It’s fair to say that Man City have a wretched record when it comes to facing Tottenham at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Losing all five of their games at Spurs’ new home and not even scoring a single goal in the process, City do fare much better against the Lilywhites on home soil.
However, Tottenham have given them a couple of major scares on their last two visits to the Etihad Stadium. Registering an incredible 3-2 win over Pep Guardiola’s team in February 2022 following Harry Kane’s stoppage-time winner, Spurs did take a 2-0 lead into the break back in January before losing 4-2 following a second-half rally from the hosts.
Now with Ange Postecoglou taking charge of his first game at the Etihad Stadium as Tottenham boss, the Australian will be hoping to mastermind a famous win as he looks to get his team back on track. Losing their last three Premier League fixtures against Chelsea, Wolves and Aston Villa, Spurs must find a way of stopping their bad run of form as they look to keep in touch with the top four.
Injuries and suspensions have played a major part in their last three results, with Rodrigo Bentancur becoming the latest player to join the long list of stars currently in the Hotspur Way treatment room at present. So how exactly will Tottenham line up at the Etihad Stadium in Sunday’s 4.30pm kick-off?
Sporthub360 takes a look below at the strongest team Postecoglou can field for the game against the Premier League champions.
Guglielmo Vicario:
It’s an easy choice in goal as Guglielmo Vicario starts between the sticks for Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium.
Pedro Porro:
Pedro Porro has enjoyed a fine season at right-back under Ange Postecoglou. The Spaniard has delivered some top performances and the head coach will need more of the same at the Etihad Stadium.
Eric Dier:
Having played four full-backs across defence against Aston Villa, Ange Postecoglou may want to bring in an experienced centre-back to try and deal with Erling Haaland. That may result in Eric Dier getting the nod alongside Ben Davies at the back.
Ben Davies
Ben Davies has taken on the left-sided centre-back role in Micky van de Ven’s absence. He looks set to continue in the position until the Netherlands international returns from injury.
Destiny Udogie
Destiny Udogie is a pivotal figure in Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham XI after playing a starring role for the team this season. Spurs looked so much better down the left flank against Aston Villa after the Italian returned to the side following his one-match ban.
Yves Bissouma
Rodrigo Bentancur is going to be a big miss after sustaining an injury against Aston Villa, but the good news for Ange Postecoglou is that Yves Bissouma is available once again following his suspension. The Mali international looks set to immediately replace the Uruguayan in the starting XI.
Pape Matar Sarr
Ange Postecoglou will provide the latest on Pape Matar Sarr’s fitness on Friday when he previews the Man City game. Missing out through injury against Aston Villa last time out, the Senegal international comes straight back into the team if he is in a position to start this weekend.
Giovani Lo Celso
Giovani Lo Celso deserves another start after an excellent showing in the defeat against Aston Villa. On the scoresheet for Tottenham and playing a big part in their attacking play with his runs and quality from midfield, hopefully the Argentina international will be able to deliver more of the same at the Etihad Stadium.
Dejan Kulusevski
Dejan Kulusevski excelled for Tottenham against Aston Villa after operating in his favoured No.10 role. Delivering his best performance of the season and perhaps one of his best in a Spurs shirt, the Swede is going to be key if the team are to leave Man City with points in the bag.
However, Sarr’s possible inclusion if he is fit could impact Kulusevski’s position in the team as it could be he or Lo Celso who move into the front three to accommodate the Senegal ace.
Son Heung-min
Son Heung-min will be hoping for better luck in front of goal against Man City after seeing three strikes ruled out against Aston Villa. Playing a huge part for the team on their previous trips to Manchester, Spurs will need more magic from their captain if they are to stop their run of three successive defeats.
Brennan Johnson
Brennan Johnson is now going to get an extended run in the Tottenham XI with Ange Postecoglou having limited options in attack as things stand. Spurs need a big game from their summer addition as they aim to keep up the pressure on the top four.