Predicted Tottenham Line-up To Face Manchester City In The Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur face an acid test as they travel to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening. Pochettino said he is ‘excited’ for the battle and that he is interested in playing a tactical battle out there. Spurs were the first team to beat City last season after the team from Manchester got off to a flyer with 6 wins out of 6. This time around, it’s a much tougher job for the Argentine tactician with Pep’s side not ready to give away anything.
According to many, the title race might be over for Spurs but any critic would say that they have the ability to beat any side in the country. The Lilywhites have proved it in the previous two seasons too. After a horrible end to November, they have again climbed up to 4th place, ahead of Liverpool, Burnley and Arsenal. The battle of the weekend unfolds on Saturday as Harry Kane and co. have to beat the unbeatable, in their own backyard.
Team News
Davinson Sanchez is out because he is serving the last of his three-match ban this weekend. Jan Vertonghen saved himself and the team from a setback as he avoided a caution in midweek. Victor Wanyama and Toby Alderweireld will only return after the turn of the year.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Mauricio Pochettino
Defence
Hugo Lloris will lead the side and is a sure starter. Being one of the best keepers in the world, he will have to be vocal to stop Manchester City’s attack.
The heart of the defence should be occupied by two centre-backs as Pochettino could mostly revert to a back-4. Eric Dier, who was rigid, tough and unbreakable in midweek, should start. He is some serious attacking threat during set-pieces.
He should be accompanied by Jan Vertonghen, who could be pivotal in switching play and providing some service for the midfielders and attackers to feed on.
Serge Aurier scored a goal in the midweek and was probably one of the best players on the pitch last time out. However, he might give way to Kieran Trippier. This could ensure high-quality crossing and fresher legs.
Ben Davies needs to produce what he did at the start of the campaign if they are to take anything from Manchester. He will start at left back.
Midfield
Mousa Dembele is another certain starter as he was rested in the mid-week. His use of the body to get past players, play simple passes and run back to cover up for defenders is absolutely spectacular.
Harry Winks is a bundle of energy and has got beautiful technique with the ball. He really gets forward with a statement. If he plays with the same intent and desire, the Cityzens will need to keep a check on this young lad.
Dele Alli will return after some much-needed rest. He will look to inspire and stitch a match-winning performance.
Attack
Christian Eriksen has got better. Despite all the other players’ glamour and talent, this man is the most important player, without a doubt. He will start down the right.
Son Heung-Min will play down the left and surely give Pep’s side a run for their money, even when he is not on the ball. After Kane, he is the best finisher this unit has got. Watch out Ederson!
Harry Kane needs to strike against the blue side from Manchester. He will start and hope to be a sharp commander of this highly potent attack.