It promises to be another super Sunday with a clash of the titans between Tottenham and Manchester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (kick off 4.30pm).
The league campaign for both sides has been underwhelming as they trail in Liverpool’s wake, who now look like cast-iron certainties to lift their first league title since 1990.
Last year’s Premier League winners City have had a bumpy season in the division. They have lost key players at crucial times, such as defender Aymeric Laporte for a large chunk of the season and they haven’t really replaced Vincent Kompany’s leadership.
They have made it through to the Champions League knockout stages as well as the final of the Carabao Cup but City boss Pep Guardiola will be disappointed to see the title likely go to Anfield in May.
Tottenham have also endured a topsy-turvy season. After a thrilling run to the Champions League final last term, Spurs were expected to feature in the top three.
However, a poor start saw Mauricio Pochettino lose his job and replaced by Jose Mourinho and after a bright start under his reign, Spurs haven’t kicked on under Mourinho as they would have hoped.
Expect a close game in North London on Sunday, as both sides search for form in the latter half of a gruelling campaign.
Tottenham vs Manchester City Predictions
City have racked up 51 points from 24 games, but sit a whopping 19 points behind Liverpool, with a punishing five defeats puncturing any hopes they had of attempting to catch Jurgen Klopp’s side.
As usual, goals haven’t been hard to come by and players such as Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne have had fantastic seasons on a personal level.
However, they have lost key games and slipped up in the vital moments, something that hasn’t happened often under Guardiola’s tenure.
They are on a decent run of form in the league, with four wins and a draw from their last five games so go into this match in decent form.
Spurs have wobbled somewhat since the New Year and grabbed their first win of 2020 last time out with a hard-fought win over basement boys Norwich City.
With Harry Kane still sidelined, wins and goals have been hard to come and it is now time key players such as Dele Alli and Heung-Min Son step up in his absence.
Spurs are hard to beat at home but I think City will just edge them out and keep a vice-like grip on second place.
Tottenham vs Manchester City Betting Tips
- Correct score 1:2 – 17/2
- Sergio Aguero first goalscorer – 12/5
- Giovani Lo Celso anytime goalscorer – 16/1
Tottenham vs Manchester City Head to Head
- City have won their last three matches away from home.
- Spurs haven’t lost in their last four games.
- Tottenham haven’t beaten City in a Premier League match since October 2016.
Tottenham Team News
It has been all change at Spurs this week ahead of the transfer deadline. Christian Eriksen has left the club to join Inter Milan for £17 million and Mourinho has swooped for Dutch international striker Steven Bergwijn to give his side a much-needed boost in the attacking department. Bergwijn could well make his debut.
Moussa Sissoko, along with Kane, is a long-term absentee having undergone surgery this week on a tear in his right knee.
Tanguy Ndombele is back after recent injury problems but may not start against City.
Harry Winks was an injury doubt before their FA Cup tie with Southampton last weekend but played the full 90 minutes and came through it unscathed.
Possible team: Hugo Lloris, Serge Aurier, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Ryan Sessegnon, Giovani Lo Celso, Harry Winks, Erik Lamela, Dele Alli, Heung-Min Son, Lucas Moura.
Manchester City Team News
City manager Guardiola could be boosted by the news that Aymeric Laporte, Benjamin Mendy and Fernandinho may return for the trip to Spurs after being left out against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup in midweek.
All three have been carrying knocks but the Spaniard is confident that the trio will be able to make the trip to London.
Leroy Sane has also returned to full training this week having been out since August with a knee ligament injury but this game will come too soon for him.
The Blues have been quiet in the transfer window but reports are suggesting they may be on the verge of signing Brazilian full-back Yan Couto, although if he signs it is unlikely he will be available for the game as Couto will have to await international clearance.
Possible team: Ederson, Fernandinho, Nicolas Otamendi, Aymeric Laporte, Kyle Walker, Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri Hernandez, Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Sergio Aguero.
