Stuart Pearce explains how Tottenham can beat Manchester City

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Stuart Pearce has told TalkSPORT that Tottenham Hotspur can beat Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals, and reckons Spurs are the worst possible draw for his old side.

Tottenham play host to Pep Guardiola’s side at their new stadium on Tuesday night. It will be just the second time the senior side have taken to the new ground.

They made their debut last week, ending a five-match run without a win by beating Crystal Palace 2-0 thanks to goals from Son Heung-min and Christian Eriksen. They will be hopeful the new ground can help against City.

Former Manchester City manager Pearce believes Mauricio Pochettino’s side is the worst draw City can have, and explained how Spurs can end Guardiola’s aim of a quadruple by knocking them out of Europe.

“It’ll be a fantastic game. I think it’s the worst possible draw for City at this stage in the competition,” Pearce said. “I’m not sure Tottenham will be too enamoured by it either. But I think it’s going to be a very tight game.

“Tottenham have got to be in the game after the first leg. If they can take an advantage to go away from home, or stop City from scoring, then there’s always pressure on City being the home side [for the] second-leg.”

TBR’s view

Spurs’ only chance of beating Manchester City is if their new stadium plays into their hands. Against Palace, Spurs were frustrated with the pressure of winning the first match at the new stadium.

But now Spurs have got that first win out of the way, and with City the favourites, Spurs could use the new stadium to their advantage.

They simply have to win against City in the first leg, and look to hold onto their advantage at the Etihad.