AS THINGS STAND
Manchester City are undergoing their roughest phase of the season. After the dizzying highs of 3/4th of the season, the past 12 days have been absolutely morale-sucking for the Sky Blues. Pep’s wait for a Champions League final appearance has been prolonged by another year, with the Spaniard last managing in a European Final in 2011.
Liverpool’s 5-1 battering over two legs and the 2-3 defeat at the hands of Manchester United means that a defeat against Tottenham Hotspur tonight will result in Pep losing 4 matches on the trot for the first time in charge of City.
This is something which they will want to avoid at all costs but it is easier said than done. Spurs are the in-form team along with Liverpool and Manchester United and the likes of Harry Kane, Alli, Son and Eriksen will be relishing facing an underconfident City defence with the backing of a vociferous Wembley crowd.
City still need 6 points to wrap up the title and will be desperate for a win against the Lilywhites to boost their confidence and morale and look to finish the season on a high.
TEAM NEWS
Sergio Aguero is set for a spell on the sidelines after the studs-up unpunished challenge of Ashley Young aggravated his previous injury.
Fernandinho is suspended for the fixture while John Stones’ miserable campaign continues on the sidelines. Benjamin Mendy is stepping up his recovery but he is a couple of weeks away from first-team action.
PREDICTED MANCHESTER CITY LINEUP (4-3-3)
DEFENCE
Ederson has had a bad 12 days along with the team. While he was not at fault for the goals conceded, the stats, however, will show that the Brazilian has let 8 goals past him in the last 3 matches. A clean sheet will be extremely welcome at this stage.
The tireless Walker will be at right-back. Otamendi is unlikely to be rested despite undergoing a jittery phase. Kompany is expected to make a comeback. Fabian Delph should come in at left-back, at least, till Mendy gets back up to scratch.
MIDFIELD
In Fernandinho’s absence, Ilkay Gundogan will feature in the holding midfielder’s role. Pep will look to squeeze every bit of energy out of Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva in order to attain a positive result tonight. There is plenty of scope for rest if a win can be achieved at Wembley.
ATTACK
Gabriel Jesus will start once again in Aguero’s absence. Sane might be preserved for the latter stages which will see Sterling start on the left with Bernardo Silva starting on the right flank.
