Big Match Breakdown: Tottenham v Man City
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Could City suffer a fourth consecutive defeat?
After enduring a miserable week, Manchester City now face the tough task of a trip to Tottenham Hotspur.
After losing to Manchester United in league action and being knocked out of the Champions League by Liverpool, will we see City respond defiantly? Or will they still be out of sorts?
It promises to be a great game and the Coral News Team have the pre-match lowdown…
Head to Head
City swatted Spurs aside 4-1 at the Etihad in November, but that result went against the recent history between the two clubs.
The Manchester club have failed to win four of their last five games against Mauricio Pochettino’s side. Spurs have also won their last two home games against the league leaders.
Likely XIs
Pochettino is likely to name his strongest XI, with the possible exception of Toby Alderweireld. The Belgian has been overlooked in favour of Davinson Sanchez recently.
After naming a very adventurous side in midweek, Pep Guardiola should return to a more orthodox 4-3-3 here. Fabian Delph could come in at left-back, while Vincent Kompany should return to the starting line-up.
Key Battles
City will dominate possession as ever, but how will they cope with Spurs’ pressing? They were rattled by Liverpool’s intense approach at Anfield.
Spurs are also one of the fittest sides in the league. City dropped off after the break in both of their last two games. They’ll want to move the ball around quickly to tire the hosts out.
The wide areas could be key. Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling’s pace could cause real problems for Kieran Trippier and Ben Davies. But the movement of Heung-Min Son and Christian Eriksen could exploit the lack of a natural holding player in the City side.
Match Odds
Given the visitor’s recent struggles, Spurs will fancy their chances of getting something. Tottenham or Draw is 1/2.
There are likely to be goals too with so much attacking talent on display. Over 3.5 Goals is 31/20.
Harry Kane will be determined to get on the scoresheet and boost his chances of winning the Golden Boot. He’s 11/10 to score Anytime and 4/1 to get 2 or More.
Kevin De Bruyne isn’t City’s main goal threat but he’s scored in the last two meetings between these sides. The Belgian is 7/2 to make it three in a row.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
