TOTTENHAM VS MAN CITY: PREVIEW
- kyle dimond
- Oct 26, 2018
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 28, 2018
The next set of Premier League fixtures has one marquee match-up as Tottenham Hotspur host the defend champions, Manchester City.
The game takes place at Wembley Stadium on Monday night with kick-off at 8pm. UK audiences can watch the game on Sky Sports Main Event.
Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs have had a good start to the season however have struggled to get results against other top performing sides such as Liverpool and Inter Milan in the Champions League.
In that sense, this Mondays game is huge for Spurs if they are to prove they can compete with the elite teams.
MANAGER'S COMMENTS:
Here is what Pochettino had to say on the game:
On Dele Alli: “Yes, sure we hope he will be available for Monday but not sure if we’re going to put him in the squad or not.”
On the game being played just 24 hours after the NFL game at Wembley: “No, maybe it’s good for us because we’re going to face one of the best teams in Europe or in the world (laughs).
"No, it wasn’t the plan for us to play at Wembley in that period. That is the problem and now can’t complain.”
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City faced Spurs twice last season in their record-breaking season. The first game at the Etihad Stadium ended 4-1 to Manchester City with the second at Wembley also going in City’s favour, this time being 3-1.
With Liverpool being joint top with City, City cannot afford to slip up here as Liverpool will go top of the league on Saturday if they win against Cardiff.
Here is what Manchester City Boss Guardiola had to say on the game:
On the last week and a potential lack of hunger:
“It has never been a problem. All the players want to play well and be ready, be part of the team. We are lucky, we’ve got a deep squad with huge quality and everyone knows when they have time to play they play good.”
On the pitch at Wembley: “It is what it is. I’m pretty sure Tottenham have a good greenkeeper. It is what it is. Hopefully Tottenham can finish their stadium as quick as possible. It’s not necessary to complain about."
On Tottenham and the title race:
"The last four, five, six years, Tottenham have always been there. Of course they cannot invest in players because they are building an incredible stadium.
"People say it’s a lot of money and they don’t have more money to spend but they’re a top side.
"They were my first defeat here and I realised how strong they are. Last season we did really well in both games, The team have continued to be guided by a good manager with good players.”
TEAM NEWS:
Tottenham defenders Danny Rose and Jan Vertonghen are both unavailable for the visit of the champions.
City will be without midfielder Ilkay Gundogan due to a hamstring injury; but Fabian Delph is available for selection again.
Kyle Walker was on the bench against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday in the Champions League and is available again, while Danilo could return after his ankle injury.
STATS:
- Spurs have lost 10 out of the last 15 meetings between the two sides.
- Manchester City, if they win, will beat Spurs in consecutive away fixtures for just the second time.
- Tottenham could keep four consecutive clean sheets for the first time since April 2017.
- Whilst City could equal their club record of six consecutive clean sheets, which was set back in May to September 2015.
- If Sergio Aguero scores against Spurs, it'll be his 150th goal in the Premier League for Manchester City.
BETTING ODDS:
Tottenham: 15/4
Draw: 31/10
Manchester City: 3/4
Comments