Date: Friday 26th January, 2024
Time: 9:00 pm
Stadium Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Referee Paul Tierney (England)
Goal Scorer:
Tottenham
Despite the relief of having some key players back into the fold, Ange Postecoglou continues to look at a long list of absentees. Son Heung-min, Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma are with their respective national sides, while Dejan Kulusevski remains a doubt.
Dane Scarlett, Alejo Veliz, Giovani Lo Celso, and Ben Davies are all out for the subsequent encounter. However, James Maddison and Manor Solomon could target returns after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The attacking duo might be seen fit to take a place on the bench as a start might come too soon.
As for Kulusevski, Postecoglou will hope the Swede makes the lineup, as he will have him in that No.10 role. Despite the raft of absentees, the Tottenham boss will still have a strong enough starting lineup against Manchester City, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur expected to marshall the central midfield zone.
At the back, he will have a complete set of first-choice starters with Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero set to resume their central defensive partnership. In the attack, Timo Werner will find himself in the starting lineup in Son’s continued 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
Pep Guardiola will assess his options before this crucial encounter and make necessary decisions for his starting lineup. Manchester City will continue to miss Erling Haaland and John Stones for the time being, with the striker suffering a minor setback in his rehabilitation.
Stones, however, is closer to making a return soon. But Guardiola might not include him for the Tottenham game. Fellow defender Manuel Akanji could still make the matchday squad, but up until now he remains a doubt to feature.
The same goes for Ederson, who came off worse in a collision with Newcastle United’s Sean Longstaff and was replaced by deputy keeper Stefan Ortega. The 31-year-old could get a rare start between the sticks, as Guardiola might keep Ederson under wraps for the time being.
At the back, Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol could start, while Mateo Kovacic is best placed to begin alongside Rodri in midfield. In Haaland’s absence, Julian Alvarez will continue to lead the line, with the support of Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and the recently returned De Bruyne in the attacking setup.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ortega; Walker, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Rodri; Silva, De Bruyne, Foden; Alvarez
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Manchester City
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