. Between the Carabao Cup, the Champions League, and the Premier League, City has lost four straight games, first time ever in the Pep Guardiola era.
Back-to-back losses on the road to Bournemouth and Brighton pushed Man City five points behind Liverpool in the league standings. Man City, chasing an unprecedented fifth consecutive Premier League title, is in a deeply unfamiliar and uncomfortable position.
With Liverpool under Arne Slot showing no signs of slowing down, Man City can’t afford to drop any more points, especially at home. Another draw or loss on Saturday would be devastating for Guardiola’s side who will play Liverpool at Anfield the following week.
They have a difficult task at hand when they host the Tottenham Hotspur. Ange Postecoglou and the Spurs are continuing their up-and-down season as they lost to Galatasaray in the Europa League and to bottomfeeders Ipswich at home in their previous two games.
Yet, the Spurs are notably dangerous playing against other contenders in the Premier League. They defeated Man City only three weeks ago in the Carabao Cup, and had impressive victories against Man Utd and Aston Villa already this season.
Last season, the league fixture in Manchester was a barn burner that ended in a 3-3 draw. Tottenham’s intense pressing and high defensive line going up against City’s possession-obsessed style always makes for fascinating tactical battles and exciting games. This one should be no different.
Manchester City has uncharacteristically been struggling to get on the scoreboard in recent games, only scoring five goals in their last five games. Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne’s absences are deeply felt as they lack creativity and precision to their attack.
Fortunately for them, De Bruyne should be back in the starting lineup. This should …
Read More
