Tottenham Hotspur host Manchester City in a mouth-watering match-up this weekend as both sides look to improve on their consistency in positive results over the coming weeks. Having won only two of their last five league outings, Spurs will be needing to improve their tally of points if they are to stake a claim for a top-four spot whilst the visitors will be keen on a positive result as they look to shorten the gap between them and first-placed Arsenal in a bid to mount a title charge moving forward.
Amongst the teams struggling for consistency in their performances, Spurs will be keen on turning a chapter when they face the defending Champions at home this Sunday. With only three points separating them and fourth-placed Manchester United, the North London outfit will be keen on avenging their 4-2 defeat to Man City last month, whilst looking to gain momentum moving into a busy period of fixtures.
On the other hand, with five points separating them and the league leaders, Pep Guardiola’s side will be keen on returning to their best form moving forward. With the defending champions expected to deliver a competitive performance on the pitch against Spurs, the visitors will be keen on securing nothing but three compelling points at the weekend.
When & Where?
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Date: Sunday, 5th February 2023.
Time: 16:30 GMT.
Match Officials
Referee: Andy Madley.
Assistant Referees: Harry Lennard, Nick Hopton.
Fourth Official: Graham Scott.
VAR Official: Paul Tierney.
Team News
Tottenham Hotspur
Both Richarlison and Lucas Moura are expected to return to the match-day squad after recovering from injuries although Pape Sarr remains doubtful owing to a hip issue. New signing Pedro Porro remains in line for a start against City, although, the full-back only managed to complete a move to North London on deadline day.
Manchester City
John Stones remains out of contention due to injury with youngster Rico Lewis set to retain his place in defence against Spurs. Whilst Phil Foden’s availability remained uncertain previously, the midfielder is expected to return to the match-day squad after recovering from a foot injury. The likes of Bernardo Silva and Aymeric Laporte, amongst others, will be eyeing a starting spot with Guardiola likely to make minimal changes to the starting line-up facing Spurs.
Match Analysis
With both teams in need of three points, Sunday’s tie is expected to provide for a compelling battle on the pitch. Having relied on a conservative approach to seek out positive results, the home side will be keen on striking first this weekend whilst the visitors will look to do the same as they aim to retain control of the game for most part of the ninety minutes.
Expected to cease control of possession in a bid to make the best of their opportunities on the break and during set-pieces, Spurs will look to remain solid at the back from the first whilst on Sunday. With the North-London outfit boasting a notable midfield and forward line, the hosts will look to utilise the width in a bid to stretch the opposition whilst aiming to make use of the half-spaces and passing lanes in a bid to progress the ball up the pitch against City.
On the other hand, likely to utilise their comparably superior technical ability and knack of frustrating the opposition across the attacking third, City will look to outplay the home side this weekend. Boasting an exceptional forward line, the visitors are expected to make the most efficient use of possession in playing through Spurs’ midfield whilst also seeking opportunities to overload Spurs’ full-backs on Sunday.
Key Players
Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur
With the team reliant on his contributions, Harry Kane will be keen on delivering a notable display on Sunday. Boasting immense ability in possession, the England international will look to make the best of his goal-scoring opportunities alongside aiming to contribute to the team’s build-up play against City.
Erling Haaland – Manchester City
The league’s top goal-scorer hitherto, Haaland will be keen on adding to his tally of goal contributions this weekend. Having been amongst the most consistent players this campaign, the Norwegian striker will look to maintain his impressive standard of output as City aim to sustain a title charge moving forward.
Predicted Lineups
Tottenham Hotspur predicted lineup vs Manchester City: Hugo Lloris; Cristian Romero, Eric Dier, Ben Davies; Pedro Porro, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Rodrigo Bentancur, Ivan Perisic; Dejan Kulusevski, Harry Kane, Heung-Min Son.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Tottenham Hotspur: Ederson; Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, Aymeric Laporte, Nathan Ake; Ilkay Gundogan, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne; Riyad Mahrez, Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish.
