Tottenham's chances of Man City win fade
Tottenham have been dealt a huge blow in their attempts to resuscitate their flagging bid for a second successive season in the Champions League after it was revealed that PFA Player of the Year Gareth Bale will miss their final three games with ruptured ankle ligaments.
The Welsh winger was injured by Charlie Adam as Spurs were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to struggling Blackpool at White Hart Lane on Saturday and given that they have struggled even with him in the side, winning only one of their last 12 in all competitions, it doesn't bode well at all.
As their goal difference is 14 strikes inferior to Manchester City's, Harry Redknapp's side realistically need to defeat the current fourth-place occupants at Eastlands on Tuesday night to retain any chance of overhauling the six-point deficit, while even a victory will leave them with plenty to do.
In their favour is a brilliant record away to the Citizens, winning on six of their last seven trips to Manchester, but on recent form it's practically impossible to fault the decision of the Betfair punters to judge the hosts as [2.0] favourites, with Tottenham [4.5] to keep their challenge alive.
Roberto Mancini has been criticised in the past for being pragmatic and the Italian tactician would potentially consider a draw a decent result four days ahead of the FA Cup Final against Stoke and an opportunity to end a 35-year wait for silverware, so don't dismiss that possibility at [3.55].
However, a Manchester City triumph would confirm a top-four finish for Mancini's men, providing a morale boost ahead of the trip to Wembley and maintaining a slight shot of passing Arsenal for the third and final automatic pass to the group stage, and therefore appears the most likely outcome.
Think Tottenham will qualify once again? They are [44.0] to do so...
Published: 9 May 2011
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