Prediction: Manchester City vs Tottenham

Verdict: Tottenham

Best Odds: 13/5

Bookmaker: Bet365

Manchester City will be looking to shake of the weekend’s Everton blues as they prepare for yet another tough test in the Premier League. Tottenham Hotspur travel to Manchester having enjoyed a rich vein of form lately and there is no denying that Saturday’s match at the Etihad will be a proper cracker.

Manchester City

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has gone through quite a lot in just a couple of months in his new job. Former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager seems to have lost the kind of motivation that drove his towards becoming one of the most successful football coaches in the world and the Spaniard even went on to mention his retirement plans earlier in January, which much have affected his player to some extent. The Citizens have been given a slap on the face by Everton at the weekend, having succumbed to a frustrating 4-0 defeat and it is up to Guardiola to find the way to motivate his players to bounce back against the title challengers Tottenham. The defeat at Everton was City’s second in last three Premier League matches and the one which effectively ruled them out of the title race so that is another aspect to consider as it can have a possible impact on the players, who are disappointed to see their efforts go to waste this early in the season.

Team News

Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho will miss yet another game through suspension, whereas his compatriot Fernando is under a doubt due to a knock.

Ilkay Gundogan and captain Vincent Kompany are the two confirmed absentees, whereas the latest arrival Gabriel Jesus has received international clearance and has made himself available for selection.

Tottenham

Unlike his rivalling number in Manchester City’s dugout, Mauricio Pochettino is thriving at the helm of Tottenham. The talented tactician should be praised for all the great work he has done so far with his young team, which is playing its best football in years. The Spurs have beaten the odds to raise another title challenge in the Premier League with a string of impressive performances and on the back of the six-match winning run in the league. The Spurs have been enjoying an excellent scoring form, whereas their defensive exploits deserve plenty of credit as well. Tottenham managed to keep a clean sheet in their last three consecutive matches and will most certainly look to extend the run against Manchester City. Harry Kane is once again firing out of all guns and will be keen to build up on his hat-trick against West Ham. The Tottenham striker is currently stands as the tally of 13 Premier league goals.

Team News

Defender Jan Vertonghen picked up an ankle injury last time out against WBA and will be a definite absentee for the upcoming clash, which could force Pochettino to revert back to 4-2-3-1 formation.

In addition, winger Erik Lamela is some way off from returning to action as the Argentina international is not fully fit.

Key Points to Consider

• Man City suffered their worst defeat of the season at Everton
• The Citizens have been ruled out of the title race
• Tottenham are enjoying a 6-match winning run in the league
• Kane’s hat-trick at WBA puts him at 13-goal mark so far
• Tottenham are trailing leaders Chelsea by seven points

Conclusion

The two teams are heading into the highly-anticipated clash in contrasting forms and spirits, which could go on to determine the winner. Tottenham are playing their best football in years and are buoyed by their recent win over Chelsea which served as another demonstration of the Spurs’ ability to deal with the best and the strongest team in the Premier League.

Verdict: Tottenham

Best Odds: 13/5

Bookmaker: Bet365