Spurs travel to the Etihad with a sense of optimism tempered by the understanding they will fielding a side missing a significant number of first team picks. Their major concern will once again be the lack of options regarding midfield creativity. With Moric gone, Rafa gone and Moussa Dembele injured it will not be easy.
City sit third in the premier League but there is a mood in the Blue Moon camp that might be more at home with a side in tenth. There must be a good number of managers looking in at City wishing they had Roberto Mancini’s woes.
Tottenham recovered from their worst performance of the season so far, the 1-0 loss at home to Wigan, by beating Maribor in the Europa League courtesy of a Jermain Defoe hat trick.
Emmanuel Adebayor could partner Defoe, desperate to impress against his former club, with Andre Villas-Boas knowing a win will take them just two points behind their hosts.
Defender Joleon Lescott (back) and midfielder James Milner (hamstring) have become the latest additions to Manchester City’s injury list, with both missing the last two games.
Moussa Dembele (hip), Scott Parker (Achilles), Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Younes Kaboul (both knee) are unavailable for Tottenham, with Villas-Boas once again facing a selection headache over Hugo Lloris and Brad Friedel.
Prediction: 3-1
