Afternoon all! Welcome to Sports Mole's live commentary of the Premier League clash between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad. Man City will enter this match in fourth position, while Spurs have dropped to third after Arsenal's 2-1 win over league leaders Leicester City this afternoon. Both of these teams are in the title race and there is just no down-playing the importance of this game!

There are not many out-and-out neutrals in football anymore – everyone has their team and in some way, every game has an impact, certainly in this season's Premier League. However, I will use the phrase anyway and say 'for the neutral' this clash is one to watch because the last nine league matches between these two teams have seen 41 goals scored! More of the same here please.

Just a reminder that kickoff is not actually until 4.15pm in Manchester, but be sure to remain with me for the next couple of hours as we run through the facts and figures ahead of the key match-up. The team news is also expected to land within the next hour or so and it will be interesting to see who both managers – Manuel Pellegrini and Mauricio Pochettino – have placed their faith in.

While recent meetings between Man City and Spurs have thrown up plenty of goals, it would be fair to say that the team from London have struggled against the former Premier League champions. In fact, Spurs have been beaten on each of their last five visits to Man City in the league and they have lost eight of their last 10 league games against the Blues overall. It has been a bit of a struggle.

The corresponding league game at the Etihad last season saw Man City record a 4-1 victory and they were also 1-0 winners at Spurs towards the end of last season. Spurs were victorious when the pair met at White Hart Lane in the league earlier this season, however, with a certain Harry Kane scoring his first Premier League goal of the campaign in a 4-1 success at the end of September.

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In fact, Man City have not beaten any side currently in the top six of the Premier League table this season – drawing three and losing four times in the process. It was thought that Pellegrini's side would run away with the title – much like Chelsea did last season – after such a strong start, but they have been unable to put together a consistent run of form, which has seen them drop to fourth.

Man City might have their problems at the back and indeed in midfield, but in Sergio Aguero, they have, in my opinion, comfortably the best striker in the league. The Argentine is currently in a rich vein of form and he just loves playing against Spurs – netting 10 goals in his eight Premier League matches with the London club, including all four in the corresponding league match last season.

Aguero was also on the scoresheet for Man City last weekend, but he could not prevent his side from losing 3-1 at home to Leicester. It was a big blow for Pellegrini, who is in the strange position of knowing that he is taking charge of his final season at the Etihad. Pep Guardiola will lead the club into a new era when he takes charge this summer, but Pellegrini will want to go out having lifted the title once again.

Man City's league record this season reads – played 25, won 14, drawn five and lost six. They entered this round of fixtures as the joint-highest scorers in the league alongside Leicester, but they have conceded 26 times, which is far from the best record in the division. I think the best word to describe their season up until this point would be bitty, but they are still very much in the race.

The quadruple, however unlikely that may seem, is also still on for Man City. They will face Liverpool in the League Cup final, while they have Chelsea away in the fifth round of the FA Cup next weekend - what a cracker that could be. Champions League football also returns this month and in truth, the Premier League side have a pretty favourable last-16 two-legged affair against Dynamo Kiev.

Despite losing to Leicester last weekend, Man City still have the best home record in the league this season – picking up 28 points from their 13 matches. No team has scored more home goals (34) than Man City this season, while they have picked up nine victories. On the road, however, they have dropped points in seven of their 12 matches, which is incredible considering their position.

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Spurs have also been very good at White Hart Lane this season – picking up 25 points from 13 matches and only losing twice. In fact, only Leicester have lost fewer home league games than Spurs this season. Tottenham have taken four more away points than Man City, however, and only lost once on their travels, which was on the opening weekend of the season against Manchester United.

In terms of Tottenham's league record this season, they have won 13 of their 25 matches, drawing nine and losing three. They have found the back of the net on 45 occasions, which is just two fewer than Man City, while they have the best defensive record having only conceded 19 times. It has been a very impressive season for Pochettino's side, who are extremely well-drilled and full of quality.

That is the background ahead of this match, but I think we should take a closer look at how both teams have performed this season, starting with Man City. Pellegrini's side won each of their first five Premier League games without conceding and as mentioned, they were being picked as the team to catch after making such a blistering start to the campaign. I also thought they would run away it...

... the Blues then lost back-to-back games against West Ham United and Tottenham, however, which started to raise questions over their defensive qualities and those questions still remain. A return of form at the start of October saw them thump Newcastle United and Bournemouth respectively, before they picked up a 0-0 draw away to Manchester United at the end of the month.

November was a little bit sticky as they also won one of their three league games, including a 4-1 defeat at home to Liverpool, while they lost at both Stoke City and Arsenal before Christmas. A seven-game unbeaten run after the Arsenal defeat put Man City in a strong position once again, but their confidence will have been harmed by the 3-1 loss at home to Leicester last time out.

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There is no getting away from the fact that it would be a serious achievement for either Leicester or Tottenham to win the Premier League this season, but both Man City and Arsenal are almost expected to finish first and second (not necessarily in that order) at the end of the season. Man City are not at their best, but it would not be a surprise one bit to still see them lift the title come May.

All present and correct at the Etihad ✅ #cityvspurs #mcfc pic.twitter.com/lXLOx0GQR1 — Manchester City FC (@MCFC) February 14, 2016

I have spoken a lot about Man City, now it is time for Spurs. Not many picked Pochettino's side to finish in the top four at the start of the season and fewer predicted a title challenge. It could be argued that their challenge at the summit has arrived due to the deficiencies of the other top teams, but Spurs have shown consistency where their rivals have not and that must be praised.

As mentioned, Spurs have not been beaten away from home in the Premier League since the opening weekend of the season and that is an incredible achievement when taking into account how things have developed in this crazy campaign. The capital side are also currently on a six-game winning run, which saw them rise to second in the league and advance in the FA Cup.

Tottenham were far from their best against Watford last weekend, but a 1-0 victory ensured that they would continue their strong run of form. They have not been beaten since losing 1-0 at home to Leicester on January 13 and have been finding the back of the net for fun. Like Arsenal and Man City, however, Spurs also have other competitions to focus on, which could prove problematic.

BREAKING TEAM NEWS! Vincent Kompany is back in the Man City XI, while David Silva also returns. As for Spurs, it is Kyle Walker and Danny Rose in the two full-back positions this afternoon.

TEAMS:

CITY: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Otamendi, Clichy; Fernandinho, Fernando; Silva, Toure, Sterling; Aguero

SPURS: Lloris; Walker, Alderweireld, Wimmer, Rose; Dembele, Dier; Eriksen, Alli, Son; Kane

So there we have it. Man City captain Kompany is back in the team after three months on the sidelines with a calf problem, while there is also a return for Silva, who will support Aguero from a wide position. Raheem Sterling is also back, while Fernando will start in the middle of the park alongside Fernandinho. Gael Clichy is preferred in the left-back role to Aleksandar Kolarov.

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As for Spurs, Dele Alli, Son Heung-Min, Walker and Rose all return to the XI, with Kieran Trippier, Ben Davies, Nacer Chadli and Erik Lamela dropping out. Jan Vertonghen's continued absence means that Kevin Wimmer starts at centre-back alongside Toby Alderweireld, while it is Moussa Dembele and Eric Dier in the middle of the park. Pochettino has decided to shuffle his back at the Etihad!

So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff on this cold afternoon in Manchester. The atmosphere is building inside of the stadium and as expected, Spurs are well-represented from the capital. Travelling back down to London after this match will be a lot more tolerable if their team can collect all the points here, that is for sure!

Looking forward for a moment - Spurs will return to Europa League action next Thursday when they make the trip to Fiorentina for the first leg of their last-32 clash. Crystal Palace will then travel to White Hart Lane in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Sunday, before the return of their Europa League tie takes place on February 25. After this match, Tottenham will not return to Premier League action until they welcome Swansea City on February 28. That is some gap at this stage of the season!

I suspect that we will have a much better idea of whether Tottenham can challenge for the Premier League title by the time March 12 rolls around. As mentioned, they will host Swansea at the end of this month, but they will then travel to West Ham United and host Arsenal in their two after that.

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I have already spoken about Aguero, but it would not be right to discuss strikers in relation to this match without mentioning Kane, who is also enjoying a fine campaign. It took the England international a while to get going at the start of the season, but he has 15 league goals in 24 appearances this season and his form has been key for Tottenham in the last couple of months. If the visitors are to secure a positive result this afternoon then you suspect that the 22-year-old will need to have a good game.

Dele Alli's performances this season have also been excellent and the 19-year-old has almost secured himself a spot in the England squad for Euro 2016. Alli has scored seven times in 22 Premier League games this term, including one in Tottenham's last away league match - 3-0 victory at Norwich.

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Man City's struggles in defence have coincided with the loss of their inspirational captain Kompany, but Tottenham have had consistency in the two centre-back positions this season. Jan Vertonghen is currently on the sidelines, but his partnership with fellow Belgian Toby Alderweireld has been a key reason for the team's strong defensive record. He might well be the best centre-back in the league.

Lack of characters and indeed a lack of heart are phrases that have been aimed at Tottenham in the past, but you sense that things are different this time around. Pochettino has managed to put together a hard-working team which is full of quality and it is not much of a surprise that the Spurs boss is currently being linked with the managerial positions at both Chelsea and Manchester United.

I have mentioned what Tottenham have to come in the league over the next few weeks, but what about Man City? They do not return to Premier League action until March 2, when they face a trip to Liverpool, who have just thumped Aston Villa 6-0. Their next two are kind on paper – Aston Villa (H), Norwich City (A), but they will then welcome Manchester United to the Etihad on March 20.

Come on City! #cityvspurs #mcfc pic.twitter.com/3MzZKWmEik — Manchester City FC (@MCFC) February 14, 2016

PREDICTION! I fancy Man City just to nick this one 2-1. Spurs deserve a lot of respect for their impressive season, but I look at the two teams and I think that the home side have enough to win it.

The lads heading out to warm-up a short while ago! #COYS pic.twitter.com/OiHrBrCroK — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 14, 2016

A reminder of the two teams for this afternoon...

CITY: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Otamendi, Clichy; Fernandinho, Fernando; Silva, Toure, Sterling; Aguero

SPURS: Lloris; Walker, Alderweireld, Wimmer, Rose; Dembele, Dier; Eriksen, Alli, Son; Kane

KICKOFF! Here we go then - our coverage started around two hours ago and kickoff is now upon us at the Etihad. There is no down-playing the importance of this match as both teams chase down Leicester and Arsenal above them. It is the away side that open this Premier League clash...

... it must be said that the surface at the Etihad is just beautiful and both teams will be keen to get the ball down and play. Spurs start off with possession at the back and you sense that both sides will want to have a look at each other in the opening 10, 15 minutes without conceding too much.

It has been a very positive start from Spurs and they have a free kick in a dangerous position as Fernando brings Alli to the deck. Eriksen and Alderweireld are both standing over the ball...

... there was a foul in the wall according to the referee and nothing comes of it. Waste.

Man City have not really been allowed to get into the match in the early moments as Spurs continue to dominate possession of the ball. It has been a high-energy start from the capital side here.

Spurs continue to impress at the Etihad as they move the ball with pace and purpose. Walker drives down the right before delivering, but his cross is behind for a goal kick. The home supporters are doing their best to raise their team, but the opening eight minutes has belonged to Spurs here.

Just a few signs that Man City are settling as they enjoy a period of possession, but Alderweireld has been nice and solid at the back thus far. No chances for either team inside 10 minutes.

CHANCE! The first chance of the match falls to Aguero, who met a loose ball inside the Spurs box, but the Argentine's effort, which came from a corner, was always high and wide.

Very interesting tactical battle out there at the moment as both teams continue to enjoy periods of possession. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital. Man City's confidence is a little fragile and Spurs could really take control with the opening goal here.

GOAL DISALLOWED! Son finds the back of the net for Spurs after a clever pass from Walker, but the attacker was in an offside position. Some finish mind!

Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes as the referee is forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Man City work their latest free kick short, however, and it is eventually poked wide of the post by Alderweireld, who has started very well at the Etihad.

Alli attempts to poke a low pass into Kane as Spurs break forward again, but Otamendi is on hand to clear. Man City immediately break through Toure, but the away side have men back to clear!

Just the one opportunity inside 21 minutes here and it came for Aguero, who fired over the crossbar from inside the Spurs box. If this were a boxing match, the visitors would be ahead on points, but we have not seen too much from Kane thus far. It is so delicately poised at the Etihad.

Yaya Toure is a lucky man after flying into a late challenge with Wimmer!

Toure is now chopped down by Wimmer after attempting to play a one-two with Aguero...

... it is played short and then delivered towards Aguero, but Rose throws himself in the way of a strike from Sterling at the far post. Man City want a penalty, but the referee is not interested.

Rose is in the wars at the moment as he is then chopped down by Fernandinho. Poor tackle.

Not an awful lot for Spurs in the final third in the last few minutes, but they are still popping the ball around in the centre of the park and looking for that opening. It was expected to be a tight match and that has been the case in the opening 28 minutes. The pair have stood toe-to-toe here.

SAVE! Hart is forced to palm away a powerful strike from Eriksen.

Spurs continue to keep hold of the possession, but they are finding it difficult to pick their way through this Man City midfield, which is full of bodies and full of powerful men. We have seen little from Silva in the opening 31 minutes in a game where both defences have impressed thus far.

End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes, but both sides have been guilty of some slack passing in the final third of the field. Aguero and Sterling have started to combine in and around the Spurs box, but the visitors have not been in any real danger since that early Aguero chance.

Dier hammers one from distance, but his effort was always wide of the post.

As it stands, Spurs would remain third in the league - two points behind second-place Arsenal, while Man City would remain one point off Spurs in fourth. It has been a very tight opening 37 minutes here, but I am finding it difficult to this game finishing goalless at the Etihad.

Little over five minutes of the first period remaining and in truth, it has not been a great half in terms of open football and chances. What we have is a very interesting tactical battle here!

You get the feeling that the first goal in this match - if there indeed is one - will arrive from a defensive mistake or a moment of magic. Understandably, neither team is giving too much away at the moment. In fact, I do not think I have seen a Man City full-back venture forward as of yet!

Rose has a powerful strike deflected wide for a corner and Spurs look to threaten from the set piece, but the referee blows when Alli pushes Clichy inside the box. Still goalless at the Etihad.

A mix-up inside the Spurs box almost presents Man City with a chance, but the ball eventually rebounds off Aguero for a goal-kick, which just about sums up the opening 45 minutes here!

BOOKING! Dier (Spurs) is booked for a late challenge on Toure.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 0-0. In truth, it has not been a great opening 45 minutes. Man City have perhaps had the best chance through Aguero, but the Argentine fired over from close range. Both defences are on top here!

STATISTICS! Spurs have dominated the possession with 65%, while they have had three attempts - one of which was on target. Man City have also only had one attempt on target, which is an indication of the type of game it has been. Just the one booking - Dier having his name taken.

BENCH WATCH! Man City do not have a whole host of attacking options on their bench this afternoon, but young Nigerian Iheanacho is available, in addition to Kolarov. Spurs, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Chadli, Lamela, Carroll and Mason. Will we see any changes at the break?

MATCH PIC!

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RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second period. Will we have a breakthrough at the Etihad? It is the home side that resume proceedings here...

... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period develops.

BOOKING! Kompany (Man City) is booked for a late challenge on Alli.

CHANCE! Super chance for the home side as a deflected strike from Toure falls into the path of Aguero, but the Argentine fires over from close range. Not an easy chance mind.

Not an awful lot from Spurs going forward in the early moments of this second period, but they are still moving the ball well in the middle of the park. Kane has been very quiet thus far at the Etihad.

Spurs have a penalty as Sterling charges down a strike from Rose. The referee says handball, but it seemed to strike Sterling's side. It is so very harsh, but Spurs have a wonderful chance here...

... GOAL! Man City 0-1 Spurs (Kane, pen)

Kane fires straight down the middle and Spurs have the lead at the Etihad!

BOOKING! Wimmer (Spurs) is booked for a late challenge on Silva.

CROSSBAR! Man City come mightily close to levelling as Toure strikes a wonderful free kick from outside the Spurs box, but his effort crashes against the crossbar!

You cannot take your eyes off this match at the moment as Man City raise their own tempo and continue to commit players in the final third. I would be very surprised if we had seen the last of the goals with still more than 30 minutes remaining. Man City need some inspiration from somewhere.

Man City have got to be careful of overcommitting here as they chase down an equaliser. Spurs can afford to sit back and just play on the counter-attack. It is a fascinating game of football here.

As it stands, Spurs are going above Arsenal into second, while Man City would remain fourth. I would be surprised, however, if we had seen the last of the goals in this fascinating match.

Spurs have the best defensive record in the league this season and it is not too difficult to see why that is the case. They are well-drilled and very, very difficult to break down, as Man City will know.

MAN CITY SUB! Iheanacho replaces Fernando for the home side.

Spurs seem to be in again as Son breaks into the Man City box, but the attacker is penalised for handball and Man City regain control of the possession. Still more than 20 minutes to play here.

It just is not happening for Man City in the final third at the moment as Spurs continue to hold firm and keep Aguero at bay. The hosts need something special from one of their big players!

Little bit of argy-bargy between the players as Zabaleta puts in a strong challenge on Kane, but the referee is on hand to calm proceedings. You just sense that something is waiting to explode here.

SPURS SUB! Tom Carroll replaces Son for the visitors.

What a super goal that is! The home side level in the 74th minute as Clichy drives down the left before setting up Iheanacho, who fires his effort past Lloris for 1-1. What a time to do that!

MAN CITY SUB! Kolarov replaces Clichy for the home team.

BOOKING! Carroll (Spurs) is booked for time-wasting.

SAVE! Lloris is forced to punch away a stinging strike from Toure!

SPURS SUB! Lamela replaces Alli for the away team.

Oh my word! Spurs regain the lead in the 83rd minute as Lamela drives to the edge of the Man City box before playing in Eriksen, who controls with one touch and finishes past Hart!

CLOSE! A low strike from Kane just fizzes past Hart's post.

Spurs are retreating here and you cannot blame them. Man City still have time to score a second, but Spurs are so difficult to break down and we are already into the 88th minute of this match.

SPURS SUB! Chadli replaces Kane for the visitors.

FOUR MINUTES TO BE ADDED!

Still time for Man City, who have possession, but they will have to get a move on!

Alderweireld gets a big head to the ball as the home side deliver once again.

Into the final minute of added time and Spurs continue to clear down-field.

CHANCE! Silva has to score after Lloris palms an Aguero cross to the Spaniard, but his effort is over the crossbar and that should be about that for this match!

So there we have it. Spurs hold on to record all three points at the Etihad, which is enough to see them return to second position in the table. Man City, meanwhile, remain fourth following their second home defeat in a low. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!