With four of the eight clubs remaining in the Champions League being English, the odds on an all-English tie were pretty big. That is exactly what we got, one of the four ties features two English clubs and that is this game featuring Tottenham and Manchester City.

In the first leg on Tuesday, Spurs host Manchester City and with how good City are at home, it is highly likely that Tottenham need to take something with them if they are to come out on top of the two legged tie. That won’t be easy of course, and on top of that, the game comes at a tough time for Tottenham, who have plenty going off on and off the field right now.

Spurs have just come out of the back of a four game stretch where they failed to win a game, and on top of that they have now finally moved into their new home. That move gave them their first victory in five actually, although neither are ideal ahead of a game like this. It is great for Spurs that they have moved, and also great they have snapped their winning run ahead of this tie, but when you come up against the very best you need to be on the top of your game, and you can’t say that about Spurs right now.

Manchester City played over the weekend, whereas Tottenham had time off. With the squad that City have to choose from, and how fresh some of their players are it shouldn’t be too much of a worry for them that they are coming here so soon after another game. They won on Saturday to reach the FA Cup final, which means that they are still competing for all four trophies this season. They have already won the League Cup, they are big odds on to win the FA Cup and the Premier League, leaving just the Champions League, which is something that has eluded them for a very long time.

Can Manchester City Finally Land the Champions League?

This is of course the big question on the lips of all City fans this season, can they do it? They are a fantastic team, there is no doubt about that, but to be considered as one of the best English teams we have seen over the past couple of decades, or to be considered as one of the very best in Europe, they have to go ahead on win the Champions League.

Last year they had the league title in the bag long before the end of the season, which gave them the perfect chance to throw everything they had at the Champions League. That didn’t work out for them, and this season the situation they are in is much tougher, but despite that they are currently the favourites to win the competition.

City are in a tussle with Liverpool for the league title, and while they are in the driving seat, the battle is far from over. This means they are in a worse position than last season when you look at the number of big games they have to face between now and the end of the season, and the limited opportunities they will have to rest players compared to last season. That hasn’t stopped people fancying their chances though.

One trophy is already in the cabinet for City, and you get the feeling that two would be seen as a bit of a disappointment, regardless of which two they are from here onwards. That shows just what kind of level City are at, and what the expectations are surrounding them right now. This is a club desperate to get to the top, and to be fair to them they are not far away. Regular league titles are great, and this is something that will keep fans happy for a period of time, but it is success on the even bigger European stage that is now required to fulfil the lofty ambitions of the team, and those watching them.

Will this be the year for Manchester City? Who knows, but the fact is they are getting closer. They are certainly good enough in terms of quality to win the Champions League, and they also have a squad depth that few anywhere in Europe can match. However, do they have what it takes mentally to go all the way in this competition, or will their fans be set for disappointment once again, settling for domestic only success.

Tottenham vs Manchester City Champions League Betting Tips

This has the makings of being a great tie between the two English clubs, although just how good the second leg is will all depend on the outcome of the first. The neutrals will be hoping that Tottenham win the first leg and pile the pressure on City for the second game. While that would be good to see, I don’t think we will see it, I think City are going to be too strong here.

Tottenham at their very best would struggle to beat Manchester City over two legs, and the fact is that Spurs are not at their best right now. I fancy Manchester City to take advantage of that, and not only win the tie overall, but win the first leg and give themselves a huge advantage ahead of the second game.

This is the first of what Tottenham fans will be hoping is many huge games at their new stadium, but one that I think will end in disappointment for them. I’m backing a Manchester City win here, and another step for them towards winning four trophies this season.

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