05-31-2023, 10:33 AM
Following their defeat to local rivals United, the blue half ofManchester travel down to London to face a Tottenham side that has been revitalised under the inspirational leadership of Henry James,commonly known as Harry,Redknapp. This match is crucial in determining which team will reach the holy grail of seventh place, a position which would enable European football next season. Fulham currently hold the advantage, but with City and Spurs in the chasing pack, a win for either side will leave the race wide open.Citys recent form has been, on the whole, impre sive, with the defeat to Man United a minor blip, and the Blues, having won four out of the past five games in Blank Jersey all competitions, head to White Hart Lane with confidence. Since sacking Spaniard Juande Ramos, who has since become Real Madrids manager, Tottenham have shot up the league table. When Redknapp took over, they were floundering in the relegation zone with just a miserly two points from eight games, but the former Portsmouth (twice) and Southampton bo s has worked wonders down south, leading the Londoners to ninth place in the table. Spurs also have a fantastic recent record when it comes to facing City, having won the past five encounters between the sides in the Premier League 2 1.Harry Redknapp in his younger days, before he became the much reveredmanager of TottenhamTeam NewsBlues bo s Mark Hughes will hope to have two of his star players this season, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Pablo Zabaleta, fully fit for this vital fixture. The latter of that duo was only deemed capable of being on the bench for the Manchester derby but another Greg Bird Jersey full week of training should enable the Argentinean defender to start this game. SWP suffered a damaging knee injury in the build-up to the previous fixturebut Sparky hopes that the England international will recover in time for Saturday. Mercurial Brazilian attacker Robinho is rated as extremely doubtful for this match with what Mark Hughes describes as a slight disruption in the adductor, an injury which will surely give Martin Petrov an opportunity to re-establish his place in the side.Strikers Craig Bellamy, Benjani Mrawurawi, whose first name is actually Benjamin, and Danny Sturridge are still out with injuries, but Bulgarian forward Thurman Munson Jersey Valeri Bojinov will hope to replace Felipe Caicedo as the lone striker.The home side po se s one of the best squads in the division, with talented youngsters such as Tom Huddlestone, Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale, who coincidentally has never been on a winning side in the Premier League despite 23 attempts, complemented by more experienced quality players, such as Ledley I Doubt Hell Play After Being Arrested King, Robbie Keane and Luka Modri. Their squad contains one former City player, Croation defender Vedran orluka, who played 38 times for the Blues last season. Influential midfielder Wilson Palacios wont play again this season after travelling back to Honduras in the wake of the tragic murder of his younger brother Edwin, who was kidnapped two years ago and whose body was found in the past week.My Team (4-2-3-1) GivenZabaleta Dunne Onuoha Bridge de Jong KompanyElanoIreland Petrov BojinovSubs: Hart, Richards, Garrido, Wei s, SWP, Evans (Sturridge if fit), Caicedoorluka played for City for just one season under Sven Goran Erikkson before moving to SpursKey BattlesVedran orluka v Martin PetrovThe former City defender and ladies favourite will, unle s Robinho makes an unlikely dramatic recovery from his injury,be faced with the demanding prospect of facing Martin At First I Was Afraid, I Was J.A. Happ Jersey Petrov(ied),who will bekeen toprove a point to themanager after bring left on the bench for recent matches. Since moving downsouth,orluka has been one of Tottenhams most solid players and he will hope to continue his good form against City.Luka Why Do Croatians HaveA Stupid Thing Above The C That Is Hard To Type Modri v Micah RichardsThe Croatian playmaker, once linked with City, has been among the Premier Leagues best signings this season, contributing three goals in addition to a plethora of a sists. For Spurs, he is given a free role, thus meaning he has the freedom to operate wherever he desires, roaming about the midfield and attack. Richards, who has been performing nowhere near his best this season, will come under threat from the returning Pablo Zabaleta for the right-back slot, but Mark Hughes is expected to keep faith with the England wannabee, so Richards will need to produce a good performance, containing the threat of Modri as well as supporting the City attacks.Robbie Keane v Richard DunneThese two international compatriots are best friends, playing together for Ireland on numerous occasions, but the friendship will have to put to one side on Saturday when they come face to face in a contest that will ultimately determine the victors in this match. Keane, now back at Tottenham after an ill-fatedsojourn at Liverpool, has the ability to cause any defence a multitude of problems, so the Blues defence, marshalled by captain Dunne, will have to be on their mettle from the off.Keane and Dunne are international teammates, but their friendship will di sipate on SaturdayVerdict: Tottenham 2 2 Man CityA pulsating, all-action affair, with plenty of chances and goals, but the draw will put an end to both sides chances of European football next season. Goals to be scored by Luka Modri, Robbie Keane, Stephen Ireland and Mariano Rivera Jersey Elano.