Prediction: Manchester City vs Tottenham

21st January 2012

Manchester City may have recorded a 5:1 victory at White Hart Lane in the second round of the Premiership campaign, but a lot has changed since and the Citizens will now have to work hard for the three points. Spurs can effectively return to the title race with a win at Emirates, and that would be a perfect way to get revenge for the aforementioned defeat.

Manchester City were unfortunate not to have created a bigger advantage at the top of the standings following the brilliant start to the season, but they were very lucky not to ruin everything they worked for when they entered the poor run of form somewhere around the new year. While losing to Manchester United and Liverpool in FA Cup and Carling Cup respectively, the Citizens managed to record back to back Premiership wins and are now hoping to extend the amazing home run in the Premier League. Roberto Mancini’s side have won every single league game at Etihad this season, although that run will be put to a serious test against in-form Tottenham. Defeats to Sunderland, Manchester United and Liverpool, as well as a narrow win over Wigan prove that City are far from the desired form, whereas the absence of the Toure brothers and Kompany only adds to the problems. Mario Balotelli and Micah Richards should return, but the centre-back pairing of Joleon Lescott and Stefan Savic could have their work cut out for them against one of the best attacks in Europe.

Harry Redknapp’s side missed an excellent opportunity to enter this match tied on points with second-placed United as they failed to beat Wolverhampton at the Lane, but seeing that it was their first slip up after quite a while, Spurs can, nonetheless, go into this match in high spirits. The mere fact they are now ten points clear of their top 4 rivals speaks for itself and such a big advantage gives the team a chance to play their own game and not worry about the pressure. Tottenham have come a long way since the 5:1 defeat to City at the start to the season and they are playing great football at the moment, unlike their opponents, who are clearly struggling for form. Emmanuel Adebayor, who is ineligible to face his parent club, is unlikely to be missed seeing that Jermain Defoe has been in scintillating form of late and is raring to go after several great cameo roles. Ledley King is unlikely to recover in time to face City, meaning that Dawson and Kaboul are again set to form the defensive partnership.

Conclusion

It is more than clear that Manchester City are not at their best at the moment, and with the team struggling to compensate for the absence of Yaya Toure and Vincent Kompany, City might find it hard to continue their impressive home run. Tottenham did fail to beat Wolves at the weekend, but they still look to be in very good form and I can see them getting something from this match.

Verdict: Double chance on Tottenham

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: William Hill