Tottenham Hotspur will host their first ever European match under the lights at their brand new stadium this evening against English opposition.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who are still on course for a quadruple of trophies this season and go into tonight’s first leg as favourites.
Former Arsenal player and Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas has shared his thoughts on how he thinks the match will unfold and it isn’t good reading for Spurs fans.
Nicholas believes that City will capitalise on Tottenham’s necessity to press them and the surroundings of the new stadium could also have a detrimental effect on Mauricio Pochettino’s players.
He has tipped City’s attacking trio of Sterling, Sane and Aguero to start the match and get the job done by taking two vital away goals back to the Etihad for next week’s second leg.
Spurs will be without Eric Dier, Erik Lamela and Serge Aurier for the match.
Nicholas told Sky Sports: “Man City are getting the job done. Tottenham have got the glamour of the new stadium and this should be a spectacular night. They are an attack-minded side. Do they have to win the football match? Probably not.
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“Man City have been resting and teasing teams at the moment, and there is an efficiency about them. They are going to squeeze Tottenham a bit.
“Tottenham could get caught up in the drama of the new stadium, but nothing changes for Man City. It is how Tottenham use the aggressive nature of their pressing. They may try to force it so I think Manchester City will pick them off.
“Sterling, Sane and Aguero will play, so do Tottenham go for a back three or back four? I think they will go to a back three. The form of de Bruyne gives City an edge at the moment.
“Prediction: 1-2.”
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