City - Spurs preview

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini will make a late call on whether to choose skipperCarlos Tevez for the pivotal Premier League encounter with Tottenham. The South American was absent for the fourth game since injuring his hamstring at Liverpool when he missed Saturday's defeat at Everton but Mancini wants Tevez to prove his fitness ahead of next weekend's FA Cup final. Gareth Barry is expected to be available after recovering from what Mancini described as "a minor problem" at the weekend, with City knowing victory will secure a place in next season's Champions League qualifiers at worst.

Tottenham will be without several key players for Tuesday's must-win clash at Eastlands.Gareth Bale (ankle), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (hamstring) and Tom Huddlestone (ankle) are out while there are doubts over Peter Crouch (back) and Luka Modric (hip). Steven Pienaar could miss out with an ankle problem and Jonathan Woodgate (calf), Ledley King (groin), Wilson Palacios and Alan Hutton (both knee) are all unavailable.

Match facts

The Citizens have won only once in their last 15 encounters with Spurs in the Premier League and have collected just six points from a possible 45 in this run.

Manchester City have failed to score in their last three Premier League matches against Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham Hotspur have lost only two of their 13 Premier League games away at Manchester City.

The Lilywhites have won only one of their last 12 matches in all competitions.

Man City goalkeeper Joe Hart was forced to make eight saves against Spurs earlier this season; more than in any other game.

On the last occasion that Mike Dean took charge of this fixture in the Premier League, there were three red cards given – two of them to Manchester City.

Manchester City have been awarded nine penalties in the Premier League this season; more than any other side.

Man City have averaged more goals without Carlos Tevez in the side (1.7) than with him in their team (1.5) in the Premier League this season.

Jermain Defoe has scored four goals in his last five Premier League starts for Harry Redknapp’s side.

Since the start of last season, no player has given away more penalty kicks than Heurelho Gomes (4).