Spurs vs Chelsea odds: A punter's guide to the big match
With both sides under pressure the first-ever Premier League match at Wembley feels significant
The second weekend of the Premier League is looming and if it's anything like the opening round of games there will be drama and goals galore.
The game of the weekend is undoubtedly Chelsea's clash with Spurs at the Lilywhites' new temporary home of Wembley.
Both teams come into the match under scrutiny.
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Spurs went unbeaten at White Hart Lane last season but have a terrible record at the national stadium, where they have won only two out of ten games since it was rebuilt.
"How Spurs adapt to their new surroundings will determine their season," says Graeme Le Saux in the Daily Telegraph. They must also "quell any fears about their inactivity in the transfer market and rumours of discontent about their wage structure", he adds.
Playing against Chelsea may help, he says, as the atmosphere will be electric for the London derby and that makes it the "perfect game" for Spurs to get over their homesickness.
As for the visitors, they are also under pressure after their shock defeat to Burnley on the opening weekend.
Manager Antonio Conte admitted his side "lost the plot" as the champions had two men sent off and conceded three goals.
That makes the clash a genuinely big game, says Miguel Delaney of The Independent.
"No defending champion in the Premier League era has lost their opening two games," he says. "Even if that stat alone would predictably bring something of an overreaction, there would still be a lot for Chelsea to think over."
But with Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas suspended after their red cards, "it could well be a case of damage limitation for Chelsea", says Le Saux. "Alvaro Morata's bright cameo was the biggest positive on the opening day, and Chelsea will look to keep things tight and hope a chance drops for him."
So what are the best bets for the game on Sunday?
Sporting Life tipster David John backs Spurs to emerge triumphant. He believes Tottenham will "get off to an ideal start at Wembley." He adds: "to boost the price up a little I will combine a home victory with a Harry Kane goal in the score/win double market".
Another option is to back Spurs to win 2-1 says Bwin Sports, which likes odds of 15-2 on that outcome. It also recommends a punt on Spurs to win and both teams to score at less favourable odds of 29-10.
If you want to play it safe and just back a winner with no added extras, ESPN recommends backing Spurs at 11-10 with Bet365.
Brian Lee of the Daily Mail isn't so sure and believes there is value in Alvaro Morata opening the scoring at 6-1 – the same odds as Dele Alli.
"If this game was at White Hart Lane we'd pile in to Spurs," he says. "But Wembley will play a part as it hosts its first ever Premier League match. The draw looks like the bet here and a share of the points with both teams scoring is 37-10 (188Bet)."
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