Having lost three successive games, Manchester City will be up against it when they take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. Pep Guardiola’s side were within one win away from lifting the title against Manchester United but bottled it in the second half to spectacularly lose from being two goals to the good.
This past midweek, the side once again failed to take advantage of an early goal as they slipped up in the second half to allow Liverpool to beat them at the Etihad. Tottenham have been in stunning form of late, having won their last four games since the defeat at the hands of Juventus.
Both the sides have a few world class players and ahead of the tie between the two, we take a look at 3 key battles that could decide the outcome of the game…
#3 Christian Eriksen vs Fernandinho
Eriksen has often been the creative outlet for Spurs. Stopping him still won’t guarantee you the points because the North Londoners have so much quality these days, but against a team like City, it might do the trick.
The player who will responsible for stopping him will be Fernandinho. The Brazilian had a stellar first half of the season but has been exposed more often as teams have adopted a more pressing style of play against City. He’ll need to cut the creative supply from midfield to the likes of Dele Alli and Harry Kane who have been lethal in front of goal.
#2 Harry Kane vs the Man City defence
Kane will be smacking his lips looking at the number of goals City have conceded of late. Pep Guardiola’s side have faltered when teams have pressed them. Kane has shown not only can he so the finishing but can also trouble opponents with his work off the ball and runs.
Roberto Firmino showed this past midweek what it takes a bit of pressure for the City defence to unravel, so Kane can arguably do the same considering he is even better at it. It’ll be a tough afternoon for the likes of Kompany and Otamendi once again.
#1 Leroy Sane vs Serge Aurier
Leroy Sane has had a subdued second half against Liverpool following an impressive first half. Against Spurs, he’ll be up against Serge Aurier who replaced current Man City right-back Kyle Walker. Aurier has done a pretty good job so far this season and could be given the nod ahead of Kieran Trippier.
The former PSG man will have to shun his attacking instincts and be wary of the threat Sane will provide. City’s defenders like playing the diagonal pass to the German, so Aurier will have to mark him tightly.
