Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to kickstart their post-Jose Mourinho era on a positive note as they lock horns with Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. It will also be a first real test for interim coach Ryan Mason, who started his temporary spell in charge of Spurs with a narrow win over Southampton in midweek – the club’s first win in almost a month.
For Man City, however, things are a bit complicated as they are scheduled to play an important Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek. It could force Pep Guardiola to rest important players, as the Citizens shift their attention to European football. Interestingly, it is the first domestic game where two “dirty dozen” clubs face off against each other, after sending shockwaves in the world of football earlier this week.
Manchester City Vs Tottenham Hotspur Tactical Preview
Talking Tactics
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola will have no reason to tinker with his tried and tested 4-3-3 formation that offers him a lot of assurance in the build-up while the fullbacks typically play a versatile role that allows his team to effortlessly switch to a wingback setup even within the game. The Citizens, though, will need to be careful of Tottenham’s counter-attacking prowess and cannot afford to make a mistake defensively.
Tottenham Hotspur
Ryan Mason deployed a 4-2-3-1 setup in his first game in charge of Tottenham. He is expected to retain a similar setup, with an emphasis on defensive solidity as the Lilywhites look to play on the counter, using the likes of Son Heung-Min, Gareth Bale and Lucas Moura as runners. It will be interesting to see how Mason employs the fullbacks, as both are capable of making marauding runs forward but could leave spaces at the back.
Team News
Manchester City
Manchester City are missing out on the services of John Stones due to suspension, while Kevin de Bruyne is a slight doubt after picking up an injury against Chelsea. His absence could serve as a major blow for the Premier League leaders this weekend, although the Belgian wasn’t expected to start either way, in light of the PSG game.
Predicted Lineup: Steffen; Cancelo, Laporte, Dias, Zinchenko; Gundogan, Rodri, Silva; Mahrez, Jesus, Sterling
Tottenham Hotspur
As for Tottenham, they are missing their premier fullback duo of Matt Doherty and Ben Davies, although neither of them are guaranteed starters in the first-team. In terms of actual key players, Harry Kane is likely to be unavailable – giving Mason a real worry as he braces himself for a tough test against Manchester City.
Predicted Lineup: Lloris; Aurier, Alderweireld, Dier, Reguilon; Hojbjerg, Ndombele; Bale, Lo Celso, Son; Lucas
Manchester City Vs Tottenham Hotspur Tactical Preview
Key Men
Manchester City
With de Bruyne unlikely to feature, Manchester City would bank their hopes on their in-form midfielder in Ilkay Gundogan. The German’s performances have been a key reason behind the club’s success this season, and he will play a vital role in the creative department, as Guardiola’s men look to land their first trophy this campaign.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham, meanwhile, will be hoping that their key forward in Son Heung-Min steps up his game in the absence of Kane. The South Korean international hasn’t done much without the assistance of the English forward, so it will be an opportunity for him to prove his critics wrong this weekend.
