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Manchester City Predicted XI vs Tottenham Hotspur [Opinion]

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Manchester City face Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow afternoon in a match that could see Pep Guardiola’s side move to within just two points of leaders Arsenal with a win. With nine days rest since City’s last fixture, I expect Guardiola to go as strong as possible.

Here is my predicted XI for the huge clash:

GK: Ederson

The most obvious selection, I would love to see Ortega start in the Champions League knockouts but Guardiola will rightly stick with his number one for the game tomorrow in the league. I expect a better performance than the reverse fixture just over two weeks ago, in which the Brazilian gifted Dejan Kulusevski the ball which the Swede converted to put Spurs 1-0 up.

RB: Rico Lewis

Out of the last five games, City have won three; Lewis started all three. City have lost twice, Lewis did not feature. The full-back inverting and breaking lines with his passes is imperative if City are to get on the front foot early.

CB: Ruben Dias

A return to the starting XI for Dias after not being in the team since the 3-1 victory against Brighton in October. With John Stones injured, it is now the opportunity for Guardiola to have a consistent back four and more importantly a solid centre-back partnership to build momentum for the latter stages of the season.

CB: Aymeric Laporte

I haven’t been too impressed with Guardiola’s treatment of Laporte this season. The Spaniard has been exceptional but has been in and out of the side and this has led to concerns about a potential transfer away from the club this summer. With Stones injured, Laporte is City’s best offensive defender and the key to breaking through the first phase and building up from the back with purpose.

LB: Nathan Ake

Arguably City’s most in-form player as of late. Scored the winner against Arsenal in the FA Cup last time out and limited the impact of the Gunner’s most dangerous player Bukayo Saka. Ake will have another test tomorrow afternoon against dynamic Spurs winger Dejan Kulusevksi.

RM: Riyad Mahrez

Another contender for City’s most in-form player, the Algerian wizard was the driving force behind City’s whirlwind second-half comeback against Spurs bagging himself a brace and an assist. With 10 goals and 4 assists in his last 16 outings, I expect Mahrez to be a key figure for City.

CM: Rodri

No-brainer. Imperious. World-class. City will command the midfield if their Rodri is on his game. The Spaniard’s dynamic with winger Riyad Mahrez is surprising but very effective, I expect to see it tomorrow.

CM: Kevin De Bruyne

City’s crown jewel hasn’t been shining as much as fans and Guardiola would have liked in recent weeks. De Bruyne looked laboured against Arsenal and his immaculate variety of passes and angles he can create have been stifled out by opponents. With nine days rest, I hope to see the return of a peak De Bruyne and help unlock Spur’s stubborn defence.

LM: Jack Grealish

With Phil Foden out of form and only just returned from injury, Grealish will get the nod from Guardiola on the left-flank. City’s number ten got the match-winning assist against Arsenal last Friday night and will be looking to contribute offensively to ensure City leave London with three points.

CF: Julian Alvarez

The lethargic performance against Arsenal was sparked into life by Alvarez taking initiative and hitting the post from 30 yards out. The World Cup winner started in the reverse fixture just over two weeks ago, got himself on the scoresheet and complimented talisman Erling Haaland perfectly. I feel Guardiola is missing a trick if the Argentinian is not deployed in and around Haaland.

ST: Erling Haaland

The phenomenon bagged himself a staggering fourth hat-trick of the season last time in the Premier League against Wolves in just his 19th appearance. Ridiculous. Haaland was also on the scoresheet in the reverse fixture and I expect the same if the Blues click creatively. I still feel a lot of the Norwegian’s intelligent runs are being missed by his teammates.

Substitutes:

Ortega, Walker, Akanji, Gomez, Phillips, Gundogan, Bernardo, Foden, Palmer

Prediction:

Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Manchester City

Kane (P), Haaland (1), De Bruyne (1)

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