Tottenham welcome title chasing Manchester City to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League on Sunday.
The 4.30pm kick off looks set to be an entertaining affair, with both teams in desperate need of points for different reasons. Spurs are just outside of the Champions League places, but have played a game more than those above them. However, depending on Saturday’s results, they may be able to close the gap.
City, meanwhile, are looking to keep pace with Premier League leaders Arsenal at the top of the table. The Gunners have opened up a decent advantage, which they could extend to eight points with a win over Everton in Saturday’s early kick off. Below, we’ll preview this important league match up.
Everyone wants to be like Mike.
The last few weeks have seen a return to form for Pep Guardiola’s side, with City winning each of their last three in all competitions. The most recent of those was a 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round last weekend in a competitive and fiery match up.
That followed a comfortable 3-0 win over Wolves in which Norwegian goal machine Erling Haaland scored a hattrick. The most recent meeting between was actually only in mid-January, in the reverse of this fixture. Spurs led that game 2-0 at half time, only to lose it dramatically 4-2 in the second half.
Troubles at home.
Home has not been where the heart is for Tottenham of late. Antonio Conte’s men have won just three of their last eight competitive matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. They have it all to do to turn that poor form around as City travel to North London on Sunday.
If Spurs fans are looking for a glimmer of hope, the fact that Man City have lost their last two games on the road could be a sign. However, even the most optimistic of fans will struggle to forget the very recent meeting between these in which Spurs completely collapsed.
All about the attack.
It would be irresponsible of us to preview this encounter and not mention the two top goalscorers in the Premier League so far this season. Harry Kane’s tally of 16 is perfectly healthy and, in any other season, would see him well on track to take the Golden Boot at the end of the season.
He has been completely eclipsed this campaign by City striker Haaland, however. The forward, who is in his first Premier League season, has already bagged a mind blowing 25 goals so far. He will no doubt have his eye on adding to that tally here.
Goals, Goals, Goals.
As good as City’s game with Arsenal was, it didn’t produce the goals we were expecting. The fact that these two last met less than a month ago and scored six goals between them bodes well for this match up.
With both teams needing a win here, we’re hoping to see an open, attacking game that could have a major impact on the Premier League title race and the race for a top four finish.
