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.
CDM: Rodri
Rodri has been the most consistent defensive midfielder in the league over the past few years, and is a no-brainer in midfield for Pep. Already with 4 assists this season from that deep-lying position along with a goal, he is a must against this dangerous Spurs side who loves a good counter-attack.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne
It’s no secret De Bruyne has not been at his best, even in the World Cup. However, that should not, and will not, warrant taking him out of the starting lineup. He is leading the league in assists and is pivotal for Manchester City with his connection with Erling Haaland.
He didn’t feature in the win against Spurs in January, but I’m willing to bet he returns to the side and gets the start in this one.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan
Bernardo Silva just isn’t cutting it so far this year. Thankfully for City, Gundogan is an incredible replacement himself. He finds space incredibly well, makes well-timed runs to try and grab goals, and can help shield the defense when need be.
While he could sit alongside Rodri making two defensive midfielders in a 4-2-3-1, as City did in the reverse fixture, I think Gundogan plays a slightly more advanced role in this meeting.
RW: Riyad Mahrez
With two goals in the last meeting between these two teams, it should be no surprise to see Pep choose the Algerian on the right in the attack. He has found form as of late, amassing 6 goals in all competitions since the return from the World Cup, and will be counted on once again here against the North London outfit.
ST: Erling Haaland
This should require little to no explanation – but I’ll give some anyways. 25 goals in the Premier League in 20 games (leading the league), a few assists to his name, and a lot of attention drawn his way in any game that creates space for others. While he may look like he hinders Manchester City in some ways going forward, his goalscoring abilities are just undeniable.
LW: Jack Grealish
Foden is still working his way back from injury and fitness problems, although he has been cleared. However, Guardiola has admired Grealish’s performances since returning from World Cup duty. He created the most chances (4) in the 4-2 win against Spurs last month and should see his spot retained once again as rushing Foden back into the side doesn’t seem like the right move.
To read how we predict Spurs to lineup, click here.