Manchester City set a new record for consecutive victories in the Premier League with their 15th win in a row against Swansea City on Wednesday night, but manager Pep Guardiola knows things will be tougher against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening. Spurs finished as runners up to Chelsea last season and Mauricio Pochettino’s side are capable of beating anyone on their day, as has been shown by their victory against Real Madrid this season. Guardiola’s City side will have to be at their very best to win on Saturday evening and we could be in for an exciting game at The Etihad Stadium.
English Premier League – Etihad Stadium – Saturday 16th December 2017 – 17:30 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 15/4 at Ladbrokes |
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Manchester City
Tottenham HotspurManchester City
Manchester City come into this game in the best possible form; 15 straight victories in the Premier League. City turned in another impressive performance on Wednesday night during their comfortable 4-0 victory against bottom side Swansea City. David Silva was at his brilliant best in that game with two goals and the Spanish wizard has been at the centre of all that is great with City this season. Guardiola has a few injury problems at the back with Vincent Kompany, John Stones and Benjamin Mendy all missing with various injuries.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs appear to have gotten over their mini blip with back to back wins against Stoke City and Brighton & Hove Albion. Spurs were comfortable during their 2-0 win against Stoke City on Wednesday night, but Pochettino will have been slightly concerned with his side failing to take their chances. Spurs will again be without Toby Alderweireld and Victor Wanyama, but Dele Alli could return to the starting line up after starting Wednesday’s match on the bench.
Talking Points
1. Manchester City’s 15 wins in a row is a new record for the Premier League.
2. Spurs have failed to win any of their last four matches on the road and Pochettino will be desperate to end that run on Saturday.
3. Manchester City are the top scorers in the league this season having found the net 52 times in their first 17 games.
Prediction
Spurs have struggled on the road recently and on Saturday they come up against, arguably, the best team in Europe right now. The one thing against City is that surely this run has to come to an end sooner, rather than later. They can’t win every match and that is what the Spurs players will be saying to themselves ahead of Saturday’s game. If Spurs play to the best of their abilities they can beat anyone, but they have looked a little laboured in recent weeks and I think City will have too much for them in this one.
Betting Tips
Manchester City start this game as favourites at 4/7, whilst an away win for Spurs is priced up at 5/1, with the draw available at 15/4. I do think City will win, but I fancy Spurs to cause some problems in defence for what could be a makeshift City backline. The 7/4 available on City to win and BTTS looks like a great value bet to me, especially when you consider four of their last five matches have ended that way.
Manchester City to win and BTTS (YES) – 7/4 (Ladbrokes)