Another round of fixtures will be played in the English Premier League this weekend, with the action getting underway on Friday evening with a London derby involving Chelsea and Fulham at Stamford Bridge. That’s a match the neighbors both need to win, but which side will grab the points? Our team of football writers brings you the best of this weekend’s action from across European football’s major leagues and competitions. This article focuses on another match from the English capital as Tottenham hosts Manchester City.
Both teams have been underperforming this season, and know time is running out if they are to turn things around. Spurs desperately require all three points to help drive their season back on track. They would love to bag a top-four finish and secure a return to the UEFA Champions League in September. But that remains a dream at this stage, with Spurs needing a winning streak to catapult them back into the picture. Man City are second in the league, looking on as Arsenal race towards the trophy currently residing at the Etihad.
Will we see a repeat of the last time these teams butt heads? You may remember this fixture produced six goals earlier in the season in Manchester when the champions eased to an impressive 4-2 victory. That result and the comfortable margin of victory for City means the champions have now scored ten goals in five games against Spurs. But the locals do take confidence from a 3-2 win at the Etihad Stadium last season. Can Spurs do it again and put another dent in their opponent’s hopes? Read on as our team of football experts run the rule over Sunday’s match, which is set for a 16.30 GMT kick-off.
Spurs have won just two of six
Tottenham head into this match on a woeful run of form that has seen them win just one of their previous six English Premier League outings. The London club started the campaign as a team capable of challenging for a top-four finish and, with a bit of luck, maybe even the league title. But unless they drastically improve how they have been performing, Tottenham face another season watching Europe’s elite go head-to-head on the big stage from the sidelines. That would be a disaster for a club with their astonishing running costs. Failure to make the top-four may also impact their transfer budget.
Despite two wins in six and one in five, Spurs can be found sitting fifth in the league with their stats for the season so far showing 11 wins, three draws and seven defeats with 40 goals scored and 31 conceded. That certainly isn’t the worst form we have seen from the club over the years and there won’t be anyone connected to the club that’s ready to throw in the towel just yet. There are still plenty of games to be played and if EPL fans know anything, it’s that this league is unpredictable. Anything can and often does happen.
Could Spurs claw back the 14 points needed to catch leaders Arsenal? It’s unlikely, but they need to find just three points to match Newcastle in third. We last saw the home team in action on Monday when battling to a 1-0 away win over neighbours Fulham in what was a tense London derby. The winning goal that evening came from Kane in first half stoppage time. It was the perfect stage of the game to score and it helped lift the pressure off his teammates, not for the first time. But the club knows it can’t always rely on Kane to pull them out of a hole.
Man City remain in the race
Manchester City fans hoped this was the year their team landed three league titles on the bounce. Pep Guardiola’s men have dominated English football over the last few years, with only that rare league win for Liverpool in 2020 stopping their charge. City have won each of the last two titles since and started the season as a hot favourite to make it three. That remains a possibility, but they have their work cut out to catch Arsenal.
The Gunners lead the table and are showing no signs of slowing down. Mikel Arteta’s side appear to be pulling clear, leaving Spurs to rue any mistakes and dropped points. Man City prepare for this game with their stats for the season showing that they have won 14 of 20 games, drawing three and losing three. Their last six results show four wins, a draw and defeat, but they have claimed six points in their previous two outings and that will inspire confidence in the squad and fans.
They got the win needed last weekend when making light work of Wolves. The champions were expected to win the game and did just that, but deserve credit for the performance and taking the chances that fell their way. Another hattrick from Haaland won the day as the young striker continues to impress. He looks to have a big future ahead at Man City and there will be plenty more goals. He could end up being his team’s Kane – the player who saves their skin in tight matches.
Tottenham v Man City prediction
Spurs will be backed by the usual supportive crowd that packs their impressive stadium. But the home players know that won’t be enough to defeat Man City. They must give their best performance of the season if they are to stand any chance of winning this game and getting their season back on track. Man City could see their league title hopes dashed if they fail to win in London.
Premier League odds
The pre-match betting odds available to all registered 22bet members shows Tottenham at 4.38 for victory with Man City 1.705 and the draw 4.18. There are also several specials available, including both teams to score, first scorer and handicap. Kane and Haaland are sure to be popular picks with bettors.
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