by Tom Allen
A Super Sunday in every sense this weekend with two huge matches that could
well shape the destination of the Premier League title.
With 17 games remaining in the English top flight it would be an almighty
shock at this stage if it was not either of the Manchester clubs or Tottenham
lifting the famous trophy come May and just five points separates the trio at
the summit at present.
City, top since August, currently lead the way from the Red Devils but a win
for the Londoners over the table-toppers would put Harry Redknapp's men within
striking distance for the remainder of the campaign and I couldn't rule out a
famous victory on Sunday lunchtime.
Tottenham's visit to the Etihad Stadium comes just hours before Sir Alex
Ferguson does battle with Arsene Wenger yet again in the capital but it is the
early kick-off that appeals most from a betting point of view and I am happy to
oppose Manchester City at odds on.
Despite a stumble against Wolves last time out, when held 1-1 at White Hart
Lane, Tottenham have been in imperious form since their troubled start to the
campaign and remain very much the Premier League's most aesthetically pleasing
team.
Just one defeat, at Stoke, in their previous 19 fixtures is unquestionably a
title-winning run of results and I'll be surprised if Harry's men succumb in the
north-west.
With home manager Roberto Mancini unable to call upon the absent pairing of
Vincent Kompany and Yaya Toure, City are without arguably their two most
influential players and there are just signs that the Citizens are wobbling.
Beaten in cup competitions in front of their own fans by Manchester United
and Liverpool within the space of four days in the New Year, City were far from
convincing when 1-0 winners at Wigan on Monday night and the Italian would
probably settle for a point if offered.
Having been defeated four times in their last nine matches, City are not a
betting proposition whatsoever at under even money against a team as talented as
the visitors and I certainly want the draw and Tottenham on my side at the
prices.
The away team are good enough to claim all three points on a going day and
that outcome would really shake-up the title race.
2pts Back Tottenham-Draw (Double Chance, vs. Man City) @ 10/11 (William
Hill)
