English Premier League Game Preview - Norwich City @ Tottenham Hotspur

English Premier League Round 4 Game Preview:

         

Norwich City @ Tottenham Hotspur

Game Time: Saturday, 10:00 AM EST

After winning the first two games of the season, Tottenham was disappointing on their last game at Arsenal, mostly due to their inability to create scoring chances. In fact, their two wins had a result of 1-0 with their goal coming via penalty kick. Therefore, Tottenham is yet to score a goal on a build up play this season. Their midfield line is physically imposing and plays with a lot of pace and intensity, but they lack some creativity when the ball is near the opposing goal line, something that explains their lack of goals. Maybe already thinking about this issue, Tottenham made two major moves at the trade deadline and signed two creative midfielders: Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela for a combined of £40 million. It looks like Lamela won't play this weekend, but the same won't happen with Eriksen.

"Will he [Eriksen] be in the line-up this weekend? There is a big possibility but it’s not a certainty yet." Andre Villas-Boas told reporters.

However, due to some International games, Villas-Boas barely had time to practice with the new players and so, they immediate impact for this game will be close to nothing.

On the other hand, Norwich managed their first win of the season against Southampton, thanks to a brilliant goal from their left winger Nathan Redmond, who has been in great form. Young Dutch midfielder Leroy Fer had his second game for the team and he was also great, so Norwich can be a dangerous team on this contest due to their offensive talent.

I would have no problems in having a lean on Tottenham, with them having a 68/70% chances to win this contest like the current lines are giving us, but only if this contest would be played in a month. Right now, Tottenham lacks offensive chemistry with Eriksen and Lamela still adapting to the new team, so Tottenham may actually have some problems once again to create scoring chances, while Norwich might be dangerous on their own offense. I'm passing in here.