Gareth Barry is as unflappable as you would expect as we edge nearer to Sunday's much-anticipated clash with Spurs.

You would not expect the midfielder to get carried away despite all the heated debate about the game, and so it proves in a series of interviews that crop up today.

His lack of complacency runs through the rest of the squad, as the Telegraph's Mark Ogden writes, "As the league leaders prepare to face Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, there is the prospect of Roberto Mancini’s team moving six points clear of the pack if they defeat Spurs, with United losing at Arsenal.

"There is no sense of ‘job done’ at City, but with Mancini’s squad lacking United’s experience of the title run-in, Barry admits that those doubting the team’s nerve have yet to be proved wrong.

"'Those comments may be true.' Barry said. 'As a club, we haven’t been in this position because we haven’t done it (run-in) yet, so that is a fact.

“'It’s true, but we have to try to get over the line. We have some really tough games between now and the end of the season and it’s a massive challenge, but I think we have enough in the dressing room to get the job done.'"

Sunday's game will earn a big worldwide audience, and the interest is reflected on many a web site, with the Gulf Times.com being a prime example of how the match is being seen.

 

Tottenham Hotspur will seek to re-open old wounds when they face Premier League leaders Manchester City tomorrow in a fixture that has traditionally provided them with rich pickings but this time will offer an acid test of their title ambitions.

...the Gulf Times...

"The in-form north London club travel to the Etihad Stadium five points behind Roberto Mancini’s City in third place and two behind second-placed Manchester United, who face Arsenal at the Emirates on what could be a pivotal day at the top.

"With four of the top five playing each other tomorrow, fourth-placed Chelsea can add a little pressure on those above by beating Norwich City at home today. Just over 20 months ago Tottenham beat City 1-0 on the penultimate match of the 2009-10 season in what was a shoot-out for fourth place and Champions League qualification. That result was reversed a year later when City erased that painful memory with a 1-0 victory at home to clinch a top-four place at Tottenham’s expense.

"Two clubs with proud histories but for so long chronic under-achievers have suddenly become rivals at the sharp end of English soccer—shaking up the dominance of United, Chelsea and Arsenal when it comes to the battle for the title."

It's all set for a cracker, and the Irish Independent reflects on Harry Redknapp's assertion that it could be everything and the kitchen sink-time on Sunday.

"Harry Redknapp says Tottenham will throw everything they have at Manchester City on Sunday as they attempt to inflict a first home defeat of the season on the Premier League leaders.

"City have a perfect record at the Etihad Stadium and beat Tottenham 5-1 when the sides met in September, but Redknapp says his side will play with no fear.

"'I think we can go there and play really well on Sunday. They will know they've had a game I'm sure,' Redknapp said.

"'We will go there with a positive team. I wouldn't want to go there and sit back. I think we have got people who can hurt them. I'm looking to go and take the game to them if we can.'"

Can't wait - and if you're coming to the game don't forget to be top-to-toe in sky blue for #bluesunday.