.
For the first time in his managerial career, Pep Guardiola – who has recently agreed a new contract at the Etihad – has overseen four straight defeats in all competitions, a run which started at the hands of Tottenham in the Carabao Cup fourth round. Disappointing losses to Bournemouth, Sporting CP and Brighton & Hove Albion followed as the defending Premier League champions find themselves in the midst of a rare crisis.
Currently five points behind Liverpool at the Premier League’s summit, the Cityzens must return to winning ways this weekend, but will have to conquer bogey side Spurs in order to do so. The Lilywhites have proven a thorn in City’s side over recent years, winning four of the last ten meetings.
Spurs are enduring their own sticky spell, however, with back-to-back defeats having dented confidence. The 3-2 loss to Galatasaray could be mitigated by a much-changed XI but there were simply no excuses for the 2-1 home defeat to struggling Ipswich Town last time out.
Here is 90min’s guide to a crucial clash at the Etihad.
The November international break came at a good time for Man City and Guardiola, who should have a number of players available after injuries. Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and John Stones missed teaming up with England but could all be available for Spurs’ visit.
Elsewhere, Manuel Akanji, Jeremy Doku, Matheus Nunes, Nico O’Reilly and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey all withdrew from their respective international squads. It remains to be seen how many will be available at the weekend but Akanji has been pictured in training.
Mateo Kovacic was a casualty of the international break, picking up an injury that is set to leave him sidelined for the next three to four weeks. Kevin De Bruyne could be …
Read More
