On Sky
A more important game for City as Tottenham play out their season for pride and extra merit payments where as City have a very slim chance at making the one and only league UEFA cup place.
Vital Quotes:
Sven talks about Tottenham: “I think they played very well against PSV and they deserved to win that game,” he observes. “They changed their formation two or three times during it so to work out exactly what organisation they will come with is hard.
“They started that game without Lennon and he`s been on fire lately – so I don`t know if he has some problems or tactically Ramos wanted to play the diamond.
“It doesn`t really matter what they do because we will try to play our way.
“It`s always more important how we act on the pitch then how the opponents are going to be organised. If we do things well it doesn`t really matter.”
Manchester City FC Team News:
Sven is sweating on the fitness of centre-back Richard Dunne, who was carried off in the defeat at Reading with a badly gashed shin.
The Republic of Ireland international initially tried to play on after sustaining the injury in a tackle with Stephen Hunt, but was forced out of the action and required nine stitches.
With Micah Richards out following a knee operation, Eriksson can ill-afford to lose the services of Dunne.
Full-back Michael Ball twisted his knee at the Madejski Stadium and is unlikely to feature, but Nedum Onuoha could come back into contention after a hamstring injury.
Winger Martin Petrov serves the final game of his three-match suspension following his dismissal in the defeat by Everton.
Valeri Bojinov is still building up from his knee injury.
Player to watch: Elano Blumer
With Tottenham being a decent footballing side; Elano has a chance to show more of his skills.
Tottenham Hotspur Team News:
Tottenham have Alan Hutton available after he was ineligible for the midweek Uefa Cup exit to PSV.
Defenders Younes Kaboul (knee) and Ricardo Rocha (groin) are doubtful while Gilberto returns to the squad.
Player to watch: Dimitar Berbatov
His display against us in the league cup quarter final was the best forward play I have ever seen.
Match Facts & Stats
In years gone by Tottenham would not look forward to playing City as they had the far superior record against them; but since the inception of the premier league Tottenham have a great record against City and you have to go back nearly five years since City secured all three points against the north Londoners.
Tottenham if they win could make their fourth double in a row against City.
Ref Watch:
Mark Clattenburg – a reasonable referee; this is his third City game this season, the other two both at City where both resulted in a one nil victory; United and West Ham cup replay.
This is Tottenham’s fourth game with him in charge and all three previous games they have failed to win.
Match Prediction:
With so many defenders out I think City will be a bit nervous but Tottenham might be suffering a European cup hangover after extra time and penalty defeat at PSV on thursday and so I predict a cagey score draw. 1-1.
Next Fixtures:
Bolton Away on Saturday 22nd March with a 3pm kick off.