Tottenham Hotspur will face one of their toughest tests of the season as they take on Premier League leaders Manchester City on Saturday. The Lilywhites were knocked out of the FA Cup in midweek, losing 5-4 to Everton, but will have the opportunity to overtake Chelsea in the league table potentially, should they secure all three points this weekend.
Predicted Tottenham Hotspur Lineup Vs Manchester City
Defence
Jose Mourinho is missing out on premier fullbacks in Serge Aurier and Sergio Reguilon due to injury, although the former may face a late assessment. Either way, we expect Matt Doherty and Ben Davies to continue in their stead in the fullback positions.
Davies is likely to operate in a more defensive role, hoping to aid the two centre-backs in Eric Dier and Toby Alderweireld. Dier has missed the last two matches, but Mourinho could fancy starting with the Englishman in this one despite Davinson Sanchez’s two goals against Everton in midweek.
On the other hand, Hugo Lloris should retain his place in between the sticks despite conceding five goals against the Toffees. He starts ahead of Joe Hart, as usual.
Midfield
Mourinho could opt to make at least one change in midfield this weekend by recalling Moussa Sissoko. The Frenchman’s energy and work-ethic should be critical in Tottenham’s defence-oriented approach against Manchester City. Harry Winks is also an option should the Lilywhites look for more control in the middle of the park.
Either way, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg remains a guaranteed starter. The Dane’s ability to read the game should be crucial, and it will be interesting to see how he fares against the in-form Ilkay Gundogan this weekend.
Elsewhere in midfield, Tanguy Ndombele could be assigned a more attacking role in midfield after starting in the double-pivot for the past few matches. The Frenchman will look to provide the creativity in the final third with his direct runs forward.
Attack
Gareth Bale was left out of the squad against Everton due to a niggle, and his potential return remains insignificant for Jose Mourinho, who is likely to favour Erik Lamela this weekend.
The Argentine made quite an impression in midweek, so it won’t be surprising to see him spearhead the Spurs attack alongside Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min as the trio look to breach the solid Man City defence. Lucas Moura and Steven Bergwijn provide additional options for the away side, especially if they require more pace up front.
