Author: Anton Johan
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In this Weekend Sports Preview, we preview the big NFL matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings at London's Wembley Stadium, as well as the derby between London clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in their Premier League showdown.
American Football: Pittsburgh Steelers at Minnesota Vikings
On Sunday, American Football comes to London for the day, as the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Minnesota Vikings at Wembley Stadium in the first international NFL game of the 2013-14 Regular Season. The question is can these two teams deliver the high octane matchup expected?
The question has to be asked because neither of these NFL franchises have started off the new season well. In fact, neither team has won a game so far this season out of three, which means at the final whistle on Sunday, one team will be 1-3 and other 0-4. But regardless of the outcome, most fans lucky enough to have tickets to watch the game live, will be happy just as long as the showdown is action-packed.
Despite the rivals' lackluster records, each boasts some top-draw players, such as Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who is considered one of the best in the League and a likely Hall of Famer, and Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, whose skill on the field is matched only by his natural talent. But the reality is that a handful of outstanding players does not a winning team make.
From a betting perspective, Paddy Power has posted the Steelers as the -2.5 favourites against the +2.5 Vikings, but in American Football as in any sport, anything can happen come Sunday. For my Pittsburgh Steelers vs Minnesota Vikings betting buck, the Vikings will pull out all the stops to secure their first win of the season.
Premier League Football: Tottenham vs Chelsea
On Saturday London rivals Tottenham and Chelsea will face off in their Premier League showdown at White Hart Lane, which is expected to be one of the most exciting matches of the weekend. This is because both these teams are in the top of the standings, and both have a lot to play for.
Tottenham Hotspur
Even with the loss of "wunderkind" Gareth Bale to La Liga for an obscene amount of money, Tottenham Hotspur have had a good season so far in the Premier League, currently tied in first place with Arsenal on 12 points.
Most of the credit for this has been attributed to Spur's airtight defense, in conjunction with a none-too-shabby offensive lineup that includes the likes of like Paulinho, Christian Eriksen, Erik Lamela and Roberto Soldado. It will not be lost on Premier League betting fans that Tottenham has only conceded just one goal out of nine games across the board so far this season. As such, they will obviously be eager to maintain their position in the standings by dispatching Chelsea on Saturday.
Chelsea
Chelsea have delivered something of a "mixed bag" in their first five Premier League matches this season, having won three, lost one and drawn one. That said, they are just two points off the lead, tied in second place with Manchester City, so they have some room to manoeuvre.
Plus it won't be lost on betting fans that Chelsea have only conceded two goals so far this season, and last season thumped Spurs 4-2 at White Hart Lane, a memory they will no doubt draw from as they run onto the pitch on the weekend.
As for the Tottenham vs Chelsea betting, Paddy Power has posted Tottenham as the ever-so-slight 13/8 favourites over Chelsea on 17/10 and a draw on 9/4 odds. For my Premier League betting buck, I see the Blues winning this one 2-1.
Posted by Anton Johan at 11:38 on 26 September 2013
