Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Manchester City

Tottenham Hotspur play Manchester City on Sunday as they look to keep pace with Chelsea and Arsenal in the race for a place in next season's Champions League.

Spurs have stuttered in recent weeks, dropping from third position to fifth, while they were eliminated from the Europa League at the quarter-final stage.

Winger Gareth Bale, who suffered an ankle injury two weeks ago, could make his return after nearing full fitness.

Manchester City are all but assured their place in the Champions League next season, but manager Roberto Mancini will want to keep the pressure on Manchester United who have yet to clinch the Premier League title.

City have won five of their last six games, and they will head to White Hart Lane full of confidence as they look to maintain their momentum ahead of next month's FA Cup final with Wigan Athletic.

Striker Sergio Aguero was withdrawn at half time in midweek, and he could be replaced by Edin Dzeko in the starting lineup.

Recent form

Tottenham Hotspur: LLWDDD

Manchester City: WLWWWW

Possible starting lineups

Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris; Vertonghen, Dawson, Walker, Caulker; Parker, Dembele, Sigurdsson, Bale; Adebayor, Dempsey

Manchester City: Hart; Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov; Nasri, Milner, Barry, Y.Toure; Dzeko, Tevez

Sports Mole says: 1-2