The Champions League Quarter Finals are here and we have two English sides going up against each other as Tottenham host Manchester City in the 1st leg at their new stadium!
So far the road to the Quarters has been tough for Spurs. They overcame Inter and PSV to finish 2nd in the group despite falling 6 pts behind early in the stages and then knocked off Germans 2nd best team in Dortmund 4-0 on aggregate which was very impressive. Tottenham’s European form is currently very good as they won 4 of last 5 in CL (1D).
Man City’s road has been more straight forward. They topped the group that involved Lyon, Shakhtar and Hoffenheim and then battered Schalke 10-2 on aggregate which included a ridiculous 7-0 win at the Etihad. City have looked great in Europe all season other than their meetings with Lyon in the groups they won every other games and have a total 26 goals in the 8 Champions League games.
Tottenham have been on some poor form entering this game however. With only 2 wins from their last 7, Tottenham will be hoping they can finally turn this around during these crucial stages of the season. Now despite the lack of winning lately, Spurs did actually win their most recent game against Crystal Palace 2-0 in the opening of their new stadium so maybe that could get them going again, but that result alone doesn’t change the fact that Tottenham are currently slacking, but a win against City could definitely mean something for sure.
As for Man City, well they’ve been ridiculous in 2019 only failing to win one game. Man City are entering this game on a 14 game win streak in which they’ve scored 38 goals across all competitions in this run. There aren’t really any words to describe this form, Man City are just playing incredible football as they look to get a Quadruple.
One thing that’s going right for Tottenham here is their home form as they’ve won 5 of their last 6 at home. Spurs have been solid at home this season although they have dropped a few big games against sides like Liverpool, Barcelona, Man City, Man Utd already so they will need to fix that up. Spurs as mentioned have moved into their new stadium now and have won their only home game there against Palace 2-0, however Man City are going to be a completely different beast.
Man City’s away form just like their overall form is sensational. In 2019 they won 8 of 9 and currently 6 straight on their travels entering this tie. City have done well against big English sides away from home top winning against Spurs and Arsenal, drawing at Anfield against Liverpool and the only loss coming to Chelsea at the Bridge. 2W 1D 1L against the big 6 on their travels is definitely not a bad record.
Harry Kane is of course the man to watch for Tottenham. Top scorer for many years now, loves playing UCL football (12 goals in 14 apps since the start of last season in the competition) and normally shows up for big games. Expect Kane to score if Spurs were to win here.
Player to watch for Man City has to be Leroy Sane as he has an incredible record in UCL. Sane has 9 goals contributions in just 6 European apps this season (4G 5A). He’s been their top performer in this competition for sure despite Sterling and Aguero having incredible seasons themselves who are also players that can cause serious amount of problems for Spurs, however Sane is our man to watch as he seems to just love this competition.
Looking at recent H2H, Man City have had Tottenham’s number winning 3 straight (2 away from home). Man City most recently beat Tottenham this season 0-1 at Wembley in the Premier League so the mental edge should be in City’s regarding the H2H.
Man City are the odds on favourites to win this game at 1.90 and massive odds on favourites to qualify at 1.18 whereas Spurs to win this evening is 4.30 and to qualify offered at 4.50. Draw is offered at 3.75 in the 1st leg. Man City are understandably the massive favourites to win this tie due to the fact that they’re having the better season and are on better form, however they cannot underestimate Spurs who will definitely go all out for this and try to force a shock like Liverpool did last year. Odds based on Unibet.
Team News
Tottenham Hotspur: Spurs will be without Eric Dier, Erik Lamela and Serge Aurier.
Manchester City: Full backs Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy should both be available though Mendy may not start as he only just came back and started 3 days ago so Pep could be cautious with him. Sergio Aguero has missed the last 2 games but he’s likely to return too which could be a huge boost for City.
Betting Stats (UCL Based)
Tottenham have covered 50% of their total goal overs at home in UCL this season (2-2).
Tottenham have covered 25% of their total 1st half goal overs at home in UCL this season (1-3).
Tottenham average 2.75 bookings per game at home in UCL this season (11 bookings in 4 games).
Harry Kane is Tottenham’s top scorer at home in UCL with 3 home European goals this season.
Tottenham have covered 50% of their Handicaps at home in UCL this season (2-2).
Tottenham are yet to cover any of their 1st half Handicaps at home in UCL this season however (0-4). Better 2nd half home team.
Man City have covered 50% of their total goal overs away from home in UCL this season (2-2).
Man City have covered 75% of their total 1st half goal overs away from home in UCL this season (3-1).
Man City average 3 bookings per game away from home in UCL this season (12 bookings in 4 games).
Sergio Aguero is Man City’s top scorer away from home in UCL with 3 away European goals for City this season.
Man City have covered 25% of their Handicaps away from home in UCL this season (1-3).
Man City have covered 25% of their 1st half Handicaps away from home in UCL this season (1-3).
KICK OFF – 9th April 2019 – 8pm UK Time
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