by Tom Allen
Manchester City already sit top of the Premier League and they can round off
an excellent week by maintaining their perfect record at White Hart Lane.
Roberto Mancini takes his side to the capital having captured Arsenal
midfielder Samir Nasri on Wednesday in one of the summer's longer transfer sagas
and the Italian must be licking his lips at the prospect of teaming up the
French playmaker with his other galaxy of stars.
Mancini, criticised last season for generally negative tactics, has seen his
troops plunder seven goals in two victories in the top flight and with Nasri,
David Silva, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero, among others, at his disposal it is
very difficult to see City not being involved in the title shake up.
I had the fight for top honours in the Premier League down to a dual between
the two Manchester clubs before things got underway and have witnessed very
little in the opening fortnight to dissuade me otherwise.
It promises to be a fascinating battle and Sunday's hosts were overwhelmed by
the current champions on Monday night.
Goals from Danny Welbeck, Anderson and Wayne Rooney saw Spurs slump to a 3-0
defeat at Old Trafford and I see them being overrun in midfield again this
weekend where they are still likely to be without the unsettled Luka Modric.
United's energy caused Harry Redknapp's men all sorts of problems and City
could enjoy large periods of possession from which they can prosper.
With Edin Dzeko, who misfired so badly last season, now amongst the goals I
find it difficult to imagine the visitors not making a breakthrough at least
once and, providing Man City can eliminate the mistakes that led to two Bolton
strikes at the JJB Stadium on Sunday, then it could be a fairly routine success
for the away side.
Having triumphed in their last five Premier League fixtures, dating back to
the end of the last campaign, City are on a roll and Mancini will be keen for
them to remain on the front foot.
Spurs were difficult to beat in front of their own fans last term but did
fail win 10 of their 19 matches, drawing too many games for Redknapp's liking,
and another frustrating afternoon is on the cards.
Later on Sunday, Manchester United host Arsenal and the visitors look
massively up against it despite a confidence boosting win over Udinese on
Wednesday.
The Gunners, who have endured such a troubled start to the season, both on
and off the pitch, must do without Jack Wilshere in addition to the suspended
trio of Gervinho, Song and Frimpong, and are as big as 7/1 with Coral to
triumph.
That's probably a touch generous but their opponents are rampant at present
and a home win looks on the cards.
2pts Back Man City (vs. Tottenham) @ 6/4 (Coral,
William Hill)
