Harry Diamond
Two of the game’s great coaches renew rivalries this weekend as Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola face-off once more in north London, Tottenham hosting Manchester City in a huge Premier League battle between two of the division’s top six.
Here is all you need to know about Sunday’s clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
Form
Tottenham: WDLLD
The initial bounce following Mourinho’s arrival as manager at Spurs has dipped somewhat, the club winning just once in their past five Premier League fixtures, a morale-boosting 2-1 victory over bottom-of-the-table Norwich last time out.
Harry Kane’s extended period on the sidelines with a torn hamstring has been a major blow to the north London side’s hopes of success, the club without a recognised senior centre-forward at present with the transfer deadline fast approaching.
Whilst a central striker may not have arrived at present, Mourinho has bolstered his ranks with the signings of Steven Bergwijn from PSV and Benfica’s Gedson Fernandes, whilst Christian Eriksen and Kyle Walker-Peters have departed for Inter Milan and Southampton respectively, with Danny Rose also edging towards the exit door.
Spurs currently sit six points adrift of the top four, but with each of their top-four rivals stuttering towards the finish line, a Champions League position remains within their reach should they find the required consistency.
Manchester City: WDWWW
Manchester City‘s hopes of retaining their title are diminishing with each passing week, though they remain the best of the rest in the overall standings and form table behind runaway leaders Liverpool
Pep Guardiola’s side have won four of their past five Premier League fixtures, a disappointing draw at home to Crystal Palace their only blemish on an otherwise perfect run in recent weeks.
Key to their form has been the goals of Sergio Aguero, the Argentina international scoring three times in his past six league appearances, moving ahead of Thierry Henry as the most prolific foreign player in Premier League history and becoming the fourth-highest goalscorer the league has seen.
Last meeting
Manchester City 2-2 Tottenham, 17th August 2019
The two sides would meet in the opening month of the season and play out a pulsating draw, though VAR would take centre stage after ruling out a late winner for City’s Gabriel Jesus.
Raheem Sterling headed a dominant City into the lead in the first-half, only to see Erik Lamela equalise against the run of play just three minutes later.
Sergio Aguero would put the hosts back ahead before half-time, before substitute Lucas Moura scored a second equaliser for Spurs – his first touch of the game and just seconds after entering the field.
Jesus thought he had won it after firing home in stoppage-time, only to see the video technology rule out the goal after the ball brushed the arm of Aymeric Laporte in the build-up, leaving the champions exasperated.
Predicted Line ups
Tottenham: Lloris; Aurier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen; Winks, Lo Celso, Lamela, Alli, Son; Moura
Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Fernandinho, Laporte, Zinchenko; Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Sterling, Mahrez, Aguero
Who is the referee?
Mike Dean.
How can I watch Tottenham v Manchester City?
UK readers can watch the game on Sky Sports Main Event, whilst US readers can view the fixture on NBCSN.
What time is kick off?
16:30 BST.
Odds
Tottenham – 19/4
Draw – 15/4
Manchester City – 1/2
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