May 5th, 2010 by Adam Davies

There will be a clear indication which way the race for fourth in the Barclays Premier League will go tonight as the two main contenders Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur face each other. A Tottenham win in the penultimate match of the season would send them four points clear of City – an unassailable lead.

Both sides have away fixtures against bottom half sides in their final match of the season that they will be expected to win; Manchester City face West Ham, while Spurs take on relegated Burnley. Presuming both Champions League contenders gain victory against these sides – neither of which has anything left to play for, the match against Tottenham is Manchester City’s last chance to overtake their north London rivals.

For Roberto Mancini’s side then, victory is vital – especially given that this is their last match at Eastlands, where they boast a very strong record. Tottenham are somewhat shaky on the road, but are in good form ahead of the clash. Spurs have won eight of their last ten league matches – a run that includes successive matches against Arsenal and Chelsea.

In the reverse fixture between these sides in December, Tottenham won 3-0 in a convincing performance. However, this match will be a different kettle of fish entirely. Manchester City have changed their manager, added the signings of Adam Johnson and Patrick Vieira, and there is far more at stake this time around. The game may come down to which manager and team can hold their nerve.

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