Manchester City are hoping to continue their splendid run of form when they play hosts to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. The Premier League leaders are virtually unstoppable at the moment and are coming into this game on the back of a 14 game winning streak in all competitions. Their most recent triumph in the league came in the 4-1 win over Liverpool, with the hosts keen on maintaining that run this weekend.
Tottenham Hotspur, on the other hand, were knocked out of the FA Cup by Everton in a thrilling contest in midweek. In the league, however, they are trailing fourth-placed Liverpool only by four points, so sealing a shock victory against Man City could go a long way in boosting their hopes of a top four finish in the league this campaign.
Manchester City Vs Tottenham Hotspur Preview
Talking Tactics
Manchester City
Manchester City are more than guaranteed to dominate possession, using their technically gifted individuals to break the shackles of their opponents. The 4-3-3 formation has given an ideal balance in midfield, with one of the fullbacks set to drift into a central role once again. It should take the burden off the holding midfielder, who has offered excellent protection for the back four that has registered the best defensive record in the league so far this campaign.
Tottenham Hotspur
Jose Mourinho, on the other hand, is likely to persist with a 4-2-3-1. However, he could ring in one tactical change with Tanguy Ndombele operating in the number ten position. Moussa Sissoko, therefore, should return in midfield, offering more defensive aid for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg while a right-sided overload should see Ben Davies operate in a deeper position.
Team News
Manchester City
Manchester City will continue to miss out on the services of a few key players including Sergio Aguero, Kevin de Bruyne and Nathan Ake. The team has done well without them nevertheless and are likely to be further strengthened by the swift recovery of Rodri. Phil Foden, meanwhile, is likely to return to the starting eleven after starring in the win over Liverpool.
Predicted Lineup: Ederson; Cancelo, Dias, Stones, Zinchenko; Silva, Rodri, Gundogan; Sterling, Jesus, Foden
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur are also missing important first-team individuals like Giovani Lo Celso and Sergio Reguilon. In addition, Serge Aurier is a doubt heading into this clash, which means Mourinho may once again have to rely on the services of Matt Doherty on the right flank.
Predicted Lineup: Lloris; Doherty, Alderweireld, Dier, Davies; Sissoko, Hojbjerg; Lamela, Ndombele, Son; Kane
Key Men
Manchester City
The absence of de Bruyne means the onus will once again be on Ilkay Gundogan to provide the creative essence in the final third for Manchester City this weekend. The German international has been in inspired form this season and stopping him could be imperative if Spurs are to salvage anything from this encounter.
Tottenham Hotspur
For Tottenham themselves, they will rely on the services of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in midfield. The Dane’s ability to sense danger and offer protection for the backline could be crucial in Mourinho’s tactical approach in this fixture. His performance could, in fact, dictate Spurs’ fortunes this weekend.
