Manchester City will hope to extend their lead at the summit of the Premier League table when they face Tottenham Hotspur today. The Sky Blues are well ahead of Liverpool in the race for the title as they lead the Reds by nine points.
Tottenham, on the other hand, are in the race to secure a UEFA Champions League spot but are in a dire run of form. The Lillywhites have three games in hand over fourth-place side Manchester United, and a win on Saturday will be crucial as they need a positive result after three back to back defeats.
Spurs and City faced off each other back in August, in the first match of their respective campaigns. The North Londoners won by a narrow 1-0 margin but things have changed since then. Following a slow start, City have managed to dominate the proceedings while Spurs have gradually slipped down the table.
It is likely that Manchester City will dominate the proceedings and Spurs will look to attack on the break.
Let us have a look at the five players who could decide the outcome of the tie.
#1 Harry Kane
Previously linked with a move to Manchester City, Kane still has all the makings of a world-class striker. After enduring a slow start to the season, he has found his rhythm in the past few weeks.
Pep Guardiola says Manchester City approached Tottenham four times over signing Harry Kane last summer… pic.twitter.com/xSGsx9iL8N
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 19, 2022
He can play as the perfect ‘target man’ and is a contributing force when it comes to the buildup as well. Even though Kane has not looked at his best this season, there is no doubt about the quality and goal-threat he brings to the table. A sublime finisher in the box; if Spurs are to cause an upset, Kane will have to come good for them.
He has scored five goals and has assisted twice this season for Spurs. Will he be able to add on to his tally?
#2 Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian playmaker will always be a threat on the pitch, no matter the kind of patch he might be going through. The 30-year-old, like Kane, had a slow start to the season as well. The midfielder though, seems to have found his mojo back and is once again, the engine of the Manchester City train.
De Bruyne’s outstanding vision combined with his passing is alone to pierce the Tottenham backline. Not to forget, his distance shooting is something that needs a special mention as well. In open spaces, De Bruyne is one of the best on the ball, if not the best.
He has scored seven goals this season, and has assisted twice. Conte will hope his side can close down the Belgian to avoid giving him space to operate in. However, that would also risk opening up free spaces to run into, for other attackers.
Dropping back completely would allow De Bruyne to operate with time aplenty, on the ball. It will be very interesting to see how Conte plans to stop the Belgian.
#3 Riyad Mahrez
The Algerian winger has been almost untouchable in the City set-up this season. His skill is exemplary, and his first touch is one of the best in the game, if not the best.
Superb performance from the whole squad tonight 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/XQKG1iSY2Y
— Riyad Mahrez (@Mahrez22) February 15, 2022
He has been in an impressive goal-scoring form, scoring seven goals each in the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League. To go with his seven goals in England this term, he also has four assists to his name.
Mahrez is dangerous when left unmarked and one of the most effective dribblers on the ball. He is not someone who relies on shot power to get his goals but his precision and accuracy. His ability to run into open spaces and stretch the opposing line makes him almost as effective as any top winger in the world.
#4 Son Heung-Min
Son Heung-Min has been the go-to man for Antonio Conte this season. His consistency has resulted in nine goals and three assists from 19 appearances and in the Premier League this season.
Son’s explosive pace combined with his precise finishing makes him deadly on the break. The South Korean has fitted nicely in Conte’s 3-4-2-1. In fact, the last time these two sides met in the league, the 27-year-old scored the only goal to help his side win the fixture.
Son Heung-min with one of the greatest solo goals of all time ✨ pic.twitter.com/8HfnC6GyPA
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 7, 2022
Tottenham are not expected to generate many chances tomorrow but if it comes to set-pieces or counters, their bet will lie with Son.
#5 Phil Foden
The English prospect is enjoying his breakout season with Manchester City this term. Foden, 21, has made 16 appearances for City this term. He has scored six goals and has assisted thrice. The versatile attacker has been deployed as a false nine or on the left flank and he has impressed with his composure in front of the goal.
Like in the case of de Bruyne, Spurs cannot afford Foden to run into. The North Londoners will be aware of the Englishman’s pace, dribbling, and finishing. With that said, it will be interesting to see how he fares against a low block if at all Conte decides to let City dominate the possession.
It will be a difficult test for Foden to penetrate a low block, as compared to someone like Bernardo Silva or de Bruyne. The two will be instrumental in providing the aerial and through balls, and make the occasional run. Having said that, Foden is likely to start as the false nine, with Grealish playing to his left.