OWEN Coyle reckons Tottenham could rival the Manchester clubs for the Premier League title this season.

The Wanderers boss will be looking to put a dent in a long unbeaten run that stretches back to August, when United and City inflicted consecutive defeats on the North Londoners.

That has lifted Spurs into third place, and prompted many to suggest Harry Redknapp’s side could finally be ready to step up as serious silverware contenders.

“I think they can challenge for the title,” said Coyle. “The thing they have at the moment is great strength in depth. They have (Emanuel) Adebayor now and (Roman) Pavlyuchenko can’t get in – he’s different class.

“The other thing, and Harry will be delighted with this, is that they are injury-free. Ledley King is even back and he’s an unbelievable player.

“In terms of the injuries and the squad they have got, they are definitely capable.

“They are free-flowing, pleasing on the eye, and they are a match for the best teams in this country.”

Redknapp rested some of his big guns for the 2-1 home defeat against Greek side PAOK in the Europa League in midweek, giving Coyle little indication of the side he will be facing at White Hart Lane. But the Scot remains defiant that his side will not be lambs to the slaughter, and believes even a point could turn fortunes round for the better.

“Tottenham rang the changes the other night. PAOK got in front early on and then rode the storm in the second half, so we know we’ll have to stand up and be counted, that’s a given,” he said.

“Van der Vaart, Defoe, Modric and Bale – these are top class players we’re talking about – but we’ve got them too. We beat them at the Reebok last year, were unfortunate at White Hart Lane, so we have to have the belief.

“A result in this game would be a massive boost, and would kickstart the season.

“It’s a huge December and I think we can get points and head into January in a much better position. That’s our focus.”

Wanderers were denied a point at Spurs in February by a late Nico Kranjcar blast, following a series of controversial calls from referee Mark Clattenburg.

“When you talk about decisions going against you, there were two penalties awarded against us that were never penalties and then when we get one that should have been given at the other end, Gary Cahill gets booked for diving,” Coyle recalled.

“That would have put us in front, but instead we end up losing a goal in the 94th minute. Sure, we’re full of respect for the opposition but we won’t be going there fearing them.”