Manchester City are facing an uphill task of keeping up with the other clubs who are all jostling to be the challengers to Chelsea’s dominance in the title-race. A 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Everton has set the alarm bells ringing and the state of the squad, especially in defence and midfield, is deplorable, to say the least. On top of that, the likes of Aguero, Sterling and the rest haven’t been taking their opportunities and that has had a direct effect on their results. With such a flaky defence, one has to take whatever chances they get and the Sky Blues have failed on that count.
With the January transfer window in full swing, they have the option of adding to their squad with a central defender and midfielder touted as possible incomings before the bigger overhaul in the summer. But for now, Pep Guardiola and his team have got to focus on the massive test in front of them. Tottenham Hotspur are coming to town and if the last year and a half have taught us anything, it is that City should be extremely worried. Having done the double over them last season and with a comprehensive 2-0 win which set the balls off for City, Mauricio Pochettino’s side are firmly in the driving seat on the weekend and it will take an almighty effort for Pep to come out with anything.
PREDICTED MANCHESTER CITY XI VS TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (4-1-4-1)
DEFENCE
Claudio Bravo will be in goal and he has been the only player who hasn’t impressed even once this season. The pressure is mounting on him and he needs to have a good game, not just a quiet game.
Pablo Zabaleta was deployed in midfield but he might come in at right-back in this match. If the Argentine is rested, Bacary Sagna will be lining up once again.
Otamendi and Stones can be paired once again and selecting Stones will send out a loud and clear message by Guardiola and will be a vote of confidence for the youngster especially after the howler at Everton.
Kolarov could start as the left-back with Clichy likely to face the axe.
MIDFIELD
Yaya Toure is a certainty going to be in the lineup with Fernandinho still serving his suspension.
Fernandinho’s absence will see his compatriot Fernando come in place of him. Fernando has been a useful filler and Pep will hope for more of the same. He is likely to sit in front of the defence.
David Silva can be in the free no.8 role alongside Yaya Toure and will look to pull the strings.
ATTACK
Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling will be on the opposite flanks and will have to be much more clinical in the final third.
Sergio Aguero will probably be the one who will be lining up front.
