Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola will square up against each other for the 23rd time when Manchester City travels to London to take on Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs nicked out a draw when the two teams met last time, but that was way back, and Mauricio Pochettino was still the manager of Tottenham.
Spurs are currently seven points away from fourth-placed Chelsea, and it will be a crucial game for them in the race for top 4. Manchester City are sitting second but are 22 points behind league leaders Liverpool. The title seems to be very much out of grasp for Guardiola but he would like his side to play with pride to show the critics why they won back to back Premier League titles.
What to expect from Tottenham Hotspur?
Even though Spurs would be at home, they are likely to play a good part of the game without the ball. They will likely line up in a 4-2-3-1. Mourinho has pacy attack-minded players, and they would look to make runs into the channels. Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura can be devastating on the counter. Dele Alli also can take up dangerous positions in the final third. However, the game is likely going to come down to how well Spurs can defend against this City side. Spurs going in with a back five and playing with a wingback cannot also be ruled out.
What to expect from Manchester City?
Guardiola will go in with his usual 4-3-3. They will look to dominate possession, press high and play with intensity. However, the manager would want to see a more clinical edge and finishing touch from his team. It will also be interesting to see whether Guardiola can motivate his players with them being virtually out of the title race.
Team News
Tottenham
Harry Kane, Moussa Sissoko and Ben Davies are going to miss out due to injuries. New signing Steven Bergwijn could feature on the bench.
Predicted Lineup: Lloris; Aurier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Tanganga; Lo Celso, Winks, Ndombele; Alli; Lucas, Son
Manchester City
Benjamin Mendy and Aymeric Laporte are doubtful, and they are likely going to be assessed on match day. Leroy Sane is definitely going to miss out again, but he is expected to be back sometime this month.
Predicted Lineup: Ederson; Walker, Fernandinho, Laporte, Zinchenko; Gundogan, Rodri, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Aguero, Sterling
Key men
Tottenham
Given Son’s pace and directness, he could be crucial to Spurs in testing City’s fragile backline. In defence, Toby Alderweireld will have to be at his best to keep the City attackers at bay.
Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne will be tough to stop if he is on a song and he can dictate the game from midfield. Sergio Aguero has looked sharp in recent weeks, and he would be looking to continue his excellent form.
Odds
Tottenham Win- 24/5
Manchester City Win- 4/7
Draw- 18/5
