Tottenham will be determined to recover from their embarrassing North London derby defeat when they travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City on Thursday evening in the Premier League.
Spurs were handed a 2-0 battering by bitter rivals Arsenal on their own turf last weekend, and the result left them five points off the Champions League spots having played a game more than fourth-placed Manchester United. They have not hit their strides since the resumption of the Premier League, picking up just three points from a possible nine.
Antonio Conte would have been disappointed with his team’s performance in the derby and is certain to expect a response against Man City, who lost to Man United in an explosive derby encounter at Old Trafford.
Rodrigo Bentancur is looking likely to travel with the squad to Manchester after not being risked for last Sunday’s derby day defeat to Arsenal. But Lucas Moura remains out for Spurs with an ongoing tendon problem.
Goalkeeper
Hugo Lloris made a costly blunder against Arsenal at the weekend as he scored a bizarre own goal while failing to collect Bukayo Saka’s tame shot. The experienced French goalkeeper will be eager to make amends and put a strong performance against City.
Defence
Antonio Conte is expected to stick to his 3-4-2-1 formation, with Cristian Romero, Eric Dier and Ben Davies starting in defence. Davies should replace Clement Lenglet on the left of a back three, joining Romero and Dier in the process.
The trio of Romero, Dier and Davies must stay switched on throughout the 90 minutes to keep Erling Haaland quiet.
Midfield
Rodrigo Bentancur should be in with a strong chance of starting the game against City. The Uruguayan will be key in recycling possession and progressing the ball from deeper areas. He is expected to form the double pivot with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, with Pape Sarr dropping down to the bench at the Etihad Stadium.
Ivan Perisic should get the nod ahead of Ryan Sessegnon at left wing-back. The Croat’s dynamism, crossing ability and movement could cause problems for the City defence. Matt Doherty should retain his place at right wing-back.
Attack
Harry Kane is a nailed-on starter in the Tottenham attack, with Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski operating behind him as two No.10s. Son and Kulusevski were quiet for large periods of the game against Arsenal and Conte will want the duo to threaten the shaky City backline with their pace and runs in behind.
Having failed to score in the North London derby, Kane will be desperate to get on the scoresheet at City and bring home all three points. Richarlison will have to again settle for a spot on the bench, with the Brazilian hoping to make an impact when called upon.
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