Tottenham have won each of their last three Champions League matches - never before have they won four in a row in the competition - and Man City have lost all five of their previous European matches against fellow English clubs, including all three in the Champions League. The Citizens may be considered the favourites with the bookies, but Pochettino’s men will be confident of creating some personal history. Score prediction: Man City 1 Tottenham 0
Despite trailing by a goal, Man City will not be going into this second leg with all guns blazing, as Guardiola will be aware of how lethal a Spurs away goal would be. Expect this to be a very tight, tense affair with neither side wanting to commit too much too soon. With Tottenham struggling away from home of late, City may just have too much for them on Wednesday night. Score prediction: Man City 2 Tottenham 0
Beat Guardiola once – kudos to you. Beat the guy twice in a row – you’re the next big thing in football. For all his talent and credentials, Mauricio Pochettino does not really have it in him to defeat the Spanish baldy twice in a week.
The home advantage will largely tilt the favor in Manchester’s favor. Also, take into account that, the Manchester gaffer put on a line-up without some of his favorite starters, which likely played a role in the loss. This time around, he will be unleashing the full wrath of the potential Premier League winners.
In addition, City won four of the last five h2h meetings and seven of the last eight at this venue. Importantly, Manchester won 22 of their last 23 home ties, and 23 of their last 25 in overall. Meanwhile, Spurs lost six of their last seven fixtures on the road.
Finally, Manchester scored two or more goals in 20 of their last 22 home games, and in seven of their last eight home h2h ties. Tottenham, who have conceded two or more in six of their last seven road trips will find it difficult to defend against the onslaught of the Blues.
Expect the hosts to qualify, and count on them to take control of the proceedings right away. Since they are down by a goal, they will go all-in to open the scoring in the first half itself.
To be honest, I am not sure that Spurs will win in this one. But, repeating Golden State Warriors slogan «We believe», i do believe.
Man City has two races they are competing in now: EPL race and CL race. It is hard to say which one is more important for Guardiola, but, in my opinion, he will try to win EPL this season. And that's a chance for Tottenham.
With Manchester city down by lone goal on aggregate heading into tonight’s game, I’ll bet on goals since the citizens have to score more than one to qualify and Tottenham also needs that away goal to keep themselves in the competition.
Tottenham have won each of their last three Champions League matches - never before have they won four in a row in the competition - and Man City have lost all five of their previous European matches against fellow English clubs, including all three in the Champions League. The Citizens may be considered the favourites with the bookies, but Pochettino’s men will be confident of creating some personal history. Score prediction: Man City 1 Tottenham 0