Their loss to the high flying Leicester City has cast a shadow of doubt over the club’s billing as the top contenders for the crown this season. Up next is another tough test for the side as they welcome 2nd placed Tottenham Hotspurs. With 48 points in their kitty, the London side are truly in one of their best seasons in the Premier League and would be keen to get a positive result at the Etihad.
Team News
Manchester City
Manchester City have a number of injury concerns to address with De Bruyne, Mangala, Navas, Sagna and Bony out injured. However, manager Pellegrinni will be happy to welcome back club captain Vincent Kompany into the side. David Silva is also set to feature after recovering from an ankle injury.
Expected Line-Up
Hart, Zabaleta, Otamendi, Kompany, Kolarov, Fernando, Fernandinho, Silva, Toure, Sterling, Aguero
Tottenham Hotspur
The absence of experienced centre-back Vertonghen could cost the side dearly in their run up to the finish line. The Belgian’s absence means Kevin Wimmer will partner Alderweireld for the game. On the other end of the pitch, we expect Pochettino to continue with the attacking unit of Lamela, Alli, Eriksen and Kane with Dier and Dembele functioning as the midfield pivot for the side.
Expected Line-Up
Lloris, Walker, Alderweireld, Wimmer, Rose, Dier, Dembele, Alli, Lamela, Eriksen, Kane
Key Men
Sergio Aguero
Despite being hampered by injuries through the season, the Argentine has been prolific whenever he has been on the pitch, scoring 14 goals and assisting 2 in his 18 appearances in the league. On Sunday, he faces a side he loves to score against, having netted 10 goals in 8 meetings since his move to England.
With Spurs fielding a rather inexperienced centre-back pairing in terms of playing time together, Aguero will be the man to watch out for. The presence of attacking players like Silva and Sterling could open up space for the striker time and again and with a chance conversion of over 25%, expect Aguero to fire again on Sunday.
Harry Kane
Harry Kane has been in fine form for his side since putting behind an indifferent start to the season. With 15 goals and 1 assist to his name so far, the English striker has been involved in over 1/3rd of his side’s goals this season, making him our key man for the evening.
He will have his task cut out against a world class centre-back pairing of Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi and will need to take any opportunities that come his way. He has managed to put away just over 20% of the chances that have come his way. However, with few chances expected, Kane will need to improve on his season average to help his side eke out a result.
Interesting Facts
– This will be the 140th meeting between the two sides, with not a lot to differentiate between the two. Manchester City have a marginally better record, having won 54 games compared to Spurs’ 53 wins.
– Manchester City have scored a whopping 17 goals in the last 5 meetings between the two sides while conceding a meager 5 goals.
– The last Tottenham win away from home against City came in the 2009-10 season when they beat them 1-0.
