Joleon Lescott column: City to keep title tilt alive at Spurs

Tottenham and Manchester City's recent meetings have been packed with drama — and Sunday's clash won't be any different.



Spurs had won four of their five previous five Premier League clashes with the champions prior to last month, when City came back from 2-0 down at half-time to win a bonkers game 4-2.



Since Antonio Conte arrived in North London, his two meetings with Pep Guardiola's side have produced 11 goals — not exactly the cautious football we usually associate with the Italian.



He may not be in attendance this time around after having his gallbladder removed earlier in the week. 



Conte is someone who really coaches his team from the sideline and lives every kick, so his absence is bound to impact his players.



Funnily enough, however, it may free some of them up a bit. 



It's kind of like when you have a substitute teacher in at school. You know the consequences are the same as usual, yet you behave a little bit differently!



Regardless, I'm sure he'll be watching anxiously from afar given how pivotal this game is in Tottenham's quest for a top-four finish. 



I reckon that will ultimately be decisive in whether Conte stays in North London beyond this summer.



His side haven't been impressive or fun to watch this season. But if they qualify for the Champions League, the owners will be content and he'll have achieved his primary objective.



Fall short, though, and I can see him walking away — and that may be something that suits all parties given the financial implications of missing out on Europe's premier competition.