(PFA player of the year Gareth Bale can show why he's the Premier League's number one)
Harry Redknapp has assembled a team & squad of real strength at Spurs & they do now deserve to be talked about as potential league winners with current leaders Man City having similar questions to them to answer with regards to mental fortitude on the run in & Man United having problems with consistency & a distinctly underwhelming midfield. This game against Everton sees them play the game in hand that they've held right from the start of the season & they will be desperate to win this & their next home game against Wolves before facing City at the Etihad. Spurs injury problems come at arguably already the weakest part of the team with Ledley King & William Gallas missing from defence with hamstring & calf strains respectively, Everton probably aren't the team to take advantage after not scoring more than once in their last 7 league games & their top scorers in the league having a 'massive' 3 goals apiece. More of a worry for Spurs is that the excellent Scott Parker is doubtful for the game as he is so influential in nearly every game he plays, Jake Livermore could come in to replace him & although he isn't top quality yet should have enough experience around him to perform creditably. With most of the first team rested for the cup tie against Cheltenham they'll be primed for this one & can make the most of an Everton side missing Tim Cahill, Leon Osman, Jack Rodwell, Tony Hibbert, Ross Barkley & key man Phil Jagielka. Everton barely have enough squad depth to cope with one injury let alone 6 & couldn't afford to rest players against Tamworth.
After some good results the Toffees run came to an abrupt end with a home loss to struggling Bolton & they really huffed & puffed there albeit in very windy conditions. David Moyes' men will come & try to make life difficult for Spurs but it is hard to see them offering much themselves apart from when Leighton Baines can get on dead ball situations. Spurs have the requisite quality in van der Vaart, Bale & Modric to open the door & either Adebayor or the weaker Jermaine Defoe can profit. We like Spurs to win to nil at good odds of 6/4 with Coral, backing them to win the game at 4/7 is perfectly reasonable too - they are up with the elite teams in England now & should be priced accordingly, Chelsea would be shorter than that to beat Everton at home but Spurs are at the moment a superior side.
(Kenny Dalglish & his star 'ahem' strikers - one unavailable & the other unwatchable)
Manchester City played Liverpool just a week ago in the league & came out of that game, again here at the Etihad Stadium, with a 3-0 victory, they will be without the Toure brothers this time & also their best defender Vincent Kompany but can still gain a victory, although maybe not such a convincing one. Liverpool have been unable to find the net with regularity all season & with their best attacking player out through his own foolish actions the situation is unlikely to be improved upon in the next month, they had a nice win against Newcastle 3 games back but that was their only win in the last 4 league games. The big plus in this game for the Reds is that they played their FA Cup game on Friday against low calibre opposition whereas City played only on Sunday against both clubs' biggest rivals Man United. On paper that game should have taken something out of City but even though they lot the performed with such credit in the 2nd half with 10 men they will hve taken heart from their display & it showed Mancini in his best light as a tactician & motivator.
(The exciting Adam Johnson is on his game of late & can grab a goal against Liverpool)
With the 2nd leg being at Anfield, City will be keen to take an advantage & should try to attack Liverpool although not in a reckless manner, Mario Balotelli looks to be out of contention but Dzeko could be back otherwise they'll start with the outstanding Sergio 'Kun' Aguero as their focal point. Other than Suarez out Liverpool will have their strongest side to choose from & we think they'll have a chance if Bellamy plays & is on his game but otherwise we're unimpressed by new signings Adam, Henderson & Downing - Gerrard could start but his fitness isn't proven for a high tempo game like this & certainly not for 90 minutes. Dalglish will likely want to contain City & keep it tight for the return leg & will set his team out to be solid, City can still breach their mean defence but maybe just the once, Adam Johnson is looking lively & could be the man to do it, we'll take a 1-0 Man City win at 13/2, Johnson to score 1st at 12/1 & the scorecast at 50/1.
Selections:
Tottenham Hotspur to beat Everton at 4/7 (various) & to win to nil at 6/4 (Coral)
Manchester City to beat Liverpool 1-0 at 13/2 (various)
Adam Johnson to score 1st at 12/1 (Stan James)
Johnson to score 1st & City win 1-0 scorecast at 50/1 (various)
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