Tottenham will be looking to bring Manchester City’s brilliant run to an end.
At first glance it appears inevitable that Manchester City will prevail past Tottenham Hotspur when the sides meet at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow evening.
City are, after all, in the midst of a record breaking run of 15 successive victories in the English top flight, while they are eleven points clear at the top of the table having found the net on 52 occasions.
However, Tottenham have been given some encouragement ahead of tomorrow’s game, with City’s defensive resources rather stretched.
John Stones remains sidelined with a thigh injury, whilst Vincent Kompany missed City’s midweek victory over Swansea.
There is a possibility that Pep Guardiola may field a back four tomorrow consisting of Kyle Walker, Eliaquim Mangala, Nicolas Otamendi and Fabian Delph.
While Otamendi has produced some impressive performances this season and Delph has performed surprisingly well when deployed out of position at left-back, City could well be vulnerable defensively, especially with Mangala in the side.
Mangala has only played 90 minutes twice in the Premier League this season and could struggle if put under pressure by Tottenham’s attackers.
Tottenham certainly have the resources to take advantage of City’s problems. Harry Kane will be looking to get on the scoresheet again, while Son Heung-min has been in inspired form of late, scoring four goals in his last four games.
Christian Eriksen and Harry Winks are also capable of creating plenty of chances, as is Dele Alli, who will be hoping to recapture his best form if he is restored to the starting lineup.
City will still provide a very difficult test for Tottenham but their depleted defensive options do at least give Mauricio Pochettino’s side hope of being the team to stop Guardiola’s team in their tracks.
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