Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur Preview & Betting – Sweet 16 For Pep?

Saturday 16th December. 5:30PM. BT Sport

Saturday Night Football comes live from the Etihad as two of the country’s top sides do battle in what should be another entertaining fixture involving Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino’s respective sides.

It’s another fantastic opportunity for either side to make a big statement, and is set to be the highlight of the weekend’s action by a considerable distance. You wouldn’t want to miss it for the world.

Can Anyone Stop City?

It’s not even Christmas but the Premier League title race is all but over thanks to Manchester City’s glorious form and equally incredible form. While there’s still a long way to go, the prospect of a new Invincibles is on the table. If they avoid defeat against Spurs, the league leaders will also rack up the half century with 20 games remaining. Simply sublime.

While Spurs are one of the few teams expected to put up a challenge, recent showings would suggest that the Citizens have very little to worry about. In truth, a dominant display at Old Trafford could’ve brought a far bigger scoreline than the eventual 2-1 win while Arsenal and Liverpool were both brushed aside at the Etihad earlier in the campaign.

City are firing on all cylinders right now, but David Silva and Kevin de Bruyne are the two men claiming most of the plaudits. Both midfielders have been sensational, dominating opponents with ease. With Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero and even Nicolas Otamendi scoring quite freely, it’s hard to see any real weakness in this side.

If anyone is able to find it, though, Spurs have the man to do it.

Kane The Main Man For Spurs

Pochettino’s men will be under no illusions about the challenge that awaits, but his side have done exceptionally well to recover from the early struggles to get back into the top four. An upset in Manchester would give their hopes of Champions League qualification a serious boost, and they may be one of the few teams capable of matching the league leaders for firepower. If an in-form Tottenham turn up, we could be in for a cracker.

As usual, the visitors will look to Harry Kane as their main goal threat. Despite a terrible August, the England man is up to 12 league goals and would love nothing more than putting an end to City’s record winning streak at the Etihad. With Christian Eriksen and co. providing the supporting cast, Spurs won’t head to Manchester in fear.

Tottenham have already seen off the likes of Real Madrid and Dortmund in the Champions League but have suffered defeats away at Arsenal and Manchester United this term. While this will be a cause for concern, the Londonders seem to be finding their form in the league once more. Unfortunately, the loss of Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez could make it tough as they look to keep City at bay.

Spurs have done well here in the last couple of seasons, though. For once, the hosts may actually be tested.

Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur Betting

Given their form, it’s not surprising to see Manchester City enter Saturday’s clash as 8/15 favourites at Ladbrokes. The draw can be backed at 13/4 while Tottenham are 19/4 outsiders.

It wouldn’t be overly surprising to see Tottenham score, but the Citizens will be fancied to outgun their opponents in this one. After scoring in both halves at Old Trafford before really finding their killer instinct in midweek against Swansea, there’s every chance that the hosts will score at least a couple.

Guardiola’s men seem capable of scoring at any given moment regardless of the opponent. At 11/8, we’re backing them to score in both halves.

After his recent scoring form, there’s a good chance that Silva won’t be on the target here, although we wouldn’t rule out. Nonetheless, the superb Spaniard is still sure to have a bug impact on the game.

Given that he can unlock the door at any moment, we’re backing the in-form star to be named Man of the Match again.