Champions League betting – Spurs vs FC Twente

Spurs vs FC Twente betting preview, odds and tips

Tottenham entertain Dutch outfit FC Twente in the Champions League on Wednesday aiming to bounce back after two defeats in the space of four days. Spurs suffered extra-time agony at home to arch rivals Arsenal in the Carling Cup and West Ham compounded more misery on the North Londoners with a one nil reverse in the Premier League last time out. But can Harry Redknapp’s men pick up their first three points in Europe after letting a lead slip in Germany in their opener?

Seemingly cruising to an impressive victory in the Weserstadion almost a fortnight ago, Werder Bremen pegged back goals from Peter Crouch and a Petri Pasanen own goal to earn a share of the spoils. And although the match ended in complete contrast to how it began, it was a matter of two points lost rather than one gained. But, certainly a deserved point nevertheless, something ‘Arry would have taken before a ball was even kicked. FC Twente’s impressive home draw with Inter Milan also meant all four clubs in a wide-open Group A were tied on one point.

Spurs would have earmarked the clash with Twente as a chance to collect a maximum points return leaving themselves with the best possible chance of last 16 progression. They have been chalked up at 4/5 with Ladbrokes to make it a win and a draw from their first two games and this looks a snip of a price. Wigan are the only team to have beaten Spurs at White Hart Lane this season, but by their own admission they were poor that day and it seems inevitable Twente will be in for a much sterner test. We saw how easily how Tottenham dispatched of Young Boys at home in qualifying and a similar scoreline would come as no surprise. For this reason, they seem value to win both halves at Bet365’s generous 8/5. The WHL faithful could be treated to a flurry of goals once more and the over 3.5 goals market appeals at 11/5 (Victor Chandler).

Very few expected FC Twente to get anything from their opener with Inter Milan but the team from Enschede displayed a battling spirit and resolve for manager Michel Preud’homme. While it was Steve McClaren who guided the club into European competition, the Eredivisie champions seem to be playing for their relatively new Belgian gaffer. They have made a typically bullish start domestically and are yet to be beaten in their first seven outings, but can they defy odds of 4/1 (Betfred) against English opposition? Indeed, they can contest this match and make it difficult for the home side and will no doubt have some backers after the Milan draw. Perhaps a draw is more likely, and 11/4 (Boylesports) is reasonable.

The First Goalscorer Market is worth exploring with Roman Pavlyuchenko and Peter Crouch joint favourites to grab the opener at a creditable 11/2 with Paddy Power. It could be worth chancing an outsider in this one though and Gareth Bale can reward those backers at 11/1 (Betfred). The Welshman hasn’t score since a brace against Stoke in late August but is more than capable of opening his European account on Wednesday. Another player not to overlook is new signing Rafael Van Der Vaart who makes all the right noises at 17/2 (Bet365). The Dutchman has settled into the Spurs midfield nicely and will know more than most about the weaknesses of Twente. Can he exploit those frailties and give Harry a fantastic start in the Champions League?

Reccomended bets: Draw at 13/5 with William Hill

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