BBC football pundit Mark Lawrenson has shared his thoughts ahead of the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.
This encounter is the 23rd meeting in all competitions between Spurs boss José Mourinho and Man City’s Pep Guardiola – Mourinho has lost 10 games against the Spaniard, four more than he has against any other manager.
Spurs will be looking to Dele Alli to step up to the mark, the midfielder has had a hand in nine goals in 16 games under Jose Mourinho in all competitions (6 goals, 3 assists), three times as many as he’d registered under Mauricio Pochettino this season (2 goals, 1 assist in 10 apps).
Lawrenson believes that it will be Manchester City who are the victors in North London with Spurs failing to find the back of the net.
Defeat for Spurs would see them miss the opportunity to close the gap on fourth place Chelsea who could only draw at Leicester City yesterday afternoon.
He told BBC Sport Online: City boss Pep Guardiola has got to be thinking about the first leg of their Champions League tie against Real Madrid at the end of February, because it is coming up fast.
“That competition is so open, it could be anyone’s – including City’s.
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“Guardiola has been experimenting with different formations in recent weeks but I think he needs to start by picking his best team, and stick with it.
“If he does that, then I don’t think City will have any problems creating chances against Spurs – and, if they take them, they will win.
“Lawro’s prediction: 0-2.”
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