Manchester City host Tottenham Hotspur in desperate need of a positive Premier League result.
Following last weekend’s embarrassing defeat to Everton, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will be itching to get back to winning ways against Premier League competitors Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.
To compound City’s poor form, which has seen four defeats in eight matches, the 4-0 capitulation to a Tom Davies inspired Everton was Guardiola’s heaviest league loss as a manager.
A season of transient high-profile criticism of £47.5 million defender John Stones is likely to be overlooked by Guardiola – as the England international is expected to be afforded another starting berth at the centre of City’s unconvincing back line – behind the increasingly vulnerable-looking goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.
Stones’ partner, in what is anticipated to be a back four, is likely to be Nicolas Otamendi – with full backs Bacary Sagna and Aleksandar Kolarov completing City’s defensive unit.
Despite their unconvincing display against the Toffees, full back Pablo Zabaleta and the back-in-favour Yaya Toure look set to continue their deployment as Guardiola’s central midfield pairing – as Fernandinho is yet again suspended, Fernando is not quite ready for a return, and Ilkay Gundogan being a long term injury absentee.
Guardiola has a plethora of talented selection options ahead of Zabaleta and Toure – as despite their poor form, City’s wealth of forward thinking midfielders would be the envy of many. David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne are expected to continue their roles in the starting line-up, but the third attacking supporting role to centre-forward Sergio Aguero could well be up for grabs.
Current incumbent Raheem Sterling faces strong competition from not only Leroy Sane, Nolito and Jesus Navas, but also latest big-money import Gabriel Jesus – after the Brazilian wonder kid was finally permitted to make his debut by the FA.
Jesus, a recent £27 million signing from Palmeiras, has made less than 50 appearances in his two-year club career to date – but has scored five goals in six international caps for Brazil and is very highly rated both in his homeland and on Manchester. In all likelihood, expect Jesus to start from the bench against in-form Spurs – but City fans will be hoping that the 19-year-old may well turn out to be somewhat of a saviour and inspire Guardiola’s side to a much needed Premier League resurrection.
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