to bolder punters.

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