With the Premier League entering its second Gameweek, the English top-tier is ready to offer its usual dose of entertainment to its fans. Well, with a league boasting six strong sides, what else could you expect?
Manchester City are set to welcome Tottenham in a thrilling encounter on Saturday. The Citizens finished 27 points ahead of the Lillywhites in the Premier League last term. However, there are still scores Guardiola needs to settle with Pochettino ahead of the clash.
Tottenham’s emphatic display against Manchester City in the Champions League saw the latter crash out, as Pochettino’s men eventually finished as runners up. Having won a domestic treble last term, though, Guardiola will be confident of replicating his success and would love to start with a win over Tottenham.
Manchester City begin their Premier League campaign with a 5-0 drubbing of West Ham while Tottenham survived a scare against Aston Villa with a 3-1 comeback victory on the opening day.
Team News
Manchester City:
Ederson is set to man the posts for Guardiola’s side, with Aymeric Laporte and John Stones likely to retain their positions in the heart of defence. With newcomer Joao Cancelo doubtful for the clash, Kyle Walker is the most reliable right-back for City to turn to. On the left, Zinchenko could be set to retain his place as Angelino could be made to wait for his debut.
Coming to the middle, Rodri could be set to retain his place as the anchorman with Fernandinho doubtful due to injury. Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva are set to resume their magical partnership in the center.
Upfront, Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero could be deployed to wreak havoc in the Tottenham defence, with Riyadh Maharez assisting them in the cause from the right.
Tottenham:
Mauricio Pochettino has the right men in his squad to defend City’s dangerous attacks, with Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Danny Rose and Kyle Walker-Peters all set to make the cut in the defensive department. Vertonghen was a shock omission in the game against Aston Villa but his presence and experience alongside fellow countryman Alderweireld will prove crucial in absorbing the attacks.
In the middle, Tanguy Ndombele will retain his place after a solid performance against Aston Villa where he ended up on the scoresheet. Harry Winks is set to partner him and Moussa Sissoko in shielding the defence.
Christian Eriksen could make a full start in the game after being subbed on in the 64th minute in the first fixture. The Dane’s creative vision will prove to be a valuable outlet to the likes of Harry Kane and Lucas Moura.
In the absentees are Dele Alli, newcomer Ryan Sessegnon and Wanyama, all recuperating from injuries. Meanwhile, Heung-Min Son will serve the third and final game of his suspension and could be a big loss for Pochettino in the game.
Predicted lineups:
Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Laporte, Zinchenko; Rodri, De Bruyne, David Silva; Maharez, Aguero, Sterling
Tottenham: Lloris; Walker-Peters, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Rose; Sissoko, Winks, Ndombele; Eriksen; Kane, Lucas
Predictions
Manchester City 3-1 Tottenham
In what promises to be an enthralling fixture, Manchester City could easily emerge as winners against their counterparts. Guardiola’s men have endured a strong start to the Premier League campaign unlike Tottenham, who appeared sloppy against Aston Villa, albeit they did manage to win three points.
Also, the Etihad is a fortress and Tottenham will find it no cakewalk to breach the sturdy defence, meaning City have an upper hand over them in the clash.
