Heurelho Gomes

Gomes had a patchy start to his Spurs career and made a few high profile blunders. This led to ridicule in the press and boss Harry Redknapp scouring the world for a replacement. However, under the expert tutelage of goalkeeping coach Tony Parks, he has been in consistent form this season and is now hopeful of securing his first international call-up in four years. This will add to Gomes’s nine international caps thus far.

Gomes inspired Spurs to a 2-1 success over local rivals Arsenal in the Premier League on Wednesday night. Tottenham’s first league win against their north London rivals in 11 years severely dented the Gunners’ title hopes and kept Spurs hot on the heels of fourth placed Manchester City in the battle for the final Champions League spot.

Spurs are currently 2/1 second favourites behind City (at 4/9) to finish fourth but with many twists and turns still to come, Redknapp will be hoping that Gomes’s form continues for the remainder of the season.

There was a time when Gomes’s lack of confidence was causing a problem, particularly shortly after his move from Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven. However, Redknapp had been assured by former PSV boss Guus Hiddink that Gomes was one of the best goalkeepers in the world and that he should persevere with him. Redknapp did and he now agrees with Hiddink’s sentiments.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s tough clash against Chelsea, Redknapp stated that Gomes is “up there with the very best… but it took him time to adjust. He’s had a couple of dicky moments but ever since then he has got better and better and some of the saves on Wednesday, particularly a couple from Robin van Persie and from Sol Campbell, were vital saves.”

He quantified this statement by stating; “I always knew he had the ability. I spoke to Guus Hiddink and he said he nearly took them [PSV Eindhoven] to a Champions League final in 2005, he’s that good.”

Spurs face Chelsea on Saturday with both sides needing the points for different reasons. Chelsea will be hoping to distance themselves from Manchester United in the race for the title whilst Spurs will be hoping to increase the pressure on Manchester City in the battle for fourth place.

Spurs are one point behind City, who currently occupy fourth, whilst Chelsea are four points ahead of United at the top of the League. City face United at Eastlands on Saturday so the two battling for fourth face the two battling for the title.

Spurs are 11/4 to beat Chelsea, whilst the Blues are 10/11. The draw is 12/5.

City are 17/10 to beat United, with the Red Devils 11/8 to take the three points. The draw is 12/5.

View full post on totesport news – betting news and sports betting advice » Football Betting