Hull v Tottenham: Expect a reaction from wounded Tigers

Bruce is looking for a response to Hull's "scary" performance against Burnley

Both sides are struggling for form this season, but Jaymes Monte expects the hosts to emerge victorious at a nice prices in an entertaining encounter...

Hull v Tottenham
Sunday November 23, 16:00
Sky Sports 1

Hull

After a promising start to the season, with only one defeat in their first five Premier League games, Hull now find themselves with just one win in their last 10 league fixtures and only two points above the relegation zone.

The latest loss - 1-0 at bottom-of-the-table Burnley - was described as "so lacklustre and lifeless it was scary" by manager Steve Bruce, but he did then go on to insist that "it won't happen again".

Some media reports even suggest that Bruce is set to make sweeping changes to his starting XI as a result, with the likes of former Spur Tom Huddlestone, Sone Aluko, Paul McShane and Robbie Brady all facing the axe.

The fit-again Allan McGregor is almost certain to return in place of Steve Harper, with Michael Dawson, Nikica Jelavic, Stephen Quinn and Andy Robertson all in line for recalls. Alex Bruce and Robert Snodgrass are both definitely out due to respective hamstring and knee injuries.

Tottenham

Tottenham fans haven't had much to shout about so far this season either. This is the north London club's worst start to a Premier League season since 2008/09 (the famous 'two points from eight games' opening) and they come into this game having lost three of their last four, with the only win in that period coming fortuitously against a struggling Aston Villa side after a Christian Benteke red card and two subsequent late goals.

Mauricio Pochettino is now the 8.415/2 third favourite in the Next Manager To Leave Position market, with the Spurs fans beginning to grow increasingly frustrated at their team's poor football. So much so that Emmanuel Adebayor was left to suggest that his side are more comfortable playing away from home at the moment due to the negativity filtering down from the White Hart Lane terraces.

Despite their poor form and a defensive record that is worse than any of the top 13 teams in the division, Jan Vertonghen is unable to find a place in the side and has this week hinted that he may look for a move in the January transfer window. Perhaps another sign that there is some discontent behind the scenes at Spurs.

There is some good news on the horizon, however, with the return of Kyle Walker to training following an eight-month lay-off. This game may come too early though, with next week's Europa League tie earmarked for a return.

Fellow right-back Kyle Naughton is also unavailable due to suspension, while Andros Townsend is doubtful after he withdrew from the England squad with an ankle problem.

Match Odds

One couldn't put too much faith in either side given their recent runs of form, but at the odds we simply must oppose Spurs here. Priced at a paltry 2.226/5 there can be no interest in backing the visitors, while Hull at odds of 3.65n/a do at least offer some value.

I get the feeling from Bruce's post-Burnley comments that he will have really got stuck into his players over this past fortnight and there will be a response. Pochettino, on the other hand, just simply isn't that type of manager. The Spaniard's approach is more methodical and I just have a niggling feeling that he's beginning to lose the dressing room - the lack of his trademark pressing in recent games was noticeable.

Over/Under 2.5 Goals

Having scored in every one of their opening eight Premier League games, Hull have now failed to score in their last three. But as I am expecting a response from the Tigers this weekend I'm going to assume that they will overcome their recent shyness in front of goal.

Spurs have scored in each of their last 11 matches in all competitions, and so the 2.111/10 about there being more than 2.5 goals is a bet to be quite confident about backing.

To Score

Nacer Chadli has scored six goals in 10 games since Pochettino took over at Spurs, and at odds of 4.03/1 to score anytime in a game where we are expecting goals is a good bet.

I often like to look at former players up against their old club in this market and there are a few that fit the profile this weekend. Michael Dawson is a big price at 20.019/1, as are Jake Livermore and Huddlestone (if he starts) at around the 9.08/1 market.

Recommended Bets
1pt Back Hull to win @ 3.65n/a
2pts Back Over 2.5 goals @ 2.111/10  

Jaymes Monte 2014/15 Season P/L

Staked: 22.5 pts
Returned: 25.42 pts
P/L: +2.92 pts