Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City were given a severe reality check last weekend as Ronald Koeman’s Everton put 4 past the Citizens at the Goodison Park to take all three points from the game. This loss keeps City in the 5th place, 10 points off Chelsea at the top of the table. The Citizens have now taken just 3 points from the last three games and they will need a positive result this weekend in yet another crunch game at the Etihad.
Guardiola’s side will face Mauricio Pochettino’s high-flying Spurs side this weekend in a virtual six-pointer at the top of the table. The Manchester City manager is expected to go for the kill playing at home but he will need his players to be at their best if they are to get anything from this game. The manager is expected to field a strong lineup for this game and here is the predicted lineup that he might play on the night.
Team News:
The Citizens are still without the services of Ikay Gundogan who is injured and Fernandinho, who is suspended. Fernando is expected to be back in action as Guardiola has not other injuries to worry about for this game.
Expected lineup (3-4-3):
Claudio Bravo:
The first choice shot-stopper for City, Bravo, has not been at his best this season and will hope to have a decent game at home against the Spurs side.
John Stones:
The English defender had a nightmare back at the Goodison Park and he will hope to put in a better performance for his side this weekend.
Nicolas Otamendi:
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Arguably the most consistent defender for City this season, Otamendi is expected to start at the heart of the defense for Guardiola.
Aleksandar Kolarov:
An unused substitute in the previous game, Kolarov has had his ups and downs this season for City and should be back in the starting XI for this game against the Spurs.
Bacary Sagna:
The first choice right back for City recently, Sagna has not been able to justify his place in the squad but this game will give him yet another chance to do so.
Yaya Toure:
Injuries to key players has seen the Ivory Coast midfielder cement a place in the starting XI at the club and should start this game against Spurs.
Fernando:
The Brazilian missed the previous game with an injury, but he is expected to be back fit and should start alongside Toure in the midfield for City.
Gael Clichy:
Having put in a decent performance against Everton, Clichy should keep his place in the side as a wing-back for Manchester City.
David Silva:
The Spaniard is one of the most important players for City this season and he should start this game against the Spurs side at the weekend.
Kevin de Bruyne:
The Belgian international has not been consistent this season for City but Guardiola should stick with him in this crunch game.
Sergio Aguero:
The biggest threat for the Spurs’ defence on the night will come from the Argentine striker at the helm of the Manchester City squad and they will have to keep him away from goal to stand a chance in this game.