Let’s not hide behind the truth – this evening’s Premier League encounter, away at Tottenham Hotspur is not a “must win” game. However, following the recent emotional rollercoaster ride against Liverpool and Manchester United, a convincing performance and a Wembley win would certainly help settle the jitterbugs.
Form – (all competitions)
Spurs LWWWW
Man City WWLLL
MATCHDAY! ????⚪️
Tottenham v City
Premier League
Wembley Stadium
19:45 UK#spursvcity pic.twitter.com/seLqL4ahOu— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 14, 2018
Scenario
IF City return to the Etihad with maximum points and United lose at Old Trafford against West Brom tomorrow afternoon City will be crowned champions. It’s as simple as that.
???? “Son has been on fire and he deserves everything he gets…"@kylewalker2 is ready to face his old club tonight. #spursvcity #mancity pic.twitter.com/vgvNBxK3uB
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 14, 2018
Team news
Manchester City
Sergio Aguero and John Stones are definitely crocked. Benjamin Mendy will not feature, having played his first competitive match since his injury last September for the EDS last night. Meanwhile, Fernandinho begins his two match suspension.
Tottenham Hotspur
On the other hand Spurs left-back Danny Rose will miss the game because of a calf injury.
What the managers say
Pep Guardiola
"It's in our hands!" #mancity pic.twitter.com/iZxkiM3X0C
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 13, 2018
Mauricio Pochettino
Ever the optimist ????#COYS pic.twitter.com/47Z382MTtv
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 13, 2018
Spurs spanking new stadium is expected to open at the start of the 2018/19 season. So, shall we take a peek at how the building site is developing?
Live streams
Worldwide audience
⚽️ Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City
???????? https://t.co/piLxm04byM
???? Officially LIVE in 172 countries!Where in the world are you located? See the link above for TIME & CHANNELS in your country!@SpursOfficial @ManCity #TOTMCI #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/1H6g7TxXuV
— LiveSoccerTV.com (@LiveSoccerTV) April 13, 2018
Opposition fan base forums / message boards
80deg16minW says…
“Well….once again we venture into a huge game. Another moment in time where the anticipation is everything we have ever wanted our club to create for us.”
“We go up against the best team in the league coached by the, purportedly, best manager in the world. Hailed as a genius, Pep has done it all. He has taken every very expensive team he has ever coached and won championships with them. Except this one.”
“This is a test for Pochettino. A moment to cast his shadow over the league. A moment to shine. A moment to become enshrined. The season at Wembley could be, at least partially, defined by this game with a victory.”
Bulletspur writes…
“We have won our last two home league games Man City. We last had a longer run against them between 2005 and 2009 (6). Man City have only won one of their last five EPL games against us (D1 L3), though it was in the reverse fixture in December (4-1). This will be the third EPL game to kick off at this time on a Saturday, after Soton vs Arse 26 Dec 2015 and Leicester vs Manu 23 Dec 2017.”
“Man City have won two away EPL games in London this season, the only campaign in which they have won more in the competition was 2013-14 (4). These two wins have come at Arsenal and Chelsea. Only three clubs have ever won away at all three of Arsenal. Chelsea and Us in the EPL – Charlton, Coventry and Blackburn Rovers.”
“We are unbeaten in our last 14 EPL games (W11 D3). We last had a longer unbeaten run in the top flight between January and August 1967 (20 games). Man City are looking to avoid back to back EPL defeats for the first time since 2016.”
My prediction
Taking everything into consideration I truly believe Pep’s players will come out with “all guns blazing” and the lads will win, comfortably 3-1.
Come on CITY!