Prediction: Manchester City vs Tottenham

Having suffered a major blow to their title hopes by losing to Premier League leaders Leicester City, Manchester City now play host to another in-form side. Tottenham Hotspur have now climb to second thanks to a four-match winning run and if Spurs also win at Etihad, they will become serious title contenders.

Manchester City

This season is quickly turning into a major disappointment for Manchester City, who could soon be out of the title chase, with their top 4 position now in danger as well. The reality is that Manuel Pellegrini has had a host of important players unavailable during the most important period of the season, but when one spends so much money on new footballers every summer, they cannot really blame lack of depth and injury crisis for disappointing results. Knowing very well that the Citizens are far from the desired form, Leicester City adopted a brave approach and ended up completely outclassing the Etihad outfit, and we have a feeling red-hot Tottenham Hotspur will learn from their example to pile more misery on Man City. Shocking defending again cost the Citizens dearly and there is little hope of the team showing massive improvement in the space of just seven days. And while captain Vincent Kompany is stepping up his recovery, he is unlikely to be in good enough shape to prevent free-scoring Spurs from extending their impressive run, even though if he is given the nod to start.

Team News

It remains to be seen whether Vincent Kompany will be risked if he is included in the match squad, but Nicolas Otamendi is now rated doubtful as well.

Meanwhile, the likes of David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Jesus Navas, Samir Nasri, Eliaquim Mangala and Wilfried Bony are definitely out.

Tottenham

Following yet another under-par campaign, Tottenham were not exactly seen as one of the main candidates for the top 4 finish before the current season started, but Spurs have done brilliantly to prove all the doubters wrong. Mauricio Pochettino’s charges needed a while to hit the ground running, but they found their top form in just the right time and have now even managed to mount a serious title challenge. Spurs have also reached the final stages of the FA Cup and Europa League, but it is clear that the Premier League campaign has the priority at the moment. Tottenham Hotspur have now won six matches in a row, winning last four league fixtures, taking ful advantage of somewhat easy fixture list. Their title credentials will be seriously tested at Etihad Stadium, but if there ever was a perfect time to be facing Manchester City, it is now. With most key men available and the players brimming with confidence, we can see the visitors taking at least one point from Manchester.

Team News

Jan Vertonghen and Clinton N’Jie are the only unavailable footballers at the moment, with Kevin Wimmer set to deputize for the Belgian.

The impressive Dele Alli and Heung-Min Son should be recalled to the side, with in-form Harry Kane likely to prove a handful for Man City defenders.

Key Factors to Consider

• Man City won last five home games vs Spurs
• But, Tottenham recorded a 4-1 win in the reverse fixture
• Last nine meetings between Man City and Spurs produced 41goals
• Spurs won last six games in all competitions
• Tottenham won last four away games, scoring 12 goals

Conclusion

Manchester City have been largely disappointing of late and with their key players either missing or struggling for form, we cannot see them winning this game. Spurs, on the other hand, are on top of their game and having won the reverse fixture 4-1, we wouldn’t be surprised if they also triumph at Etihad.

Verdict: Spurs not to lose

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: bet365