English Premier League Round 21

The EPL's festive fixture period winds down this week, after 40 matches over a 14 day period we have been treated too some of the best footballing action on the planet. The premiership plans on going out with a bang based on the scheduled fixtures on the docket, highlighted by Manchester City hosting Liverpool on Thursday night for yet another epic encounter in their top of the table rivalry.

The opening day of action brings the new year in with class, with both north London sides Arsenal and Tottenham on the card, while Everton and Leicester City start the proceedings in what should be a very interesting match up of two teams with European aspirations.

The next three days of matches should be wildly enjoyable for those who follow the league, with so many matches being played over a short period of time, the chances for shocking results always increase, with investors searching for the best spots to maximize their returns based on such situations.

Cardiff City vs Tottenham 
Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales
1-1-2019 - 12:30 pm ET - NBC-SN 

The new year has arrived with a bang in England's top league, now the second half push for titles and survival will be at top gear, as we sit back and enjoy the final 18 fixtures of the 2018-2019 campaign.

Cardiff City enter Tuesday's contest on a positive note, after struggling out of the gate in their return to the Premier League, the 'Blue Birds' have since crawled out of the relegation zone, and now sit 16th in the standings with 18 points too their names. The Welsh-men also picked up an impressive road victory over the weekend, after holding off a determined Leicester City squad for the first 90 minutes, the tiny side then grabbed a stoppage time winner to leave King Power stadium with all 3 points. 

Neil Warnock may be the most intriguing man roaming the sidelines within the league. The long-time second division manager has a well documented history within England's lower league, but he has failed to have much success when placed at the top level, making this season especially important as he attempts to keep a team safe for the first time over his 29 year career. 

Warnock's Weapons

The English man has been limited with consistent options in front in goal. Callum Patterson has been placed in the teams dedicated number nine within Warnock's 4-1-4-1 formation, while Harry Arter, Josh Murphy and Víctor Camarasa have all chipped in while on the front-line, their 10 combined goals during the first half of the season have been invaluable towards the home sides chances of survival. 

Cardiff's Back-Line Committee 

The Blue Bird's will be truly tested on the back-end by the attacking talents Spurs bring to town. Center-back Sol Bamba has been the clubs top defender, able to come up with timely tackles and interceptions when needed the most, the Ivory Coast international also provides a spark on the attacking side of the pitch, after netting 2 goals he has shown a wonderful ability to use his aerial assault while in the box. 

Aron Gunnarsson is the unquestioned leader while on the pitch, the defensive midfielder provides much needed support for teams back-line, his overall awareness allows him to be in the correct position to eliminate impending threats, which will be especially helpful against a Spurs side who enjoys using a fluent passing attack.

Cardiff City have had a hard time defeating Spurs over their time in top flight action, posting an overall record of 0-0-3 since 2013, while failing to score in anyone of those particular matches as Premier League representatives, giving them plenty of motivation to reverse that current curse.

Tottenham travel too the south of Wales off a disheartening 1-3 defeat to fellow newcomers Wolves over the weekend. Spurs took a convincing 1-0 lead into the final 20 minutes of play on Saturday before losing focus or energy as many have suggested due too their recent workload,  ultimately conceding 3 goals in a shocking manor to leave the Londoner's with 0 points as match day 20 passed by. 

Mauricio Pochettino must now get his team re-focused for a second half push after dropping valuable points on Saturday. The Argentine head-man has been at the center of speculation over the past few weeks, after Jose Mourinho was sacked by Manchester United the Spurs manager has been linked with the same position, although he is deflecting the questions regarding the rumors it could cause a major distraction within the club as the season plays out. 

Spurs Tally's Man 

Harry Kane will always grab all the headlines while apart of the EPL side. The 'Golden Boot' winner has calmly went about his business during the first half of the new season, traditionally a slow starter within domestic play, the English international has already bagged 13 goals over his first 19 appearances, which includes 4 over his past 3 matches, placing him on pace to contend for the leagues top scorer once again.

Player Prop 

Harry Kane - AnyTime Goal Scorer  -140 / 1.71 

Kane has strategically been placed as the lone striker atop Tottenham's 4-2-3-1 formation, with Pochettino using his wingers to flood the attacking half of the pitch, while placing service into one of the best finishers in the world. Kane has no real weaknesses in front of goal, he uses both feet and his head to perfection in and around the box.

Kane's Support System

The north London midfield is the true engine that makes this world class attack run. Christian Eriksen has been at the center of Tottenham's extended success over the past 4 seasons, the Danish magician allows this team to run at full capacity, accounting for 7 assists domestically he uses a wide array of passes to find the open man in space to succeed. Eriksen adds an extra dimension from long range out and direct free kick situations, where he can place the ball in the back of the net with deadly accuracy.

Lucas Moura is set to return too the starting eleven after getting a rest against Wolves, the Brazilian winger should provide fresh legs to this Spurs unit. Moura is highly skilled with the ball at his feet, using his blazing speed to separate himself from defenders, he then has an option to place precise crosses into the box, or launch long range shots where he has produced 7 goals on the season.

Spurs "X-Factor"

Son Heung-Min is a player to watch, the South Korean relishes each opportunity he gets to be apart of the regular rotation, his pace and sheer technique in the open field is worth the price of admission. Heung-Min is at his best when in counter attacking scenarios, we should expect the Tottenham star to find open space as the match progresses, he is another Spurs player who can finish the final product from outside the box, with 7 goals of his own, I will not be surprised to see the Londoner's fellow winger getting on the final score sheet.

Tottenham's Injury Concerns

Spurs make the trip too Wales with a large amount of their regular contributors on the sideline, especially on the back-end with Mousa Dembele, Jan Vertonghen and Eric Dier all definite scratches, while Serge Aurier is listed as doubtful, as the visitors hope he can make a full recovery by the start of the match as his services are desperately needed in a full-back role. 

Tottenham have slowly dropped into the 3rd slot of the EPL standings, with an overall record of 15-0-5, Spurs own 45 points and sit 9 points back of league leaders Liverpool in the chase for a league title.

Cardiff City vs Tottenham - Match Prediction

The final match of the day should be more interesting than many might think, with two clubs fighting for very different goals on the campaign, we should be in store to witness a true "David vs Goliath"s ituation in southern Wales. 

Cardiff City are a very capable side of beating any team in the league on their best day. The scrappy welsh unit have adapted well too their new league, despite only seeing an average of 40% of possession per match, they are still generating a fair amount of shots on goals with almost 9 per contest, giving them an opportunity to stay competitive as each match plays out.

The hosts must stick too their regular plan of action, knowing they will see limited time on the ball they will feel confident they can test this Spurs back-end, who have has troubles keeping opposing teams from creating attacking threats on target.

Tottenham should hit the pitch in a full sprint, I project Spurs wanting to get out too a fast start and take away any advantage the Blue Birds have while on their own pitch. The visitors are a team who flourish when moving forward at a fast pace, understanding that Cardiff struggle to contain teams who use through balls effectively, I expect to see Spurs using long searching passes to set their danger-men free in open spaces to create a plethora of dangerous balls on target.

I anticipate Tottenham hitting the back of the net before the halftime whistle blows, taking a 0-1 type of lead into the visitors dressing room, while continuing their dominance in the second half as they surely place this match to bed in a convincing manner.

Cardiff City vs Tottenham - Betting Tips 

 Over 2.75  -110 / 1.91 - Total Full Time Goals 
Tottenham  -0.5  +100 / 2.0  -  1st Half Spread
Tottenham  -1.25  -105 / 1.95 - Full Time Spread
Tottenham - Half Time / Full Time Winner  +115 / 2.15

EPL - Bonus Match Tips 

Everton vs Leicester City 
1-1-2019 - 7:30 am ET - NBC-SN

Both Teams To Score - YES  -135 / 1.74 
Over 2.5  +100 / 2.0 - Total Full Time Goals 

Arsenal vs Fulham 
1-1-2019 - 10:00 am ET - NBC-SN

Fulham  +1.5  -115 / 1.87 - Full Time Spread  
Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Goals  +100 / 2.0

All Picks Verified Through Cappersenterprise (Cappers 3rd party service) Twitter @cappersentrprze

Charles Meshell (ROI Capper) will now be a regular contributor at One Stop Sports Spot, providing regular free picks and detailed information on specific matches throughout the soccer world.  Sign up for the new Podcast starting on January the 1st at OneStopSportsSpot.com to become a valued follower.

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