Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur
It’s undoubtedly the most exciting match in Europe this weekend.
Football games between these two have provided some crackers in recent seasons and, ahead of the latest instalment, there’s no reason why this should be any different.
As the season has progressed, it’s fair to say betting odds with these clubs have fluctuated significantly with each twist and turn.
Admit it sports betting fans, who would have thought pre-season Premier League favourites Man City would be 10 points off the pace in mid-January?
That Pep Guardiola, with so much talent at his fingertips, would look so increasingly bewildered?
That a side containing David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero could look so lethargic and lifeless?
Yet that is what has happened on occasions.
When your expensively assembled team’s title challenge is all but over before the end of January, Guardiola knows the pressure is on.
When you’ve suffered your heaviest ever league defeat as a manager, Guardiola knows the pressure is on.
When your under-fire goalkeeper, who you signed for big money after you jettisoned a better one, is conceding goals left, right and centre, Guardiola knows the pressure is on.
A whole host of factors have built up and City and Guardiola now need to bounce back and react.
It’s easy to condemn City after their 4-0 defeat Everton – they actually dominated possession throughout and conceded every time a shot was on target against them.
But it was a largely lifeless showing after they fell 2-0 behind and they now need to show the character their opponents this Sunday have so often displayed.
For it’s Mauricio Pochettino and Spurs who are now earning so many of the plaudits Guardiola and City enjoyed earlier in the campaign.
And no wonder when Harry Kane has reached 60 Premier League goals faster than any other Tottenham player in the competition (99 games) – the next best was Teddy Sheringham who took 107 games.
No wonder when Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen have developed such a bond and understanding.
No wonder when Moussa Dembele and Victor Wanyama could turn back a tank division, for such is their strength and hunger.
No wonder when they are gaining a physical and mental balance and have the experience of last season’s outside title push.
On the other hand, the loss of Jan Vertonghen to injury is a massive blow and one which could prove crucial if he is a long-term absentee.
It is times like this which often shows the true resolve of a side.
How will City react to their Goodison humbling? How will Spurs react to life without Vertonghen?
The Etihad Stadium and the watching millions are about to find out a bit more about these two entertainers.
It has all the hallmarks of another cracker.
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