Manchester CIty vs Tottenham Hotspur EPL Preview

May 10, 2011 7:45:00 PM BST
City of Manchester Stadium — Manchester

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov; Vieira, Barry; Johnson, Y Toure, Silva; Dzeko. 

Tottenham (4-4-2): Gomes; Kaboul, Dawson, Gallas, Corluka; Lennon, Modric, Sandro, Van der Vaart;Pavlyuchenko, Defoe.

On an evening when a win will confirm 4th place and a spot in next season Champions League, Mancini faces injury problems that could hinder his sides success on the night. Argentine forward Carlos Tevez faces a race to fitness admitting there is only a 50% chance of playing some part on Tuesday. The Italian boss will also have one eye on Saturday’s FA Cup final showdown, so several faces may come in especially after the weekend’s loss to the Toffees.

Bale is certain to miss out the rest of the season after sustaining ankle ligament damage from a horribly timed tackle by Blackpool captain Charlie Adam. Rednapp also appears to be missing left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto and tough man Tom Huddlestone, again both to injury. Jermaine Defoe bagged a late equalizer at the weekend and is expected to be included in the line-up. 

Rumours are flying Rafael Van der Vaart is prepared to leave the London club after just a season at the Champions League chasing outfit. Finding funds for next seasons transfer kitty is thought to be the reason.

Despite the loss to Everton, Man City’s recent league and cup form would suggest they are in poll position to claim a victory at the City of Manchester stadium having only lost twice at home all season. Spurs will feel they are well within a shot of claiming a victory having the fourth best away record in the league this year, and of course Crouch claiming the single goal which propelled Spurs into the final European Champions League spot at the Blues expensive last season.

With so much at stake, you can expect an action packed thriller!

Prediction: Manchester City 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur