We don’t know how good Tottenham Hotspur really are under Jose Mourinho. But, we soon will as the Lilywhites begin their tough run of fixtures with a home game against Manchester City on Saturday. The north London giants are set to face the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool within the coming weeks so starting on a positive note could be imperative for the hosts.
Man City, on the other hand, are desperate for all three points following a disappointing start to the campaign. The Sky Blues have collected just 12 points from seven matches and are trailing league leaders Leicester City by a whopping six points, although they do have a game in hand.
Tottenham Hotspur Vs Manchester City Tactical Preview
Talking Tactics
Tottenham Hotspur
Mourinho has no reason to make any changes to the 4-3-3 formation that has worked so well for him this season. He may have to opt for a more defensive approach, however, up against the mighty Man City attack. Therefore, we could expect the two central midfielders to operate deeper than usual as there will be more emphasis on creating chances through long passes out from the back.
Manchester City
Guardiola has also primarily used a 4-3-3 formation, though that can also be perceived as a 4-2-3-1, with Kevin de Bruyne operating as the attacking midfielder. The visitors are more than guaranteed to dominate the possession, but it will be interesting to how they evade Tottenham’s relatively strong second line of press consisting of players like Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Moussa Sissoko.
Team News
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham are guaranteed to miss out on the services of Matt Doherty and Erik Lamela is also out injured. Tanguy Ndombele was perceived as a doubt but should recover in time to start ahead of Giovani Lo Celso in the number ten role. Gareth Bale, meanwhile, is unlikely to star despite starring in Wales’ win over the Republic of Ireland during the international break.
Probable Lineup: Lloris; Aurier, Alderweireld, Dier, Reguilon; Sissoko, Hojbjerg, Ndombele; Lucas, Kane, Son.
Manchester City
Manchester City are also missing the services of a few key players including Fernandinho and Sergio Aguero while Benjamin Mendy is also a major doubt. Raheem Sterling picked up a knock as well but is likely to recover in time to start against Tottenham, in what serves as a massive boost for the visitors.
Probable Lineup: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Laporte, Cancelo; Rodri, Gundogan; Torres, de Bruyne, Sterling; Gabriel Jesus.
Key Men
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham will, no doubt, rely on the services of their offensive duo of Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min. These two have been in sensational form and in a game where Spurs are set to receive a limited amount of chances, their productivity could be crucial on the counter.
Manchester City
Ferran Torres has become one of the most talked-about players in Europe following his hat-trick against Germany. He will undoubtedly be the one worth keeping an eye on heading into this encounter.
