In-form Spurs poised to inflict more damage on Guardiola’s City

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side face another stern test, when Tottenham Hotspur visit the Etihad on Saturday evening. After being thrashed 4-0 at Everton, nothing less than 3 points will suffice, to keep the Citizens’ lingering title hopes alive.

Spurs are starting to look every inch like title contenders and have recorded 6 straight Premier League victories, since losing to Manchester United in November. Victory at the Etihad would certainly help to cement that impression.

Goal projections: Man City 1.63 Spurs 1.22

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Team news & predicted starting line-ups for Man City v Spurs

Gabriel Jesus has received his international clearance and could be involved in the match-day squad. Brazilian legend Rivaldo has been suggesting that he will make history in England but it’s probably a bit premature to assume that he will be City’s ‘saviour’ this season.

Spurs’ boss Mauricio Pochettino will have to decide how best to replace the injured Jan Vertonghen, who is expected to be sidelined for around 6 weeks.

Man City fantasy player to watch

Sergio Agüero has a terrific record against Tottenham, having found the back of the net 10 times against the North London club.

The Argentinian striker has only scored once in the league since returning from his suspension though.

Man City team news

Pep Guardiola is expected to ring  the changes again following the Goodison Park horror show.

Fernandinho is still suspended but Fernando is expected to come back into contention here and could feature. Vincent Kompany is also closing in on a first-team return but this game is likely to come too soon.

Predicted starting line-up for Man City (vs Spurs)

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Spurs fantasy player to watch

Christian Eriksen is averaging more shots per game (4.1) than another Tottenham player and will surely be licking his lips at the prospect of trying his luck against under fire City keeper Claudio Bravo.

The Danish schemer has been in magnificent form and has earned a WhoScored rating above 8 in 6 of his last 9 starts.

Spurs team news

Vertonghen joins Erik Lamela on the sidelines but everybody else should be available.

Pochettino, like many of his counterparts, has been deploying a 3-man defence of late but he may revert to a back 4 for the trip to the Etihad, with Son Heung-min perhaps coming back into the side. The South Korean international performed well in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

Predicted starting line-up for Spurs (vs Man City)

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Guardiola was renowned for having the midas touch in Germany and Spain, with everything he touched seemingly turning to gold. Can he rediscover the old magic, to help City claim all 3 points against Spurs?