Vincent Kompany
Vincent Kompany is expected to be fit for Manchester City's clash against Tottenham Hotspur Getty

Manchester City host hi-flying Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium on 14 February, in a clash that could play an important role in the fortunes of both clubs with regard to the title race.

Where to watch

Match starts at 4pm GMT. Live coverage of the game is available in the UK on Sky Sports1 and Sky Sports1 HD. Catch the highlights of the game on Match Of The Day on BBC One at 10.25pm GMT.

Overview

Manchester City host Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium, in a game that will dictate the fortunes of the clubs with regards to the title race. The hosts are currently placed fourth on the table with 47 points, just one point behind Spurs.

The Citizens have struggled against the top six this season, failing to register a single win against them, something manager Manuel Pellegrini would look to fix in the upcoming fixture. The Etihad Stadium outfit come into this game on the back of a 3-1 loss to table toppers Leicester City. They have a squad that has been devastated by injuries to Wilfried Bony, Eliaquim Mangala, Bacary Sagna, Jesus Navas, Fabian Delph, Samir Nasri and Kevin De Bruyne.

The good news though is that skipper Vincent Kompany is expected to be fit for this clash, the Belgian defender has played a total of nine minutes in City's last 20 games and if fit, he will surely help plug in the defence which has leaked 26 goals so far. City's midfield magician David Silva too is expected to play after shrugging an ankle injury he picked up during their loss to Leicester.

With injury and form issues prevalent at City this season, Pellegrini will depend on his "Fab four" including Kompany, David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure to deliver. A win here will take them above Tottenham Hotspur on the table.

Meanwhile, high-flying Tottenham come into the game on the back of a 1-0 win over Watford, playing with such verve and fire that was previously unseen from the north London side. Described as 'animals' by Watford manager Quiche Sanchez Flores, Spurs are genuine title contenders with many calling them the best side in the Premier League this season.

In Kane, Dele Alli, Dembele, Erikson and Lamela, Spurs have players who are creative enough to score goals, but what has been a revelation this season has been the performance of the defense. Toby Alderweireld, arguably their signing of the season, has been a rock while Kevin Wimmer has slotted in admirably after Jan Vertongen suffered an injury.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino has most of his preferred players available for the game, a win here would further establish their title credentials.

What managers say

Manuel Pellegrini: "The players want to win the championship because it is their duty, it is not the best way to finish a season but I don't think they will have any problems because I have the same relationship with the players that I did before. Nobody here is talking about the future. They are talking about the present and the present for me is to win. I have never worried about my future. In this career, you never know what your future will be."

Mauricio Pochettino :"The past is not important, the important thing is the level we are at now, the team believes they can win. This is the most important thing. Now we just need to show we can win. We have confidence and trust in ourselves. Football though is football. It is important to show we are better than them but we expect a very tough game because Manchester City have very good players."

Betting odds (888sport)

  • Manchester City to win: 21/20
  • Draw: 11/4
  • Tottenham Hotspur to win: 27/10

Team news

Manchester City

Possible XI: Hart, Zabaleta, Otamendi Kompany, Kolarav Fernandinho, Toure, Silva, Sterling, Fernando, Aguero.

Tottenham Hotspur

Possible XI: Lloris, Davies, Wimmer, Alderweireld, Walker, Dier, Dembele, Lamela, Alli, Eriksen, Kane.

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