Manchester City host Tottenham on Thursday night hoping to reduce Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League table.
The Citizens were defeated in the Manchester derby over the weekend and are eight points behind leaders Arsenal in the title race. They were also dumped out of the Carabao Cup recently by Southampton.
Pep Guardiola will look to ease any building pressure by beating Tottenham, who are in worse shape following their own derby defeat to north London rivals Arsenal.
GK: Ederson – Has kept only one clean sheet since returning from the World Cup, where he played once – a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the group stages.
RB: Kyle Walker – Has battled with 18-year-old Rico Lewis for minutes at right back recently, but the more experienced Walker should start against his former club.
CB: John Stones – Stones’ absence against Man Utd was exploited as the Red Devils completed a comeback 2-1 win.
CB: Manuel Akanji – The summer signing has enjoyed more league minutes for City than any of his centre back rivals, with the side missing Ruben Dias in defence.
LB: Nathan Ake – Played in central defence against United but will likely move out wide, displacing Joao Cancelo.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne – A slight worry given he missed training on Tuesday. De Bruyne unsurprisingly leads the Premier League assist chart this season with ten, setting up Jack Grealish most recently against United.
CM: Rodri – City’s midfield metronome couldn’t have done much more against United as he dictated play, but his teammates couldn’t open up the resolute Old Trafford defence.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan – Was an unused substitute during the derby defeat. His added goal threat from midfield could help City overawe Spurs.
RW: Phil Foden – Hooked after an hour against United. Will hope for another start but could drop out if Guardiola’s chooses to favour Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez.
ST: Erling Haaland – Has now gone three games without a goal. In a world where Haaland has already scored 21 league goals this season, that is a lengthy drought.
LW: Jack Grealish – Came off the bench to head in against United. That strike should be enough for Grealish to earn a start against Spurs.
Credit: 90min.com
