Craig Dawson scores at both ends of the pitch as West Brom all but end Tottenham’s title tilt. Christian Eriksen picks up the points yet again, though Dele Alli could be in hot water after an apparent off-the-ball incident with Claudio Yacob was missed by the referee. Elsewhere, Jamie Vardy’s ban will be extended by one match ahead of Leicester’s vital trip to Old Trafford.
Spurs title bid almost over
Tottenham Hotspur’s slim title hopes all but ended following a 1-1 victory at White Hart Lane, ensuring that Leicester City require a solitary victory to lift the Premier League crown.
Christian Eriksen provided the assist for the Craig Dawson own goal that opened the scoring, meaning that he now delivered attacking returns (one goal, five assists) in his last six starts. The Dane is now up to third in the FPL midfield standing on 170 points to team-mate Dele Alli’s 166, though the latter’s 34% owners will be bracing themselves after he appeared to throw a punch at the Baggies’ Claudio Yacob. Given that the referee failed to see the incident, Alli could face a retrospective violent conduct charge by the FA, potentially resulting in a three-match suspension that would rule him out for the rest of the season.
Harry Kane, meanwhile, spurned a golden opportunity in the first period but proved largely ineffectual for the remainder of the encounter. Nonetheless, the 10.4-priced marksman has netted 14 goals in 18 London derbies during his fledgling career, which paints a positive picture ahead of the Lilywhites’ trip to Chelsea next Monday night.
Eric Dier was withdrawn 15 minutes from time after complaining about dizziness. Given how crucial the enforcer is to Tottenham’s defensive resolve, his potential absence would force us to reassess their clean sheet prospects at Stamford Bridge.
Dawson salvages point for Baggies
Tony Pulis’ side arrested a run of three successive defeats with a hard-fought draw against the North Londoners.
The Baggies were without Ben Foster and Sadio Berahino for the trip to White Hart Lane after both were ruled out with ankle problems.
Craig Dawson atoned for his early own goal with a headed leveler, courtesy of a Craig Gardener assist at the opposite end. The 5.1-priced right-back ranks joint-second among all defenders for goals (four) this term but – like the rest of his teammates – is unlikely to attract investment in appreciation of West Brom’s challenging schedule (WHU, bou, LIV).
Vardy Banned for United Clash
Earlier this morning, the FA confirmed that Jamie Vardy has been handed a one-match suspension on the grounds of improper conduct following his dismissal against West Ham United.
Having sat out the weekend win over Swansea, the Leicester forward attended a personal hearing yesterday but his attempt to avoid an extra ban has failed. Given that he will now be available for the Gameweek 37 home encounter against Everton, thus handing him just two more matches before the season ends, many of his 37% owners may look to cut ties at a time where eight sides play four times in the final three rounds of fixtures.
Leonardo Ulloa is likely to shrug off the minor back problem that forced him off against the Swans on Sunday to lead the line at Vardy’s expense. Given that the Argentine netted twice in the 4-0 win, Claudio Ranieri may well retain an unchanged lineup as Leicester go to Old Trafford looking to clinch the title.
