Tottenham vs Manchester City: Preview and Prediction
By Joe Lingley
Match preview:
This 2014/15 season — for Tottenham and Man City — will have to go down as a forgettable one, with the ambitions and expectations of both teams failing to be reached.
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It would be harsh to call it a disaster for either team, with Man City set to compete in the Champions League once again, and Tottenham still holding a good chance of taking on the Europa League next year.
Yet with Liverpool and Southampton also fighting for the two Europa League places, Tottenham still have much to play for and need to be strong this Sunday against an unconvincing, but strong, Man City looking to end the season positively.
Team news:
Tottenham are expected to be without full-backs Ben Davies and Kyle Walker through injury.
Manchester City will have to make do without Vincent Kompany and Stevan Jovetic. Yaya Toure is also a doubt for the game.
Key players:
It’s hard not to mention Harry Kane after the season he is having, and he will no doubt be relishing this challenge after the Man City back-line conceded two goals against Villa last week.
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Kane is also just one league goal away from matching Premier League top scorer Sergio Aguero, providing an interesting angle to the game.
Nacer Chadli is another to watch as a result of his recent form. Despite having an up and down season after starting so brightly and fading away, he has been an important figure for Spurs with two goals in his last two games.
For Man City, in a season of disappointment the ever-reliant Sergio Aguero has been the savior on many occasions. The Argentine will be looking to add to his tally and secure his first Golden Boot.
Current form:
Despite taking a vital point against Southampton last week, it means Tottenham’s wait for back-to-back wins stretches back almost two months, providing a good insight into the inconsistency that has plagued the North London club. As shown by the 2-2 draw, scoring goals hasn’t been an issue this season, but keeping clean sheets has. With a goal difference of just +6, it is clear — work needs to be done.
Man City on the other hand have won six of their last ten league games, boasting the highest number of goals scored in the Premier League with 70, but share Tottenham’s weakness in defending. Man City have managed 11 clean sheets in 34 games, a respectable number, yet compared with rivals Chelsea’s 16, it is certainly an area to improve if they are to compete for the title.
Last five league meetings:
Sat 18 Oct 2014 Man City 4 – 1 Tottenham
Wed 29 Jan 2014 Tottenham 1 – 5 Man City
Sun 24 Nov 2013 Man City 6 – 0 Tottenham
Sun 21 Apr 2013 Tottenham 3 – 1 Man City
Sun 11 Nov 2012 Man City 2 – 1 Tottenham
Match prediction:
For both clubs it will not be a match in which either will be feeling too confident about. Tottenham will come into the game with greater motivation as they still have something to fight for, yet it is dangerous to rule out the threat of Man City who will be eager to give the travelling fans something to cheer about.
I expect the match to be an evenly matched contest. While the fixture has delivered great entertainment in the past, I think this one will be much more tight.
Tottenham vs Manchester City: 1-1 draw.