Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur - Preview and predictions

This weeks big game in the Premier League is between two teams that haven’t necessarily had the best of starts, dropping quite a few unnecessary points. Manchester City host Totttenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium

Jesus Navas scores past Hugo Lloris

Venue and Kick-Off Timing

Etihad Stadium,Manchester

October 18, Saturday, 5:15 p.m. (I.S.T)

Previous encounters

Saturday's early kickoff will see last years league winners, City take on top 4 underdogs, Tottenham.Last seasons matches between the two sides were comical to say the least as City thumped Spurs 6-0 at home and 5-1 away from home. Tottenham’s defensive incapabilities were heavily exposed during those two fixtures as players like Sergio Aguero and Jesus Navas’s pace easily got the better of Spurs’s lackadaisical defence, The 6-0 at Etihad will be a day to forget for Hugo Lloris as he had a role to play in conceding almost all the goals. This seems like a good opportunity for him to get rid of his Etihad nightmares. As for Aguero and company, they will definitely want a repeat of last years result.

Possible Starting Lineups

Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Mangala, Clichy, Fernandinho, Lampard, Navas, Silva, Aguero, Dzeko

Manchester City could be without midfield enforcer Yaya Toure who will return from international duty just 24 hours before kickoff and thus may be rested. This could see, Manchester City’s player of the month, Frank Lampard getting a start. Athough, Vincent Kompany limped off during Belgium’s Euro qualifier against Andorra, he insists that he is fit for the weekend. Pellegrini knows well about Spurs’s lack of pace and may exploit it by starting Jesus Navas out wide in place of James Milner. Edin Dzeko, who will remember his 4 goals against Spurs in the 2011-12 season will be itching to score more against an opponent he likes playing against.

Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris, Dier, Kaboul, Vertonghen, Rose, Capoue, Stambouli, Lamela, Erkisen, Chadli, Adebayor

Tottenham will be without Kyle Naughton who picked up an injury during the game against Southampton, which should see young Eric Dier starting. Hugo Lloris and Nacer Chadli were both rested for their respective international matches, however there does not seem to be a major concern preventing either of the two from starting Saturday’s game. The game could be a good opportunity to start Harry Kane, who has been in sparkling form form the England under 21's ahead of out of form Emmanuel Adebayor, who has just managed 1 goal in 7 appearances thus far. Also, don’t be surprised to see tough tackling midfielder Benjamin Stambouli come in for youngstar, Ryan Mason, to provide cover for the back four against Aguero and co.

Christian Eriksen would be crucial for Spurs to get anything out of the game

Key Battles

Fernandinho vs Christian Eriksen: Fernandinho will be very vital to Manchester City's attack as well as defence, especially if Yaya Toure does miss the game. He will need to dictate play from the start and start most of City's attacks. Christian Eriksen, has been subject to much criticism from his Denmark manager for sluggish and lazy performances. He will certainly need to buck up and deliver on a more consistent basis to shut his critics. Fernandinho will be tasked with keeping Eriksen quiet throughout the game and not provide him too much room for comfort.

David Silva vs Younes Kaboul: For defending champions, Manchester City, David Silva will be crucial to provide Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko with some good service and to dissect the questionable Spurs defence. His flair will be essential to get the better of a slow Spurs defence. As for Spurs, Younes Kaboul needs to continue his top form to see off a strong and pacey Manchester City attack comprising of the likes of Aguero and Dzeko. He also needs to avoid making mistakes similar to what he did in this fixture last season. Silva’s quick feet vs Kaboul’s resilience will definitely be a battle to look forward to.

Vincent Kompany vs Erik Lamela- Vincent Kompany too will be really crucial to the team as he will need to marshall his team well against the trio of Chadli, Lamela and Eriksen, who have combined really well in the past few games. This could also be a breakthrough game in Erik Lamela’s career as he’s just started to prove his doubters wrong this season. Lamela is arguably Spurs’s biggest threat going forward and Kompany will need to marshall his troops well to prevent Lamela from getting into the game and affecting the proceedings.

Prediction

This game has got the ingredients to be a very entertaining one. Spurs’s may have been bruised badly after last season’s outcome, however with Pochettino at the helm, he should instill belief among the players, and make them forget the past. With City looking to rediscover last seasons form and Tottenham looking to seek revenge, this has all the makings of a classic.

Manchester City 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Match Officials

Referee: Jonathan Moss

Assistants: S Long, S Bennett

Fourth Official: M Oliver