Tottenham Hotspur will host Manchester City on Saturday in what will be the highlight fixture in the Premier League on Matchweek nine. Spurs have made a good start to the season and have surprised many by their performances so far, while Manchester City have looked shaky and are yet to really hit top gear.
City have had injuries to key players that have affected them, while Tottenham‘s attack, led by Harry Kane, has looked threatening. There was some big news from the Etihad as Pep Guardiola has signed a two-year extension the club, and that could perhaps galvanise the side come Saturday.
The hosts are the in-form team heading into this clash and are the favourites to come away with all three points. But, City can’t be taken lightly as they have exciting attacking players who can turn a game on its head in an instant.
Let’s take a look at 5 players to watch out for in the game between Tottenham and Manchester City:
Tottenham vs Manchester City: 5 Players to Watch Out For
#1 Kevin de Bruyne
Manchester City missed Kevin de Bruyne in the few games that he was absent due to injury. The Belgian is key to their attack, and he could open up spaces in the Spurs defence which has been shaky on occasions this season.
De Bruyne has to be at the top of his game if City want to take any points away from this crucial fixture.
#2 Harry Kane
Tottenham forward Harry Kane has had a renaissance of sorts this season as he has not just been their No. 9, but has also dropped deep to create chances.
The Englishman may have to play a deeper role if Jose Mourinho sets up his side to counter-attack City. Kane may feed Spurs’ pacey wingers Son Heung-Min and Gareth Bale to attack City’s full-backs who have been vulnerable this season.
#3 Son Heung-Min
Son, like Harry Kane, has had a spectacular season so far. The South Korean has scored eight goals in the league – the joint-highest top scorer so far in the Premier League.
He has used his pace and dribbling to good effect, causing a lot of problems to teams. Manchester City are still shaky at the back and the triumvirate of Kane, Bale, and Son could pose all sorts of questions if they are on their game.
Son will also have to track back as City right-back Kyle Walker loves to attack, which could make this a tasty battle.
#4 Raheem Sterling
As of writing, Raheem Sterling is a doubt for Saturday’s game against Tottenham. The Englishman had to pull out of the recent international fixtures due to an injury.
Tottenham vs Manchester City: Ferran Torres is the man in form, but Raheem Sterling will be key (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola will be desperate to see Sterling fit and available as he has a good record against Spurs. The winger has scored eight goals in 16 appearances against Tottenham.
Sterling has had to bear the burden of the City attack lately due to the injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero. But, with the former fit and available, and the latter closing in on his return, Sterling can move to his natural wide berth which will give him time and space to get on the ball and run at defenders.
#5 Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Spurs’ unsung hero of the season so far has been midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. The former Southampton player has gone about his job quietly, providing a solid screen to the Spurs backline, while also being combative in the midfield area.
He will be tasked with the duty of cutting balls to the City attack, while also ruffling a few feathers in Guardiola’s midfield.