Tottenham’s Lineup
Tottenham will face Manchester City with a mix of relief and challenges due to several key players returning while dealing with a long list of absentees. Ange Postecoglou will have to make adjustments as Son Heung-min, Pape Matar Sarr, and Yves Bissouma are unavailable due to international duty, and Dejan Kulusevski reмɑιns uncertain.
Unfortunately, Dane Scarlett, Alejo Veliz, Giovani Lo Celso, and Ben Davies will also miss the upcoming match. However, James Maddison and Manor Solomon may make their returns from ιnjᴜry and could potentially be included on the bench, as starting them might be too soon.
Postecoglou will rely on Kulusevski to play a crucial role as the No.10 if he is fit. Despite the absences, Tottenham’s starting lineup against Manchester City will still be strong. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur are expected to form a solid central midfield partnership.
Defensively, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero will resume their positions as the first-choice central defensive pairing. In the attacking department, Timo Werner will start in Son’s absence, while Brennan Johnson and Richarlison will complete the attacking setup for Spurs.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Hojbjerg, Bentancur; Johnson, Kulusevski, Werner; Richarlison
Manchester City’s Lineup
Pep Guardiola will carefully assess his options and make the necessary decisions for his starting lineup in this crucial encounter against Tottenham. Unfortunately, Manchester City will still be without Erling Haaland and John Stones, with Haaland experiencing a minor setback in his rehabilitation.
Stones, on the other hand, is closer to making a return but might not be included in the squad for the Tottenham game. Another defender, Manuel Akanji, reмɑιns uncertain to feature and could be a doubt for the matchday squad.
Additionally, Ederson suffered an ιnjᴜry in a collision with Newcastle United’s Sean Longstaff and was replaced by backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. As a result, Guardiola might opt to give Ederson some rest and start Ortega in goal.
In defense, Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol could be given starting roles, while Mateo Kovacic is likely to partner with Rodri in midfield. In the absence of Haaland, Julian Alvarez will lead the line, supported by Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and the recently returned Kevin De Bruyne in the attacking setup.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ortega; Walker, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Rodri; Silva, De Bruyne, Foden; Alvarez
Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Manchester City: A Surprising Result
In most big games, Manchester City would typically be considered the favorites. However, when it comes to clashes in North London, there is a distinct atmosphere that sets it apart. This season, Guardiola’s side has struggled to replicate their dominance in away games, and that could potentially impact this match.
Tottenham has a remarkable record, having emerged victorious in their last five home games against Manchester City. With an FA Cup triumph on the line, Postecoglou’s side might even extend that ꜱtгeak to six. Considering Tottenham as favorites to Ԁefeat Manchester City is a significant statement in itself, but it might hold true when Guardiola’s squad visits North London.
