Spurs v Man City. New Balls Please

Man City won the ‘first set 6-0’ and it’s Spurs serving at the start of the second set.

It’s the reverse leg of the fixture that Man City strolled out 6-0 winners of in November and they have the slightly unexpected carrot tonight of knowing that they will go back to the top of the table if they can secure the three points. Arsenal slipped up last night when they could only muster a draw against Southampton.

Spurs have a reasonable home record against City over the years….

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Max last 10 only)
Nov 2013 Premier Man City 6-0 Tottenham
Apr 2013 Premier Tottenham 3-1 Man City
Nov 2012 Premier Man City 2-1 Tottenham
Jan 2012 Premier Man City 3-2 Tottenham
Aug 2011 Premier Tottenham 1-5 Man City
May 2011 Premier Man City 1-0 Tottenham
Aug 2010 Premier Tottenham 0-0 Man City
May 2010 Premier Man City 0-1 Tottenham
Dec 2009 Premier Tottenham 3-0 Man City
May 2009 Premier Tottenham 2-1 Man City

The 6-0 defeat at the Etihad came before Tim Sherwood’s reign – and, to be fair, Sherwood has injected new life into the Spurs side who come into this having only lost once in their last 10 league matches; 5-0 against Liverpool (who incidently were hugely impressive last night against Everton – a result that cost me money on the bookings spread. I’m talking through my pocket but there looked to be at least two extra yellow cards that weren’t given).

The fixture list has been kind so far though to Sherwood and he faces a more thorough examination, starting tonight. Sherwood also has a mounting injury list and will again be without Andros Townsend (hamstring) and Erik Lamela through injury.

City are also on a roll and are now unbeaten in 19 matches, bidding for an eighth straight Premier League win and are scoring goals for fun.

64 goals in their last 19 games – an average of 3.3 per game. Truly astonishing, and trust me I’d be a big layer of 0-0 tonight !

Manuel Pellegrini’s team still has chances of the “Quadruple” – but that looked momentarily looked to have been dashed by Watford (of all teams) when they went 2-0 up at the Etihad in their FA Cup game before the inevitable fightback.

City are boosted by the news that Alvaro Negredo is fit to play after overcoming a shoulder injury.

It should be a thriller, but one that I am keeping simple – and grabbing any evens about Man City I can see.

Another case of game, set and this time match against Spurs.

Again, I’m thinking it could get busy for the ref – and I’m a buyer at 50 which if nothing else is a lower starting point than last night.

BUY BOOKINGS for 5 points at around 50 with Star Spreads

RUNNING RETURN (JANUARY): LOSS 173.20 POINTS

• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.