Manchester City v Tottenham Preview.
It’s happening again. Two clubs fighting for fourth and the final Champions League spot. The loser settles for fifth and the Europa League. The winner is around 35 million pounds better off and gains worldwide exposure playing Europes finest clubs.
In preparing for this preview I had a few theories as to why Tottenham haven’t got as many points as possibly expected this season:
Theory number 1. They can’t travel up north. Away results haven’t been consistent and I thought north of Birmingham they had struggled to get points. However, 12 from a possible 27 is not disastrous. City have only managed 13 from a possible 30
Theory number 2. They can’t beat the top teams. Again, the record isn’t as stark as I expected. 10 points from 24 is OK. City have only managed 9 points.
Theory number 3. They are suffering from a Champions League hangover. Nope, this doesn’t hold water either. 19 points from a possible 36 for the games following a Champions League clash is resonable. Arsenal only took 10 from a possible 24.
Reality number 1. Where Tottenham have really let themselves down this season is their home draws. 8 wins, 1 loss and 9 draws. 9 of them. 9 teams have conceded less home goals while 10 teams have scored more home goals.
Reality number 2. Tottenham have taken 8 points from a possible 27 from the bottom 5 teams. They just couldn’t do the business against the bottom teams and were only able to beat Wolves at home.
Bogey Bogey.
City have two real bogey teams in the Premier League. Everton and Tottenham. It’s the vagaries of the draw that City play both of them in consecutive games. City have beaten Tottenham in the league 3 times since the Premier League was formed. A goalkeeping masterclass from Joe Hart on opening day salvaged a point which was a welcome respite from the pounding City have taken over the years. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sP4L-VUn_hs
City were unable to break the Everton curse. Can they break the Tottenham vice like grip?
The case for.
City are in reasonably good form since the abject defeat to Liverpool. Three gritty wins against United, Blackburn and West Ham and a dominant 60 minutes against Everton show that the team is performing as a unit without Tevez in the team. The players are working hard, defending well and goals are being scored by many players. David Silva is pulling the strings brilliantly whilst Yaya Toure is living up to his hefty price tag. Mancini finally seems to have struck a balance between attack and defence. The team of 2011 appears a lot more confident than the side that capitulated without a whimper to Tottenham 12 months previous.
Tottenham haven’t won for 6 games and are struggling for goals. The forward line is misfiring and Gareth Bale has joined a growing injury list which includes a backline struggling to put four fit players on the park. Tottenham have done away with the reserves team so they have no kids to promote. Then there is this guy:
Sometimes he can be brilliant. Other times, particularly of late, he’s made howlers that David James in his pomp would of been proud of.
The case against.
City are playing an FA cup final on Saturday- their third match in 7 days. The players will take their eye off this game and ensure they are fit for the final. In the match against Liverpool, the match before the FA Cup Semi Final, City committed just 3 fouls. They won’t want to get injured and will focus on self preservation. The forward line haven’t fired of late contributing just 2 goals in the past 7 matches.
City require one win from the next 3 games to secure Champions League qualification. They’ll target the matches against Stoke and Bolton as the games to get the points.
Tottenham always do well against City. Their midfield is very strong and capable of mixing it with any team in the league. Luka Modric (if fit) is an outstanding player who runs the midfield from deep. They have pace on the flanks and can hurt City both out wide, in the air and from quality set piece delivery. Tottenham will be hungrier as they have had a taste of Champions League football and will be desperate to qualify for next season. A win will narrow the gap to 3 points with 2 games to play. It’s still possible and this season has shown that anyone can beat anyone.
Odds.
City. 1.75 Draw. 3.50 Tottenham 3.75
This match will not define the season for either team. Tottenham’s heroics in the Champions League has already marked their copybook. City’s defining moment is later in the week. This match lacks the focus and intensity of the corresponding game 12 months ago which is probably a good thing. This could give the players licence to express themselves and we could be witness to a free flowing game with chances aplenty.
A massive thanks to Dazby from www.mancityfans.net for this great match preview