The Top Flight
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English Premier League: Tottenham vs Manchester City preview

By Lucas Donnaperna

FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: GRADIENT ADDED - COMPOSITE OF TWO IMAGES - Image numbers (L) 904524422 and 900015442) In this composite image a comparison has been made between Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur (L) and Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City. Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City meet in a Premier League match at Wembley Stadium on April 14, 2018 in London. ***LEFT IMAGE*** LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on prior to the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Wembley Stadium on January 13, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 31: Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City look on prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Selhurst Park on December 31, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: GRADIENT ADDED - COMPOSITE OF TWO IMAGES - Image numbers (L) 904524422 and 900015442) In this composite image a comparison has been made between Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur (L) and Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City. Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City meet in a Premier League match at Wembley Stadium on April 14, 2018 in London. ***LEFT IMAGE*** LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on prior to the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Wembley Stadium on January 13, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 31: Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City look on prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Selhurst Park on December 31, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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This evening Tottenham will look to extend their 14-game unbeaten streak. Manchester City is coming off in crutches after their Champions League exit.

Guardiola’s side has thrown away their chance to wrap up the title after their loss against Manchester United. On the flip side, City can grasp the title if they manage to beat Tottenham today, and if United lose to West Brom.

The blues of Manchester are more than capable of holding up their end of the deal. The real question is will West Brom do a job to help complete the cycle that’s been inevitable for many months following an outstanding campaign and that’s help City win the title.

Manchester City

A big blow for Guardiola’s side today is that striker Sergio Aguero, is out with an injured knee. On top of that, holding midfielder Fernandinho, who is under suspension. Defender John Stones is still out with thigh issues and Benjamin Mendy is still sidelined with knee ligament issues.

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To counter these issues I believe that Guardiola has to play a wide game using Sterling, or Bernardo Silva to stretch the Spurs back-line. This is where they can use David Silva or Gabriel Jesus, in and around the box.

Manchester City also need to work on their defending. Against the Spurs, they have to keep the shape and tuck in. The wing-backs also have to make sure they play a balanced game to support the wingers when they tuck in.

Also I think the shape of the midfield will dictate the performance of the Citizens today. A flat shape would allow too many gaps, while a dynamic and balanced one would bring fluent transitions and combination play.

Manchester City would also be looking to dominate the ball as they have the highest possession in the league.

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Tottenham Hotspur

Full-back Danny Rose, will be sidelined today due to a calf injury. While Midfielder Harry Winks, and Walker-Peters are also missing due to ankle and hamstring problems.

Spurs have options on the bench. I definitely feel that Serge Aurier can do the job in his position of full-back. An important key Spurs should focus on is winning the 50/50 balls. They have to be first to the ball constantly to push City back.

This will cause City to play a more defensive game (which is not their strongest). Then, mistakes would be made and players like Dele Alli and Harry Kane can finish.

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