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Manchester City will be looking to confirm their place in the Champions League places this evening when they host Tottenham at Eastlands.
Three points for Roberto Mancini’s men would mean that neither Liverpool nor tonight’s opponents Tottenham could catch them in the race for 4th position.
Victory would also act as sweet revenge for last season when a Peter Crouch winner for Tottenham secured the final Champions League place for Harry Redknapp’s men at the expense of City.
Even if the home side lost tonight though, they will still hold a three point lead over Tottenham with two games to go and would remain firm favourites to secure a first-ever appearance in Europe’s elite club competition.
However, there is no doubt they would like to get the job done tonight. It would mean they can 100% focus on the FA Cup Final with Stoke City, with the remaining league games becoming far less significant.
It cannot be underestimated how important 4th place is for the club. After plenty of investment in the playing squad over the last couple of years, it would have been made worthwhile with a place in the Champions League.
As far as Mancini is concerned, it would act as job security too. Especially if he can match 4th position with victory in the FA Cup final. That would be a fantastic season for the club.
Tottenham cannot be underestimated though and will be determined to take the race for 4th place down to the final couple of games of the season.
If Harry Redknapp’s men do miss out on the Champions League, they will look at the points they have dropped against teams in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
Blackpool, West Brom, Wigan, West Ham, Wolves and Newcastle have all take points from Spurs since the turn of the year and this isn’t the form of a top four side.
Looking at the team news for this one, Manchester City skipper Carlos Tevez will face a late fitness test, while Gareth Barry and Micah Richards are certain to return from hamstring injuries.
As for Spurs, they will have to do without PFA player of the year Gareth Bale. The Welshman will miss the rest of the campaign with ruptured ankle ligaments. Luka Modric and Peter Crouch are also a doubt for tonight’s game.
Overall, not only are City favourites to secure the final Champions League place, but they are expected to emerge victorious this evening.
