Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City
Date: 29/10/2018
K/O: 20:00
Venue: Wembley Stadium
TV: Sky Sports Main Event
Referee: Kevin Friend
Two points separate Monday night’s opponents Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City as Mauricio Pochettino and Pep Guardiola prepare to face off at Wembley.
Both teams have seven wins from nine games, but it’s two losses that put Spurs behind the Citizens, who are unbeaten in the league. The two sides have enjoyed a run of good form in recent weeks, but Tottenham lack the same emphatic ruthlessness that has earned City a fearsome goal difference of 23.
When you consider the fact that Spurs sit in fifth position, despite accruing their highest ever points tally after nine Premier League games, it’s clear that there’s a huge amount of quality in the top five, and it’s so tight that one matchweek could completely reorder those teams at the top.
This indicates how important Monday’s game is for Pochettino and Guardiola – a chance for City to emphasise their authority, or for Spurs to prove they still mean business in the Premier League. However, it seems obvious that Spurs would be much worse off with a loss than their opponents.
The home team have been winning matches by the narrowest of margins and will be eager to secure a foothold in this tough match. A win would take them into the top four and take their confidence through the roof, but a loss could see them drift away from their competitors.
City, however, have scored the most goals in the league and have the joint best defensive record, leaving many believing that the reigning champions could retain their status for the first time in ten years. Although Tottenham have a decent defensive record themselves, it’s hard to see this causing a problem for Manchester City, who have created so many chances both this season and the last.
Team News
Spurs have been burdened with injuries to some of their star players, but fans may see the return of a couple of key men in time for Monday’s crucial match.
Christian Eriksen could be handed a Premier League start after being named in the team’s Champions League starting XI on Wednesday. The Dane has been struggling with an abdomen injury he picked up a few weeks ago, but seems to be at full fitness once again.
Dele Alli may also be given the all clear by Monday night after a month out with a hamstring problem. Although still a doubt, there is every chance we could see the Englishman return to action, which would be a huge boost for Tottenham.
Danny Rose may be fit to feature as well, although it is expected that Ben Davies will start ahead of Rose in the left-back position.
Jan Vertonghen is likely to remain out until the beginning of December.
Kevin De Bruyne was back in action for Manchester City‘s Champions League during the week, the Belgian grabbing an assist in their 3-0 victory against the Ukrainian outfit. It looks like Man City’s player of the season will add to City’s firepower at Wembley on Monday.
Ilkay Gundogan is a doubt after suffering a hamstring injury in City’s Champions League meeting with Hoffenheim, whilst Danilo and Delph are also unlikely to play.
Other than this, it looks like City will be back to their full complement on Monday night – a scary prospect for fifth-placed Tottenham.
Predicted Starting XI’s
Tottenham: (4-2-3-1) – Lloris, Trippier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Davies, Dembele, Dier, Moura, Eriksen, Lamela, Kane.
Man City: (4-1-3-2) – Ederson, Walker, Laporte, Stones, Mendy, B. Silva, Fernandinho, D. Silva, Mahrez, Aguero, Sterling.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Manchester City 2
City’s supremacy may be too much for Spurs to handle, even with their impressive defensive record. City have an even sturdier defence themselves and Guardiola would be disappointed if his team were to concede.
