Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur
Saturday December 16, 17:30
Live on BT Sport 1

Guardiola's success isn't just down to resources

One of the reasons Bayern Munich were so desperate to keep Pep Guardiola before he rubber-stamped his switch to Manchester City is that he improves players, and therefore adds value on and off the pitch. In three seasons under him, stars like David Alaba, Thomas Mueller and Robert Lewandowski became more tactically flexible, became better at working within a cohesive unit and developed their ability to manage games. It says a lot that his successor Carlo Ancelotti lasted just over a season, as players who had become entranced by Guardiola's intensity rebelled against his successor's more laid-back approach.
Those who dismiss the Catalan as a chequebook coach who has limitless resources do him a huge disservice. Young English players like John Stones and Raheem Sterling have made huge progress, but even established stars like David Silva have picked up a new trick or two. Last season's growing pains have been pushed into the background, necessary failures on the road to success.
The numbers are extraordinary. City have won their last 15 Premier League matches, a record-breaking sequence, although not a personal milestone for Guardiola. He won 19 Bundesliga matches in a row in the 2013-14 season. City have rattled in 52 goals in 17 games at an average of more than three per game, and no team has conceded fewer Premier League goals this term. They have dropped just two points (Everton, take a bow), and they have built up an eleven-point lead at the top.
City are expected to be without Stones and skipper Vincent Kompany in central defence. Sergio Aguero excelled in the 4-0 midweek win at Swansea, so it will be interesting to see if he is replaced by Gabriel Jesus.

Spurs looking to place another flag in the sand

You can look at a potentially daunting trip to face the runaway league leaders in two ways. You can either quake in your boots and hope to limit damage, or you can see it as an exciting opportunity to prove your worth. Spurs adopted the latter approach in both of their Champions League clashes with Real Madrid this season, and they took four points from the European champions.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino seems to be relishing the chance to face Manchester City and Pep Guardiola, dubbing it a fantastic challenge against the best team in England. He insists Spurs will go to the Etihad to win, not to just emerge unscathed.
The Argentinean has reason to be confident. Spurs beat Manchester City 2-0 at White Hart Lane and fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 in Manchester last term, and Opta tell us they haven't lost to City in the league since May 2015. Spurs have also hit a purple patch, winning three straight home games across the Premier League and Champions League, scoring ten goal in the process.
Spurs do have notable absentees in defence. Davinson Sanchez is suspended, and Toby Aldeweireld is still injured, so Eric Dier could be deployed in central defence. There is competition at full-back, with Danny Rose and Ben Davies battling on one side, and Serge Aurier up against Kieran Trippier on the other. Dele Alli and Moussa Dembele could return after being brought on as subs in the win over Brighton.

City to come out on top in attractive encounter

This game brings together two of the most exciting teams in Europe. Spurs will believe they can get a result, but they have absences in defence, and City's sparkling form in all departments of their side (even keeper Ederson is excelling) leads me to believe that they will have the edge against a side that has already lost to Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea this season.
City are pretty short at 1.58, but we can double up here and back the Manchester City/Over 2.5 Goals double at evens on the Sportsbook. Spurs are scoring plenty of goals, while Manchester City have seen their last six matches in all competitions feature at least three goals.

Sterling to return to the scoresheet

Raheem Sterling hasn't scored in his last three appearances, but he continues to be a key part of Guardiola's first team, and it seems likely he will be in from the start against Spurs. He has netted nine Premier League goals in 15 appearances, and he has scored 13 goals in his last 21 appearances in all competitions. If City can find a way past the aggressive Tottenham pressing game, Sterling's pace will be very useful, and if he starts, he'll get chances.
On the Tottenham side of things, Son Heung-Min is on great form, with four goals in his last four games. The South Korean also scored in the corresponding fixture last season. At 4.50to score in 90 minutes, he is worth considering.
Recommended Bets
Back Manchester City/Over 2.5 Goals double at 2.00 (Sportsbook)
Back Raheem Sterling to score at 2.52

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