Pride or Prejudice? That is the question that remains with Harry Redknapp for now as we builp up ahead of tonight's massive clash between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Eastlands. Pretty much two months ago, this encounter was being labeled as the key one in deciding the race for Champions League spots but a few poor results from the team in white has deteriorated the excitement level ahead of tonight.
To consider that even Liverpool are ahead of Spurs in the league table now must be a bizarre thing to digest but it clearly points out the good work that Kenny Dalglish has done there. Nevertheless, the pressure is back on Harry Redknapp as there's one big decision he needs to take tonight.
The Lilywhites are currently six points away from City with three more games to go but Kenny's Liverpool are in between those teams- four points behind City and two ahead of Spurs. In games against huge teams like Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, Harry Redknapp has always preferred a more conventional approach to those matches- choosing to pack his midfield and leave a man upfront. However, should they do that against City tonight?
While losing out on a Champions League spot will be a hard pill to swallow for Redknapp, he would definitely want to ensure Europa League participation at least. But with Liverpool too in the battle with them, Redknapp must decide something. The Reds have played a game more and currently sit two points ahead of Spurs. With only two more matches remaining, Kenny Dalglish's men also have better goal difference record than Spurs.
So, with the ongoing battle for Europea League spot pretty much on fire, Redknapp has to decide whether to go for a safe game against Mancini's men, or swicth into attacking mode at Eastlands tonight. With little games remaining, goals could be the key difference between these two teams and to completely miss out on Europe due to lack of goals would be a complete disaster for the North London side.
Nevertheless, giving his players the license to attack could be detrimental to his side's chances of winning as well. We have seen enough defensive crisis and chaotic problems at the back to be able to understand their weakness point. While some believe that attacking is the best way to defend, focusing on the offensive aspects against City could be a very prejudicing decision to make.
Let us reiterate that only a win will be acceptable for Spurs tonight. However, if any amount of space is presented to the Roberto Mancini's rich amount talent on the field, expect to see Harry's tactic getting backfired.
Per contra, the motive of both aspects are the same- a win. To go for pride would be Harry Redknapp applying his traditional tactics that he normally implements against the big sides. And to go for prejudice would see Redknapp employing something unsual within the Spurs' team under the banner of improving their goal difference.
Which one will he go for?
