Delving into the Manchester City forums, I was surprised to find a thread entitled "Would you take a point on Sunday?" Going into it, the overwhelming response is that the question is retarded and that they should be taking three points, not settling for one. But I take solace in the fact that there is a small percentage of Citeh fans who are genuinely worried about Spurs coming to town. Especially with the Toure brothers at the African cup of nations, and Kompany suspended. They've lost two of their last three games and their defence isn't looking as strong."Considering the way our defence has performed recently I'd take a draw now. I'll admit, I'm concerned about sunday."
"I think most on this thread are severely underestimating just how important Yaya and Kompany are to our team. Having an inexperienced kid at centre half (Savic) is another altogther. Particularly when the player who dictates your play (Yaya) and is vital in retaining posession and controlling the game thus alleviating pressure on your defence is missing."
The more positive fans responses to the question:
"If this was at WHL, I wouldn't be so confident, but at our place given our league record at home this season (10-0-0), this is a huge chance to cement our title credentials."
"The days of spurs being our bogey team are over, it is now payback time."
"Win this and we put Spurs out of the title race."
I suspect the team are feeling the same as the fans. Supremely confident given the fact that they're top of the league, but with that little niggle of doubt that Spurs are stronger than at the start of the season, and they are missing two key players.
Man City Fan Predictions: City Win 80%, Draw 10%, Spurs Win 10%.
Pub Ammo
-Manchester City have only won five of the 29 Premier League games against Tottenham, but have triumphed in the last two meetings (W5 D5 L19).
-Man City scored more goals at White Hart Lane in August (5) than they had managed against Spurs in their previous six games put together (3).
-Man City have taken 58 points from a possible 60 in their last 20 Premier League games on home soil and won the last 15 in a row.
-Roberto Mancini's side have conceded just six goals in their last 17 home league games and never more than once in a game in that run.
-Tottenham have lost just one of their last nine Premier League away matches (W6 D2 L1).
-Spurs have kept just one clean sheet in their last eight Premier League away games.
-Man City have lost their last two home matches; they haven't lost three on the trot at home in all competitions since March 2007.
-Samir Nasri has created a scoring chance for team-mates every 24 minutes, a more regular rate than any other player.
-Gareth Bale has assisted seven goals in the Premier League this season; more than in his previous four Premier League seasons put together (6).
Team News
King reportedly has a very slim chance of being fit for Sunday's game, whilst Adebayor is unavailable due to his loan from City and Gallas, Sandro and Huddlestone are still out injured. Which all means the likely line up will be:
Friedel
Walker Dawson Kaboul BAE
Lennon Parker Modric Bale
VDV
Defoe
Very difficult game. We have a chance, but I think it's a very very slim chance. The natural Spurs pessimism is coming out in me and in all honesty I think we'll lose 2-0. Expect the worst, hope for the best. COYS!
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