Manchester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and More

Manchester City currently leads the Tottenham Hotspur by five points atop the Premier League table and want to avoid the title chase from getting any closer than it already is when the teams battle on Sunday. City picked up an impressive 5-1 victory when the clubs met earlier in the season.

The Citizens have been the league's most consistent team throughout the campaign. They have the most goals scored and least allowed, which makes it a minor surprise that they only hold more than a three-point edge over Manchester United as the season passes its midway point.

Don't make any mistake, the Lilywhites understand exactly how important this weekend's game will be. A loss would put them in a huge hole while a win would put them right back in the thick of the race. They have picked up at least one point in seven straight league games.

Where: Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England

When: Sunday, Jan. 22 at 8:30 a.m. ET

Watch: Fox Soccer Channel and FoxSoccer.tv

Betting Odds: Manchester City -119; Tottenham Hotspur +309; Draw +244

Player to Watch for Manchester City: David Silva

The striker trio of Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli have garnered most of the headlines for Manchester City so far, but their dominance up top wouldn't be possible without Silva. The 26-year-old Spanish international leads the Premiership with 11 assists.

Opposing defenses have to spend so much time worrying about the big three up top that Silva usually gets a ton of room to operate his magic. What he lacks in size he makes up for in creativity, which seems to be a common theme for players from Spain.

Player to Watch for Tottenham Hotspur: Gareth Bale

Bale has finally developed into the dynamic playmaker Tottenham has been expecting since bringing him in from Southampton a handful of years ago. The 22-year-old Welshman has six goals and seven assists for Spurs this season.

His improvement in terms of setting up teammates for marquee scoring chances is one of the major reasons the Lilywhites are in such good shape with 17 games to play. If he can remain in top form over the final months, Spurs will be tough to overcome.

Key Matchup: City attack vs. Spurs back line

City dominated possession in the first game and used it to run circles around the Tottenham defense. Spurs can't allow the same trend to develop this time around if they want to put up more of a fight, which puts a lot of pressure on Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Co.

As for the Citizens, they'll want to keep pressing forward at every opportunity. The tendency would be to sit back to make sure they don't risk losing all three points, but City has the talent advantage and should be completely focused on widening the gap.

What They're Saying

The Carlos Tevez drama continues to make news for City as the striker looks for a new team where he could receive more playing time. Wayne Veysey of Goal.com reports Internazionale is interested.

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Inter are in talks with Manchester City to offset the €7 (£5.8) million they are still owed for Mario Balotelli’s transfer to push through the signing of Carlos Tevez, Goal.com can disclose.

City have told the Serie A club they want €30 (£25)m for Tevez after rejecting a €25 (£20.7)m bid from Inter for the striker.

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The aforementioned Gareth Bale expressed with pleasure about being voted to UEFA.com's Team of the Year, based on a report on the team's website.

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“It’s great to be recognised in such illustrious company,” said Gareth, “and the fact that it’s voted for by fans across Europe makes it a special honour.

“But as I’ve said all along, I’m part of a team here at Spurs and any recognition I receive is down to my teammates as much as anything that I do individually.

"The team has been playing really well and we’ve all played a part in that."

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Prediction

Manchester City 1, Tottenham Hotspur 0