ManchesterCity and Tottenham Hotspur will face each other again at the Etihad Stadium onSaturday, this time in the Premier League, little over 60 hours after theirextraordinary Champions League drama.
Man City'sdream of a quadruple of titles ended with their away-goals loss afterWednesday's second-leg ended with a 4-3 win, but a 4-4 aggregate score.
The destinyof the Premier League remains in the hands of Pep Guardiola's side, however,and they know that if they win their remaining five games they will retaintheir title.
Yet this isnow a major test of their character after what was a crushing exit from Europe— with a late goal from Raheem Sterling, which would have sent City through,ruled out for offside following a VAR video review.
"We have toreact, close time, same team. But don't think too much right now, sleep as muchas possible and then we will prepare for the game," said Guardiola.
City havewon the League Cup and are in the final of the FA Cup, meaning a treble remainsa realistic objective.
"We fought alot, nine, 10 months for the Premier League. It's in our hands," addedGuardiola.
"It's tough,of course, but we have to do it."
City are twopoints behind leaders Liverpool, but have a game in hand — although thatfixture is against local rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford nextWednesday.
If they canremove the emotion from the Champions League loss, City will draw heart fromthe fact that they dominated large parts of the game, enjoying 66 percentpossession and 20 shots to Spurs' 11.
WhileMauricio Pochettino's options are limited by injuries, including to attackingfulcrum Harry Kane, Guardiola has plenty of fresh alternatives to call on,including German winger Leroy Sane, who did not feature until the 84th minuteon Wednesday.
Third-placedSpurs have plenty to play for as well — the battle for a top-four finish andqualification for the Champions League is tight with Arsenal and Chelsea just apoint behind and sixth-placed Manchester United only three points adrift.
Liverpoolwill expect to pick up three points at 18th-placed Cardiff City on Sunday,although Neil Warnock's team have been boosted by Tuesday's win at Brighton,which kept their survival hopes alive.
Brighton,who are now just two points above the Welsh side, although with a game in hand,are at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
Arsenal willexpect three points from a home fixture with Crystal Palace and Chelsea willwant the same from their meeting with Burnley on Easter Monday.
United,smarting from their Champions League exit to Barcelona, have a tricky trip toEverton on Sunday.
