Prediction: Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur

Verdict: Manchester City to win and both teams to score

Odds: 15/8

Bookmaker: Bet365

Manchester City will be aiming to extend their record-breaking run on Saturday evening as they host Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium.

Spurs meanwhile will hope to consolidate their position within the Premier League top four on a ground that they have enjoyed considerable success in recent years. A mouth-watering spectacle is sure to ensue then in what has been labelled one of the clashes of the weekend.

Manchester City

The superlatives to describe Manchester City’s form at the current time are rapidly disappearing. The table-topping Sky Blues have won 15 Premier League matches in a row, a record for the top flight of English football. Pep Guardiola’s men now sit an eye-watering 11 points clear at the top of the table following their 4-0 win over Swansea City and look destined to lift their third Premier League crown at the conclusion of the campaign. They have only dropped two out of a possible 51 poitns, highlighting the excellent football currently being played at the Etihad Stadium.

As a matter of fact, Manchester City are leading the way in most respects. They have currently scored the most goals with 52, 15 more than local rivals Manchester United and the most in the top-four leagues in English football. The Citizens also have the joint-best defence in the Premier League. Coming into the game, the omens look even more ominous for Tottenham looking at their opponents’ recent home form. They have not lost at home in the Premier League since a 3-1 defeat to reigning Premier League champions back in December 2016.

Team News

Guardiola only has defensive problems to worry about in relation to injuries. Long-term absentees Vincent Kompany, John Stones and Benjamin Mendy all remain out for the foreseeable future so Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otamendi are expected to keep their places. David Silva is set to be one of the first names on the team sheet after scoring four goals in his last three games.

Tottenham Hotspur

Despite the huge challenge awaiting them at the Etihad Stadium, Mauricio Pochettino’s troops arrive in relatively positive form. Spurs have won their last three games in all competitions, including Wednesday evening’s 2-0 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion at Wembley. Currently sitting fourth in the Premier League on 31 points, another win this weekend would go a long way in securing another season of Champions League football for the North-Londoners.

The team however will need to rectify their away form if they are to reach European football yet again. Last season’s Premier League runners up have not claimed maximum points away from Wembley Stadium since the end of September. Their last away league clash with Watford ended in a 1-1 draw. In fact, they have only managed to score two goals in that time. If they do not manage to earn victory on Saturday, it will be five consecutive away league games without a win – something they have only done once in the last six years.

Team News

Erik Lamela should retain his position in the starting XI following his first start in over 13 months last time out. Long-term absentees Victor Wanyama and Toby Alderweireld are both unavailable for selection.

Key Facts To Consider

• The last clash between the two sides ended 2-2 at the Etihad Stadium in January 2017
• Tottenham Hotspur have the marginally better all-time record between the two (W60, D35, L58)
• Manchester City have not beaten Spurs since May 2015
• Spurs have not won in four away league games, whilst the Sky Blues have won their last seven at home in the Premier League
• Manchester City have won 15 league games in a row

Conclusion

Whilst Tottenham are no longer push-overs, it will be an extremely difficult ask for them to earn any points at the Etihad, especially missing a key midfielder and defender. Harry Kane should threaten the depleted City defence but Guardiola’s league leaders should prove far too strong. The Citizens’ sheer attacking power should be more than enough to push them over the line to yet another three points.

Those predictign an emphatic victory however could well be surprised and it should be tight affair at the Etihad Stadium.

Verdict: Manchester City to win and both teams to score

Odds: 15/8

Bookmaker: Bet365