Tottenham v MAN CITY: The PREVIEW – City’s Probable Team

Fancy a flutter? Edin Dzeko to score the first goal is great value at 7/1 whilst Jermain Defoe to score first and the game to finish 1-1 is a very tempting 40/1. Feel confident that you can predict the outcome? Got an instinct who will score first? Click HERE to bet on the game.

Full of confidence after two wins from the opening pair of Premier League matches, Man City travel to White Hart Lane to face Spurs. Although the visit to Bolton last week was a demanding challenge, this is undoubtedly the toughest match of the season so far. We must put thoughts of the Champions League draw to the back of our minds and focus solely on this game.

In the corresponding fixture last season, we relied on the brilliance of Joe Hart to record a goalless draw, as the home side pummelled us with their attacking verve. This time around however, it is the Blues who come into the game full of goals and excitement. Seven strikes in the opening two matches have seen praised heaped upon our manager for releasing the handbrake, but it will require a solid all round performance on Sunday if we are to return to Manchester with the three points.

Despite the arrival of Samir Nasri, I expect Roberto Mancini to make only one change to the side from the victory away to Bolton. That would be Gael Clichy replacing Aleks Kolarov at leftback, with the former Arsenal man’s extra pace crucial, as he will be up against Aaron Lennon.

With Nigel De Jong still absent through his foot injury, Yaya Touré will again occupy the holding midfield role, with Gareth Barry and James Milner alongside him, although Nasri could feasibly replace Milner if Mancini decides he’s ready to start. Still lacking match sharpness, Carlos Tévez will be on a hugely talented bench, where he could be joined by Mario Balotelli, Nasri and Adam Johnson.

Here is the side I expect Roberto Mancini to select:

On their day, with the attacking options that they have at their disposal, Spurs can beat anyone. Gareth Bale has continued last season’s splendid form on the left wing, whilst in Rafael Van Der Vaart and Jermain Defoe, they have creativity and goals aplenty. Aaron Lennon’s pace down the right side is lethal, but Emmanuel Adebayor, having joined Spurs on loan from City for the rest of the season, is unavailable due to the terms of the deal. It is doubtful that Luka Modric will start, deep in discussions about a transfer to Chelsea as he is, but don’t be surprised if ‘Arry Redknapp springs a surprise or two.

Key Players: Michael Dawson and Rafa Van Der Vaart – Although Dawson isn’t as exotic a player as many of his teammates, it is his no-nonsense defending which is so key to their play. He was superb throughout last season and continues to be the rock of their defence. He’ll have a challenge to keep the likes of Aguero, Dzeko and Silva quiet, but he will relish it. In the absence of Nigel De Jong, Van Der Vaart will have an even more crucial role than normal. He likes to ‘play between the lines’, dropping off the main striker into a playmaker’s role. Usually, this is where De Jong patrols, but the onus will be on Yaya Touré to step up to the mark.

Referee: Phil Dowd – Officiated the Community Shield final between City and United with no problems. Both sides here like to play football, although there is the propensity for it to turn nasty.

Prediction: Tottenham 2 – 2 MAN CITY – An entertaining game is in prospect with both sides possessing exciting attacking players. Goals to be scored by Jermain Defoe, Rafa Van Der Vaart, Edin Dzeko and Carlos Tévez.

Fancy a flutter? Edin Dzeko to score the first goal is great value at 7/1 whilst Jermain Defoe to score first and the game to finish 1-1 is a very tempting 40/1. Feel confident that you can predict the outcome? Got an instinct who will score first? Click HERE to bet on the game.

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