i f you need a laugh read this degenerate crack head:
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,25212,15205_6309159,00.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/ ... 59,00.html</a>
Balancing act
Merse previews the first game of the campaign
Paul Merson Posted 13th August 2010 view comments
This is a fantastic way to start the season.
Tottenham are looking to finish in the top four again and Man City are all geared up for Champions League football. They've got a good chance too. The top sides lost a lot of games last season and all the other teams have got a chance now, unlike a few years ago.
Redknapp: can he outwit Mancini?
Redknapp: can he outwit Mancini?
Spurs and City mustn't get carried away though. I think the title will be beyond both of them and they need to focus on the top four. It's going to be a big battle this year because Liverpool are going to improve, Everton will be strong and you just don't know what's going to happen with Aston Villa.
But I must admit I'm not a fan of City's spending this summer. It looks like they've bought a lorryload of players and haven't thought about how they'll fit into a team.
I'm not a fan of City's spending this summer. It looks like they've bought a lorryload of players and haven't thought about how they'll fit into a team.
Paul Merson
Quotes of the week
LIVE ON SKY SPORTS
Tottenham v Man City
12pm, Sat, Sky Sports HD2
Watch online with Sky Player
How to remote record
They're overloaded in midfield and I think they've signed too many players that haven't played in the Premier League before. I just can't see them hitting the ground running, especially away at Spurs on the first day.
Personally, I thought Craig Bellamy was their best player last year - better even than Carlos Tevez - but he might not even get a shirt this year. I don't think Roberto Mancini knows his best team and their poor results in pre-season show that. He needs time... but has he got it?
Harry Redknapp has done very little in the transfer market, but I think he's waiting to see what happens in the Champions League. If they beat Young Boys and get into the group stage, he'll go out and buy big.
They have a big squad, but it will be hard for them to balance a Champions League campaign with a push for the top four again. The Champions League is not easy; you've got a lot of travelling and a lot of tough matches against top sides.
But I expect them to start with a win on Saturday. They have more balance in their team than City and that could be they key to this match.
PAUL'S PREDICTION
HOME WIN - I'm going to say 3-1 to Spurs. I just don't think Man City's signings have been fantastic and I personally think it will take a while for them to click. For that reason, you don't want to be going to Tottenham on the first game of the season.
MERSON'S MAGIC MAN
TOM HUDDLESTONE - This game is going to be won in midfield. City are going to be top-heavy in that part of the pitch so if Huddlestone plays well and gets a grip on the game then it will swing Tottenham's way.