Tom McGarry’s selections for a crucial clash in the title race include a win for Pep Guardiola’s side with both teams finding the net.
Tottenham Hotspur away has been a thorn in the side of Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City team in the Premier League over the years but that’s something they will look to address on Tuesday night (8pm kick-off).
Given their attacking lineup, it’s remarkable that City have lost on all of their last four league visits to Spurs, while failing to score a single goal.
However, City might have just got that monkey off their backs with a 1-0 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on their last visit in the FA Cup in January and they look like they can end their wait for a Premier League victory at the home of Lilywhites this week.
Selections
Manchester City to win and both teams to score
6/5
Half-Time/Full-time: Draw/Manchester City
15/4
Josko Gvardiol to score anytime
5/1
City can end Spurs hoodoo
Tottenham have had the sign over City in recent years in north London, winning all of their last four home league games against the Citizens by an aggregate score of 6-0.
Given the wealth of attacking quality City have at their disposal it’s a remarkable run of results and one that will leave Spurs fans questioning why their side has not been able to mount a serious title challenge during that time.
Spurs’ current form suggests that a win over City this time around is a big ask.
Losing four games in a row against Newcastle, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, Spurs only managed to scrape past Championship-bound Burnley 2-1 last time out.
On a seven-game winning streak in the Premier League and unbeaten in the top flight since December 6th, City are flying and should be able to claim the three points.
Both teams have scored in three of the last four league meetings between these sides and that trend should also continue on Tuesday.
Goals might have to wait
With plenty riding on this result in City’s push towards an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League title, don’t expect the visitors to risk everything in the first half.
Guardiola might seek a more measured approach from his side, which paid off in their FA Cup win at Spurs in January thanks to an 88th-minute winner.
With that in mind, the scoreline to be all square at the break before City push on in the second-half looks to be good value here.
Gvardiol one to watch
It was Nathan Ake who scored the all-important winner in City’s last trip to Spurs and another defender might get on the scoresheet in this one.
Josko Gvardiol has been prolific in front of goal of late, with the Croatian scoring three goals in City’s last three games.
Bagging himself a brace in the 4-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage last time out off the back of a goal at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest, Gvardiol has made a habit of scoring on the road.
Given his form in the final third of late, keep an eye out for Gvardiol in the anytime goalscorer market here.
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