Wednesday night sees a massive game in Group H at Wembley Stadium as Tottenham Hotspur host Real Madrid with both sides locked on seven points at the top of the group. That means that whoever triumphs on Wednesday will likely win the group and give themselves a great chance of progressing further in the competition. When these two sides met a fortnight ago in Madrid, the game finished 1-1 with little to choose between the two sides. Real Madrid were expected to win the game by many, but Spurs gave an excellent showing of themselves and were unfortunate not to take all three points on that night. Both managers will fancy their chances of winning this game and both will be looking to get back to winning ways after a disappointing weekend domestically.
Champions League – Wembley Stadium, London – Wednesday 1st November – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 13/5 at Skybet |
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Tottenham
Real MadridTottenham Hotspur
Spurs come into this game off the back of consecutive defeats to West Ham United in the Carabao Cup and Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday. Mauricio Pochettino’s side were extremely disappointing against Man Utd at the weekend and looked bereft of ideas in attack without Harry Kane. Their star man is again a doubt for Wednesday’s game due to a hamstring strain picked up in the 4-1 win against Liverpool, but Pochettino will give the England striker every chance to prove his fitness before kick off. One man he can welcome back though is Dele Alli, who was missing through suspension when these sides last met.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid also come into the game off the back of a defeat after suffering a shock 2-1 defeat to Girona at the weekend. Isco had given Zinedine Zidane’s side an early lead, but two goals in four minutes in the second half turned the game on its head and saw Real Madrid slip eight points behind rivals Barcelona after just 10 games in La Liga. There are a few murmurings of concern amongst Real Madrid fans after a less than impressive start to the season and Zidane can ill afford another defeat on Wednesday night. Former Spurs winger Gareth Bale will again be missing through injury and he is likely to be joined by Raphael Varane who limped off at the weekend against Girona.
Talking Points
1. Spurs have won 6 of their last 10 home games in the Champions League, scoring 20 goals in the process.
2. Both teams have scored in all of Real Madrid’s last 8 away games in the Champions League.
3. Spurs are yet to keep a clean sheet in a Champions League match at Wembley Stadium.
Prediction
All of the stats would suggest that there are going to be goals on Wednesday night; Spurs can’t keep a clean sheet at Wembley Stadium and Real Madrid have conceded in their last eight away games in the Champions League. If Harry Kane misses the clash through injury, then I think it could be a long night for Spurs. They looked poor in attack against Manchester United at the weekend and I can’t see them causing this Real Madrid back line many problems. If Kane does play, however, then I think Spurs will get something out of the game. A lot hinges on the fitness of Kane; if he misses the game, I think Spurs will lose, if he plays, I think they will at least get a draw.
Betting Tips (Ladbrokes)
Real Madrid start this game as favourites at odds of 11/5, whilst a home win for Spurs is available at 5/4, with the draw priced up at 13/5. I wouldn’t be placing any bet on who is going to win the game until the teams are announced, for the reasons I have covered above. In terms of other markets available; BTTS at 4/9 looks like a safe bet considering the statistics heading into the match and the Draw and BTTS (Yes) at 10/3 looks like a solid bet to me.
Draw and BTTS (YES) – 10/3 (Ladbrokes)