DATE: 21/04/13
KICK OFF: 13.30pm
VENUE: White Hart Line
PREDICTION: 0-1
Preview
Mancini's men may have secured their Champions League place, but Sunday's opponents certainly haven't...yet.
Tottenham Hotspur welcome back PFA Player Of The Year favourite Gareth Bale following an ankle injury in their Europa League defeat to FC Basel. Although the Welsh wizard may not be at his best on Sunday, his presence back in the side will undoubtedly help Spurs push for the vital fourth spot.
Former City striker Emmanuel Adebayor has stoked the pre match flames by questioning the blues' dressing room morale. In an interview with Sky Sports, the Togolese forward referred to a number of bust ups involving the likes of Carlos Tevez, Mario Balotelli and Roberto Mancini and has told his side to capitalise on the disharmony on Sunday.
While Spurs are welcoming back their star man, City are saying goodbye to two of theirs. Sergio Aguero and David Silva are doubtful after picking up injuries in the last two games. However, Micah Richards may feature once again after playing the full 90 minutes in City's 1-0 win over Wigan on Wednesday night.
It's unarguably City's toughest remaining fixture of the 2012/2013 season, but will they come through and apply some more pressure to their Manchester rivals?
Find out Sunday.
Line-Up
With Sergio Aguero unlikely to feature, Edin Dzeko could be welcomed back into the side to partner Carlos Tevez up top. Every City fan will remember his four goals in the blues stunning 1-5 victory over Spurs last season and he will be hoping to cement his name on the teamsheet with another impressive performance if chosen on Sunday.
Joleon Lescott will also be hoping to feature tomorrow. The defender gave a solid performance on Wednesday night and needs game time to show Roy Hodgson why he should be on the plane to Brazil next year.
Head to Head
The Citizens have been victorious in their last four fixtures against Andre Villas Boas' team and you have to go back to 2009 to find a Tottenham win.
Historically however, Spurs have nearly a 50% win record against the blues at White Hart Lane with 31 wins from 53 games since the Premier League began. City have only won 15 times at the Lane, but their recent record against them will give them hope on Sunday afternoon.
Key Men
Gareth Bale
Although the Welshman may not start, his presence will be a major boost to the whole club. Even half fit, he still has the ability to punish defences with his blistering speed and will be a real asset to Villas Boas if he makes a late cameo or even manages to start the game.
Carlos Tevez
The Argentine machine can't stop scoring at the moment and gave his team yet another priceless victory with a stunning effort on Wednesday night. Without Aguero, his tenacity will be vital in City's performance on Sunday.
Fantasy Premier League Leaders
Gareth Bale 200 points
Aaron Lennon 118 points
Jan Vertonghen 116 points
Carlos Tevez 156 points
David Silva 131 points
Joe Hart 131 points
Top Scorers
Gareth Bale
22
Carlos Tevez
17
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