There is a certain fatigue beginning to set in now for the Manchester City fans, let alone players.
The problem with drawing English teams in the Champions League is not that Manchester City seem to lose to teams who have little else to play for other than a Cup game, but the repetitive nature of the fixtures. We are a bit bored of playing Spurs now and it is difficult to get motivated for a third game in a couple of weeks.
Somehow Guardiola needs to get a performance from the players because frankly the stakes are so high. Fixtures are appearing relentlessly and this game is quickly followed by Manchester United away. We must win every remaining game and there are no remaining margins of error.
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The problem we have now though is the mental and emotional exhaustion following the gruelling and cruel Champions League elimination in midweek. We left a lot behind on the pitch on Wednesday evening so how will we cope facing the same opposition again? Not just playing any match but exactly the same opposition? How will we cope if god forbid we go behind?
These are the kind of moments Pep Guardiola will need to earn his money. I can not imagine quite what techniques will be used with the players but I suspect some of it will be about keeping things simple and continuing routines. We have lost so few games in the last 2 years and so should have the mentality to focus and secure our result.
This will be a difficult game as Spurs will be buoyed by the success – but seem to have completely forgotten they actually lost the match.
City have tired legs and minds and Pep may have an eye on the away game at Old Trafford in midweek. So it is likely we will see some rotation to try and keep things fresh. The concern for me though is if weaken any part of our side then achieving a result justs gets harder and takes more out of our limbs.
Guardiola has options throughout the defence. Mendy, Zinchenko or even Delph at left back. Danilo or Walker at right back. Centre backs will be from Otamendi, Kompany, Stones and Laporte. The only sure fire starter in midfield is Fernandinho but in front of him are options. Will Guardiola go for Silva and De Bruyne in an attempt to get the job done or will it be any combination of Foden, Bernardo or Gundogan? In attack will we go for Aguero or is this a game for Jesus? I believe Sane will start but whether Sterling or Mahrez get the nod is difficult to guess.
I presume Guardiola will make these difficult final calls based on how the players each present on the day. Either way we can hope we continue with another victory and put some more pressure on Liverpool as we return to the top of the table. This is the week which will define our destiny in the Premier League title race. Let us pray both Manchester City and the fans can find the intensity we need to help us over the line.