Spurs v Manchester City: Match Preview

Manchester City face a difficult looking away game at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The defeat against United in mid week should hopefully provide some impetus to Manchester City in this game against Spurs. At the very least the team should be desperate to put that result away and address the injustice we suffered earlier in the season against Spurs.

Back in August we were held to a 2:2 draw at the Etihad Stadium as VAR came out to support Spurs again, ruling out our last minute winning goal. This was one of those early season VAR decisions, where the VAR searched and searched, eventually finding a reason to rule out the goal.

Since then of course the Dark Lord of the Sith, Jose Mourinho, has taken over at Spurs and amusingly crafted them into an indifferent outfit, devoid of identity. It will take him time to fully craft his team of anti football, and right now we get to witness a work in progress as his team of spoilers seek to deny City.

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The Mourinho factor will come into play here as City face a strong and physical team who may be more organised in their press than many of the recent teams we have faced.

The question for Pep Guardiola is in how to anticipate that style of play and still come away with a victory. Doing so with a team somewhay short of momentum – after the midweek defeat to United – and with tired legs may prove to be a big ask.

The saving grace for City is that Harry Kane will.not be playing, but given we conceded last time out to a header from their shortest player, then it proves anything can and will happen.

Spurs may keep it tight, parking the bus and trying to release players into the channels on the counter, City will seek to dominate but will have to be ruthless in front of goal if we are to come away with 3 points.

By all accounts this should be a good game and I am looking forward to watching it. The one adavantage of being out of the title race is that watching League games is thankfully stress free.

Trying to second guess Pep’s line up is a fools game. However, I am that fool, so here is my thought.

Ederson will start and Walker and Mendy will feature as full backs. Laporte will partner Fernandinho and Rodri will play at defensive midfield.

Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan will play in midfield and Aguero will lead the line, supported by Bernardo and Mahrez. Sterling will be dropped.

I am hoping for a decisive win and 3 points! Come on City!