Friday, May 15, 2009

Man City's last chance at the Europa League

The Citizens quest for a Europa League spot continue on Saturday afternoon as they travel to White Hart Lane to face resurgent Tottenham. Trailing seventh place Fulham by three points with two matches remaining, Mark Hughes chances reside on winning out.

Although much attention is given to Man City's European berth and the obvious potential impact of new signings during the transfer season, the Spurs under Harry Redknapp are nothing short of remarkable. After taking over the club in ruins from Juande Ramos approach, the sixty-two year old manager has seen the side climb from the relegation zone to within a whisper of European football.

The match is a peculiar mix of late season drama with both sides far from one-hundred per cent. The Spurs are approaching a "who's left" stage with a enormous series of absences including Darren Bent and Aaron Lennon. For Mark Hughes, he will need to go forward without the services of Robinho although there is a chance that Shaun Wright-Phillips could return and of-course have had serious difficulties whilst playing outside of Eastlands.