English Premier
2010-05-05 - Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:This match will decide who will go into the Champions League next season and a win for Tottenham would guarantee Tottenham a place in next season's UEFA Champions League but a City win would leave the matter in their hands heading into the final day of the season.
The sensational takeover in 2008 by the Arab owners has established the club amongst Europe's elite and they are now genuine title contenders for next season. City have lived up to expectations and maintained a top-four challenge after a huge spending spree in the summer.
Tottenham head in the penultimate game of the season being one point ahead of Manchester City. But there has been reports that Mancini's job is on the line if he fails to get them into the Champions League next season.
Redknapp has not made it any easier by claiming that all the pressure is on City given the amount they have spent in a bid to fulfil their lofty ambitions and only an appearance in next season's Champions League would attract the truly big names to Eastlands this summer.
Whatever it is both sides will be aiming to make their first Champions League appearance as their only other appearance in Europe's top competition was a two-legged tie in 1968, although Mancini has said Hughes would deserve half the credit for getting them there. For Tottenham, they have spalshed about 35 million pounds last season and many of their fans are expecting their first Champions League participation.
But City are in upbeat mood having come from behind on Saturday to claim their first win in three, knock Aston Villa out of the race and set up the do-or-die battle with Tottenham. Bear in mind that the late defeat against derby rivals Manchester United in City's previous home game was only their second Eastlands defeat all season, while Tottenham have only won six out of 17 on the road.
However, Spurs have also come through some big games themselves recently beating Arsenal and Chelsea - and have won 11 of their last 12 games against City.
As for the team news, loan goalkeeper Marton Fulop is set to continue between the sticks for City after making his debut in Saturday's 3-1 win against Villa.
Gareth Barry was left out against his former club with a hamstring strain and could return to the centre of midfield to replace either Nigel de Jong or Patrick Vieira. Defender Joleon Lescott (hamstring) has been ruled out for the final two games while midfielder Stephen Ireland (ankle) will also miss out.
Meanwhile for Tottenham, defender Ledley King is doubtful due to his long-standing knee problem. The Spurs captain started Saturday's 1-0 win over Bolton and has played two games in a week only twice this season. In-form keeper Heurelho Gomes is battling to overcome a thigh strain he suffered against Bolton, so Ben Alnwick is on stand-by here.
Winger Aaron Lennon could make his first start since December, while Redknapp is set to choose between Peter Crouch, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Roman Pavlyuchenko to partner top scorer Jermain Defoe up front.
Take Manchester City to get the win here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Manchester City 2-1
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Manchester City to win here.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Manchester City and give the 1/2 ball here.
