Jermain Defoe Is Raring To Go

Jermain Defoe’s return to action will have given the whole Spurs squad a massive lift over the past couple of matches. The striker was integral to Spurs securing top spot in their Champions League group this week, scoring twice in the 3-3 draw against FC Twente.

The draw, coupled with Inter’s 3-0 surprise defeat to Werder Bremen, meant Spurs went through as group winners, meaning they will avoid Europe’s best sides in the next round. The three goals they scored against the Dutch champions also took their goal tally in the group stage to 18, prompting many of the big boys to sit up and take notice of the competition’s debutants. The Champions League betting tips suggest they can push on.

The Twente match was Defoe’s first full 90 minutes since he suffered his ankle injury in September while on international duty. After missing the past couple of months the striker is raring to get on with the rest of his season.

“For me, this is just like the start of my season – I’ve done a mini pre-season, and this is the start of my season,” Defoe said.

Defoe’s goals are going to be essential for Spurs this season, if they are going to start making the next step up in their quest for regular trophies. Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko, while weighing in with a decent supply of goals, they aren’t going to score 20 plus in a season.

As well as causing waves among Europe’s elite, Spurs are also threatening to genuinely challenge for the Premier League title. Going into this weekend’s clash with a shaken Chelsea, Spurs lie in fifth, only six points behind leaders Arsenal.

With the season nearing the half way point and with no obvious title favourite as yet, Harry Redknapp’s early season predictions that his team could possibly challenge for the title, look less crazy than they did at the start of the campaign.

With Defoe still yet to open his Premier League account for the season, the Chelsea defence will have to be at their best to make sure he doesn’t make a deposit this weekend.

Meanwhile, the West Brom betting suggests the Midlands side can secure a second season in the Premier League after impressing following their latest promotion.

The side have beaten Arsenal away and chalked up an impressive 3-1 win over Newcastle last weekend.