Watch Tottenham Hotspur vs. Manchester City Live Stream August 14 Premier League 2010

Just three points and one league position separated these two teams at the end of the 2009-10 campaign, but they were worlds apart in terms of what they achieved.Watch Tottenham Hotspur vs. Manchester City Live Stream August 14 Premier League 2010

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Tottenham's 1-0 win at Manchester City in the final week of the season secured an opportunity to claim their place among Europe's elite for the first time in five decades. But since then, it is City who have done the buying while Tottenham will have no new faces in their ranks for the opening match of the 2010-11 season.

While much of Spurs' team will pick itself after such a strong second half of last season, City boss Roberto Mancini has decisions to make - perhaps most notably in the goalkeeping department. Joe Hart was expected to start the season in goal but Shay Given has returned from his shoulder injury sooner than expected. Both started for their respective countries on Wednesday evening.Watch Tottenham Hotspur vs. Manchester City Live Stream August 14 Premier League 2010

With Yaya Toure, Jerome Boateng, David Silva and Aleksandar Kolarov already signed to boost the ranks the likes of Craig Bellamy have found themselves surplus to requirements. Mario Balotelli looks to be on his way but this game will come too soon for the Italian striker.

City may have strengthened their squad with quality signings over the summer, but whether they will be a team and not just a group of individuals on the opening day is a different matter entirely.

Tottenham can point to a cohesive team unit which is used to winning. The pace and delivery of Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon on the wings will prove a test for debutants Boateng and Kolarov, who are likely to fill the full-back positions for the visitors.

Tottenham player to watch: Jermain Defoe. Spurs' top scorer from last season has been a doubt for this game after missing the club's final pre-season friendly against Fiorentina, as well as England's game against Hungary, though the signs now point ot him playing a part. Defoe, who scored 18 Premier League goals in 31 starts last term, only netted four of those goals after the turn of the year but Spurs will hope he starts this season back on top form.

Man City player to watch: David Silva. The Spain international failed to shine at the World Cup finals, starting only the opening defeat to Swizterland before being restricted to cameo appearances. That said, Silva - who scored for Spain in their midweek draw win Mexico - remains a quality wide player who was previously courted by city rivals United. The former Valencia wide man will not be too fatigued after his lack of action in South Africa.

Key battle: Gareth Bale v Jerome Boateng. Germany international Boateng played most of the World Cup at left-back for his country, but he is expected to play on the other side of the defence at City. If Bale continues in the same rejuvenated form as he did in the second half of last season, with a new-found home on the left-wing, then Boateng could face a baptism of fire in the Premier League.

Trivia: Spurs had 19 different goalscorers last season, which is a Premier League record. Man City were the only team unbeaten after scoring first last season.

Stats: Spurs have beaten Manchester City in 11 out of their last 12 meetings. Man City have lost to Tottenham more times than any other club in Premier League history (19).

Odds: Tottenham (2.40), Man City (3.00) and the draw (3.30) are available with Bet 365. Gareth Bale to score the first goal of the Premier League season is priced at 15.00.

Prediction: Spurs will probably have enough to get off to a winning start on home turf, but the chances are that City may prove stronger over the course of the season.