Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur: The winner takes it all!

Wednesday night’s game at Eastlands between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur is massive. It has been dubbed the £60 million game but it really is much bigger than that. The winner will not only be one step closer to their highest finish in the Premier League era, they will also seal the Holy Grail of modern day football . . . entry to the lucrative Champions League.

Tottenham go into the game firmly in the driving seat. Redknapp’s men are one point ahead of City and have an excellent record against their hosts. During the Premier League era City have managed just four wins over their capital counterparts and have lost an astonishing 22 meetings. Spurs also have the upper hand in that all they need is a draw from Eastlands in order to remain as favourites for fourth spot.

Standing in Tottenham’s way though is a Manchester City side that is desperate to rub shoulders with the very best Europe has to offer. City’s owners have that much money they could probably wipe out Britain’s soaring debt and still have billions in the bank. Everyone acknowledges that it is only a matter of time until they break into the top four and change the face of English football, but could they do it way ahead of schedule and break Tottenham hearts?

Roberto Mancini’s men saw off a determined Aston Villa side on Saturday to keep the pressure on Spurs but the former Inter Milan coach has reportedly not made a favourable impression with some of the players. His training methods have ruffled a few feathers but if he can guide City to victory and secure Champions League football the fans will be calling for him to be given the freedom of the city.

Forget Vanessa Feltz’s under crackers and don’t even bother with porn legend Ron Jeremy’s member. If you want to see something massive this week get to Eastlands or plump yourself in front of the television because this promises to be 90 minutes of pure action and entertainment.

Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur; Kick Off 8pm 05 May 2010

Prediction Panel
Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 2 - 1
Chris Cox : 2 - 1
Graham Enwright : TBC
Sue Gardener : 2 - 4
Chris Goodwin : 2 - 2
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 2 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 2 - 1
Don McMahon : 2 - 1
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 1 - 1
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 1 - 1
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 1 - 1
Peter Rendle : 2 - 1
Dan Taylor : 3 - 1
Andy Wakeman : 2 - 0
Isaac Williams : TBC
Mark Williams : 1 - 1

Panel Verdict

Despite the history of this fixture the majority of the Panel are going for a home win.

Home: 8; Draw: 5; Away: 1; TBC: 6.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!