DBEATVTIDINMGYERS

ON PAPER, Saturday’s lunchtime duel between West Bromwich Albion and Spurs at White Hart Lane has ‘home win’ written all over it.

Since beating Chelsea 2-0 in their last league outing, Tottenham’s odds to win the Premier League have been cut from 22/1 to 12/1 (10bet) and their recent fine run of form ensures they’re firm favourites to secure maximum points on Saturday; little wonder that William Hill price them at 4/11 to win.

However, despite Albion’s match win odds of 10/1 (Ladbrokes), few punters are anticipating a walkover. Indeed, the match stats team at bettingexpert.com remind us that the pair’s last three meetings have each ended 1-1, while half a dozen of their past nine contests have finished all-square. It’s a record which complements the appeal of both 888sport’s 4/1 odds posted about the draw and BetVictor’s 13/2 for both halves to end all-square.

Wolves and Villa, who lock horns at Molineux on Saturday teatime, shared the points when they met in mid-October, continuing the recent trend for this fixture to finish on level terms. Four of their last seven duels have ended with honours even, a run which has guaranteed plenty of support for Ladbrokes’ 12/5 chalked against the draw; another 1-1 result is priced at 6/1 by Marathonbet.

Wolves go into the contest as Betway’s 8/5 favourites with Villa priced as 2/1 by Unibet. In what promises to be another close encounter, the 3/1 offered by Winner.com against it ending as a score draw is certainly worthy of note.

Finally, Birmingham City have an opportunity to avenge the 3-1 defeat they suffered at Nottingham Forest in October when the sides renew acquaintances on Saturday. Home advantage accounts for Blues’ even money starting price (188bet), with Forest quoted at 5/1 to win by Bwin.

Elsewhere, 10bet chalk 13/2 about a 1-0 home victory, while in other markets, BetVictor’s 4/5 for the match to yield fewer than 2.5 goals looks decent value, while the 9/5 Ladbrokes offer for Blues to retain a clean sheet has proved popular.

Meanwhile, Paddy Power rate the chances of City securing maximum points without conceding to be a 13/5 shot and 188bet post 10/3 in favour of them enjoying a one-goal margin of victory.

Odds courtesy of customisable odds comparison site www.smartbets.com - make sure you’re getting the best free tips for the Premier League & the Championship online at www.bettingexpert.com