Leicester City Vs Tottenham Hotspur: Opponent watch with Alasdair Gold

When Leicester City play Tottenham Hotspur, there is no shortage of drama – or indeed of goals.

Since Leicester’s return to the top flight, this fixture has produced 34 goals (an average of 4.25 per game), a total that has only been bettered by Arsenal Vs Liverpool (38) during the same period.

Nine of those 34 were scored in a 5-4 slugfest at Wembley last season alone – which Tottenham managed to edge. Nine, however, is also the number of goals that have been scored in Leicester’s last seven games, for and against. For anyone wondering why has there been a mixed reaction to the Foxes’ unbeaten run, there’s your reason why.

Can Tottenham perhaps add a bit of spice to Leicester’s lacklustre streak? Or worse, could they bring it to an end? We spoke to Football London’s much revered Alasdair Gold to get all the answers.

Q. Despite being pulverised at the hands of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur have responded well, and they now sit third in the Premier League. Is it the time to admit that they are indeed in the title race?

"“I’m not sure they got pulverised, Spurs just ran out of steam in the second half after a tough week. Like Pochettino, I’m not sure Tottenham are in the title race.“I think like the rest they’re all playing for second place behind Manchester City, who are just on another level to everyone.”"

Q. After firing a blank in the transfer window, would you say that Spurs are currently overachieving? Or is this exactly where you expected them to be?

"“They’re overachieving by a long way. Spurs’ wage bill is around sixth or seventh highest in the Premier League and they’ve been playing away from home for the past two seasons.“Add into that all the injuries to key players this campaign, the nine late returning stars from the World Cup, the stadium delay and the lack of signings and Spurs are really punching above their weight.”For Pochettino to have brought three consecutive top three finishes is impressive, but if he can do it again after this season’s problems then he’s outdone himself.”"

Q. Tottenham play FC Barcelona on Tuesday in what is arguably their biggest game of the season. Could we see Mauricio Pochettino prioritise the Champions League fixture and rest some of his key players against Leicester City? Would it be the right decision?

"“There’s every chance he will. The Barcelona match is pretty much a must-win clash because Inter are likely to beat PSV in the other group game. I’d imagine he’ll rotate at least four or five players out of the team to face Leicester.“It’s probably the right decision, particularly as the Foxes will be missing Jamie Vardy, usually the chief tormentor of Tottenham, and Tuesday night is so crucial and a chance to create history in the Camp Nou.”"

Q. Harry Kane is the obvious danger man in this team. Who else should Claude Puel warn his team about?

"“It depends on who starts, but Dele Alli, Lucas Moura, Heung-Min Son and Christian Eriksen can all cause problems for opponents and get on the scoresheet.”Harry Kane is always a danger, but if you concentrate too much on him then the others will revel in the space they’re gifted.”"

Q. And what should worry Pochettino the most ahead of the visit to the King Power Stadium? 

"“Tiredness. As we mentioned before Spurs ran out of steam on Sunday. They eased through the match against Southampton on Wednesday night, but this will be a tougher test.“If Leicester can press Tottenham across the pitch and wear them out then they’ll find chances come their way. Even struggling Southampton created plenty in the final 30 minutes at Wembley in mid-week.”"

FINAL PREDICTION

"”I’m going for 2-1 to Spurs in a battle of a match.”"