Manchester City predicted XI vs. Spurs: Lewis steps up to replace Cancelo
By Ivan Buss
After just facing Spurs a few weeks ago, Manchester City must go again in search of a vital 3 points.
Manchester City hasn’t exactly had it made at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in recent times. In fact, City hasn’t scored in four matches at Spurs’ stadium since its opening in 2019. Spurs have been something of a bogey team, the worst defeat in recent memory being a certain Champions League quarterfinal against them back in 2019. Having bagged all 3 points in the earlier fixture against Spurs, Manchester City needs to muster up all their strength to do it again on the road. Here is my predicted lineup vs. Spurs:
(4-3-3)
GK: Ederson
Ederson hasn’t been at his best this season, but it would seem foolish to put Ortega in against Spurs who will be looking to play through balls in behind and over the top. Sensing the danger and playing with that high line is certainly something Ederson is adapted to.
RB: Rico Lewis
After loaning out Joao Cancelo, with the Portuguese star having fallen out of favor, Manchester City appears to be all in on the young English fullback, Rico Lewis. He has impressed in recent weeks without question, but playing against Tottenham, a team who has given City problems in recent meetings is certainly a challenge for the 18-year-old.
CB: Ruben Dias
Ruben Dias has been on the bench for the past 2 Manchester City games, but I fully expect him to be playing from the start here against Spurs. The City defense has struggled without their leader at the back, and hopefully, they will be able to rely on him against Spurs’ attack.
CB: Manuel Akanji
Normally, the perfect partner for Dias would be Stones. However, Stones limped off grabbing his hamstring in their FA Cup tie against Arsenal, placing Akanji as the second central defender here. Akanji’s stock has risen in a City shirt, as he has had some impressive performances, and will have to keep it up. Having Dias by his side should be a huge help.
LB: Nathan Aké
Ake proved the difference maker against Arsenal, and now looks nailed on to be the go-to left back for Manchester City. Sergio Gomez has yet to really dazzle for City, but Ake has proven he can play that left-back position to a high level.