Does the course of the Premier League over the next few years depend on one match at Eastlands? We’ve been bombarded with the hype surrounding tonight’s City vs Spurs clash but there’s no getting away from the fact that if City triumph this evening and ultimately qualify for the Champions League in fourth, we’re going to be in for an interesting few Summers as City move through the gears on their push for “big four” status.
According to Roberto Mancini tonight “there is no pressure. It is a football match, not a war”. That’s not without the want of trying though, with the controversy of Harry Redknapp’s alleged comments on City’s bruising transfer market tactics still ringing in the ears of City’s officials this evening. Forget the smokescreen of Redknapp’s war cry though; Spurs udoubtedly arrive at Eastlands in form and armed with the players to do damage to put City’s amibtions on ice.
For Fantasy Managers tonight’s game presents a fascinating backdrop for the conclusion of the penultimate gameweek with Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adeabyor and Jermain Defoe still sporting many a Fantasy Premier League armband from the weekend deadline.
The team news from Eastlands finds Gareth Barry back in the City lineup for Patrick Vieria. Redknapp meanwhile can field both Heurelho Gomes and Ledley King, while Aaron Lennon starts for David Bentley on the right of midfield. Gareth Bale starts on the left flank with Younes Kaboul behind him at right-back. I can’t help but think that Craig Bellamy is going to fancy that. Peter Crouch is recalled up front to partner Jermain Defoe.
Over at Craven Cottage meanwhile Roy Hodgson springs a surprise and actually puts out a few players we’ve heard of. Brede Hangeland and Aaron Hughes return to the defence, while Dickson Etuhu, Damien Duff, Danny Murphy and Zoltan Gera also start. Clint Dempsey once again leads the attack. Stoke are unchanged from the side that drew with Everton.
Which will way will go? Will Tevez score first and pay out our Paddy Power special? What shades of purple with Harry adopt during the game? Do we care about the game at Craven Cottage? Get the answers to these and other posers in real-time courtesy of our Dugout Discussion chatroom. The chat is now underway…