Manchester City began the defence of their Premier League title with a resounding win over West Ham United on the first matchweek of the 2019-20 Premier League season, while their opponents on Saturday, Tottenham, huffed and puffed their way to a 3-1 win over Aston Villa.
City and Spurs had a few exciting battles last season, especially in the Champions League quarter-finals, and we expect a similar showing this Saturday.
Let’s take a look at 5 players to watch out for when the two sides square off come Saturday:
Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur – Players to watch out for
Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling picked up from where he left off last season as he scored a hat-trick against West Ham.
The attacker, who scored 25 goals in all competitions last season – the most in his career, will hope to match or better that goal tally, and he has begun on a great note.
The English forward will be one of the danger men for the Spurs defence and the London club should keep a close eye on his movement and late runs into the box. His finish has also improved leaps and bounds.
Christian Eriksen
Christian Eriksen was called up in the opening game despite an unsettled summer, and the Danish midfielder made a big impact after coming on in the second half.
Eriksen’s controlling of the tempo of the game as well as his forward passes pushed Spurs forward, which eventually resulted in Tanguy Ndombele’s goal and Harry Kane’s brace.
With Dele Alli set to miss out on the game against City and new signing Giovani Lo Celso not featuring in the first game, Eriksen will be needed against a quality team like City.
Sergio Aguero
One of Manchester City’s most important men, Sergio Aguero was on the bench for the first game of the season, which was a surprise. But expect Pep Guardiola to reinstate the City legend back to the starting lineup.
The Argentine striker was a second half substitute against West Ham, and scored from the penalty spot.
In a big game against Spurs, Aguero could make a huge impact and trouble the Spurs defence. Aguero has a good record against the London club, scoring 10 times in 14 games in the Premier League against Spurs.
Tanguy Ndombele
Tanguy Ndombele had a good debut against Aston Villa last weekend, scoring Spurs’ first goal in their comeback win, a well-taken shot from the outside. The Frenchman’s second game in the Premier League will be a lot tougher, as he will face off against the likes of David Silva, Kevin de Bruyne, and new signing Rodri.
The midfielder made a few good challenges, pressed, create a good chance for Harry Kane, and then scored a goal on his debut. Ndombele’s creativity and guile in midfield is needed against City to get away from the pressing style of football that City adopt.
Aymeric Laporte
Aymeric Laporte didn’t have much to do against West Ham, but will face a sterner test against the likes of Harry Kane and Lucas Moura on Saturday.
Laporte is a fantastic defender who has become a leader for City at the back, and they will need his physical presence as well as his aggression against Spurs.
