• Premier League

Winning is gateway to 'super club' status - Kaka

ESPN staff
May 5, 2010
Harry Redknapp has slammed City's behaviour in the pursuit of Craig Bellamy, who is set to face Spurs at Eastlands © Getty Images
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Tensions between Champions League hopefuls Manchester City and Tottenham have risen after Spurs boss Harry Redknapp accused City of bullying tactics during their pursuit of striker Craig Bellamy - a claim strongly denied by Manchester City officials.

However, perhaps the most revealing quotes surrounding the importance of Wednesday's game have come from Real Madrid star Kaka, who nearly joined the Eastlands revolution last season in a multi-million pound deal.

"The match between City and Spurs is so much more important than three points," Kaka told the Express. "If City win it they can start their journey to becoming a super club - I think they will probably win it. If they do, then it will be the start of a new and very big era for them. With the resources they have, they can create a super team very quickly."

Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur
With Liverpool and Aston Villa out of the battle for fourth place, Spurs travel to Manchester in the knowledge that a win would secure Champions League football next season, as well as their highest ever Premier League finish. A win for City would put them two points ahead of the Londoners ahead of the final game of the season this weekend. Redknapp is sweating on the fitness of key duo Heurelho Gomes and Ledley King ahead of his side's crucial clash at Eastlands. Gomes in particular has been in terrific form this season, completing a full turn-around from clown to crown prince in the space of 12 months. His absence would be a huge blow to Redknapp's plans, especially with second-choice keeper Carlo Cudicini still sidelined. Ben Alnwick is on standby to replace the Brazilian if he fails to make a full recovery. Roberto Mancini has no fresh injury problems and is expected to welcome England international Gareth Barry back into the fold.
In what is sure to be a tight and tense game, back Craig Bellamy to net the only goal of the game in a 1-0 City win at 33-1 with Stan James.

Fulham v Stoke
Roy Hodgson will undoubtedly have one eye on next week's Europa League final and looks set to repeat last weekend's policy of resting key players. Stoke, who sit two points behind the west Londoners, are intent on forcing their way to a top-10 finish and arrive in London on the back of a confidence-boosting draw with Everton on the back of their 7-0 thumping at the hands of Chelsea.
Tony Pulis will field an attacking looking side as Stoke look to finish off another fine season by claiming 10th place, so back the men from the Potteries to come away from Craven Cottage as 2-0 winners at 14/1 with Stan James.

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