Let's have more of the same, please!
Football is special, isn’t it?
Manchester City and Spurs served up a spectacle for the ages on Wednesday, and they take to the ring again on Saturday, this time in the Premier League.
Will we see four goals in the first 11 minutes again? Will we see Pep Guardiola, inconsolable, sinking to his knees for the second time this week? Perhaps, but one thing we do know is that the stakes are just as high this time around; Spurs have the chance to crush City’s Champions League and Premier League dreams in the space of four days.
Now City have crashed out of Europe, their sole focus this season is to win the Premier League (the FA Cup final is after the final league match, so I won’t count that); despite the gut-wrenching circumstances of their European exit, I do think City will rally on Saturday rather than flounder, which is why I’m expecting a strong response.
It’s the time for City to show the resolve of champions—particularly because Liverpool are surely winning their remaining league matches—so another fast start may be on the cards.
Considering how quickly City have started matches at The Etihad this season (18 first 15-minute goals at home alone), there’s real value in backing City to be leading at half-time and full-time.
Spurs don’t have the squad depth of City, and Wednesday’s encounter would’ve taken a lot out of them, too. I’m not writing off Poch’s boys, far from it, but a City half-time/full-time win does present value.
Raheem Sterling is a special player.
He was a Sergio Aguero ankle away from a hat-trick on Wednesday, but my word, he’s developed into some player (thanks Pep, on behalf of England).
I’m backing to score first once again on Saturday, priced at a very generous 22/5.
With 23 goals in 45 matches this season, I simply can’t believe he’s that price to score first – the bloke’s a machine.
With Wednesday’s events fresh in the minds of all involved, you can be sure there’ll be plenty of extra needle this time around.
City’s players are sure to be fired up—with revenge an added incentive—so this could be a tasty little affair.
Therefore, my final tip is for a penalty to be awarded. We saw a ridiculous one given at Spurs’ expense against City last week, and I have a sneaky feeling we’ll see another.
Follow @RyanEJourno
