HARRY Redknapp has predicted a battle for Spurs to compete with Manchester City in the race for Europe, ahead of tonight’s showdown.

"We've got good players here. It's hard but we are close this year,” he said.

"What can you do though?" he added. "I don't know. We'll have another go next year.”

Spurs play at the City of Manchester stadium this evening, where three points are essential to stand any chance at all of securing fourth place in the Premier League.

The pressure is on Spurs after Liverpool nudged ahead in the table, winning 5-2 at Fulham last night (Monday).

Redknapp admitted Spurs will simply struggle to compete as successfully in future as when they pipped City to fourth place in the table, last season.

"The man from Abu Dhabi has got so much money, I mean, it isn't like money to him is it?" he said.

"They tell me they've got one or two players signed already who'll blow your brains out. I mean, that's where they're going.

"They aren't going to stop until they win the championship and even then the Champions League, are they?"

"I think they will the Premier League in the next few years," said Redknapp.

"I think they can be a real force next year.

“They've got a strong squad which is only going to get better now, because they've got unlimited funds to buy anybody they want, and they can pay the wages.

"They've got players there now earning £200,000 a week. I mean, it's crazy, isn't it? It's another world really, isn't it?"