The only two undefeated teams in the Premier League face off in a high octane encounter on Sunday, as the League’s best attack meets the best defence
Spurs will be hoping to put an end to Manchester City’s dominant winning streak, while Guardiola will face his second stern test as City manager after the Manchester derby.
Mauricio Pochettino has faced Guardiola before, both as a player and a manager during his days at Espanyol. However he now stands up to the former Barcelona great on equal terms, having transformed Spurs into a team capable of being world beaters.
Guardiola has enough firepower at his disposal to make up for the loss of key figures like Vincent Kompany, Kevin de Bruyne (injured) and Nolito (suspended). This should prove to be a cracker of a game at White Hart Lane.
Probable line-ups & tactical breakdown:
Tottenham Hotspur
The high tempo attacking style that Mauricio Pochettino has implemented at Spurs has seen them becoming one of the best attacking teams in the League. However their defensive work has also been exemplary.
One big tactical change would be playing Dele Alli in a deeper role. The young Englishman started in that position last season, but was moved further forward after impressing in attack. He will hope to pair up well with summer signing Victor Wanyama.
Another summer signing in Vincent Janssen will be the focal point of attack, but the biggest threat for City will be the in form Son Heung-Min. Tottenham are expected to hold a high back-line, and quick, attacking football.
Probable Line-up:- Lloris; Walker, Alderweireld, Wimmer, Vertonghen; Alli, Wanyama; Lamela, Eriksen, Son; Janssen
Manchester City
Although many are hailing Pep Guardiola as revitalizing Manchester City, the former Barcelona manager has built on the foundation laid by his manager Manuel Pellegrini. However the Catalan has brought in just the right cogs to fit in the machine.
The dominating and attacking style of play by City has swept aside all contenders so far this season, but the recent draw against Celtic in the Champions League showed that they aren’t quite untouchable yet.
Without De Bruyne, Spanish magician David Silva is expected to play a key role in their attacking play. The young and hungry wingers Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane have frightening pace and dribbling ability and will also threaten Spurs to no end.
Guardiola teams are known to keep possession for long periods, and this is exactly what City will look to do against Spurs. Claudio Bravo will also play a key role initiating attacks with accurate distribution, the reason why Joe Hart is no longer in this team.
Probable Line-up:- Bravo; Sagna, Stones, Otamendi, Kolarov; Fernandinho; Sterling, Silva, Gundogan, Sane; Aguero
Key Stats:
- Tottenham did the double over City last season, after previously losing eight of their last nine games.
- There have been a total 22 goals in the last five meetings at White Hart Lane between the two teams. (Spurs-9, City- 13)
- If Manchester City win, Pep Guardiola would become the first ever manager to win his first seven games in the Premier League.
- A win for Spurs would give them their second best start to a season after seven games, only bettered by the start to their title winning season of 1960-61.
Player to watch out for:
Sergio Aguero (Man City)
The Argentine striker has become a living legend in the Premier League. He is the joint top-scorer in the league this season with five goals, despite missing two games because of suspension.
Aguero has scored 28 goals in his last 27 games. This is prolific by any standard, but especially remarkable in the extremely competitive Premier League. The Manchester City striker will surely be the biggest headache for Pochettino and his men this weekend.
Betting tips
Its 1 vs 2 on the table as two undefeated teams go head to head at the White Hart Lane. A win for Tottenham would catapult them above City into the first position while also inflicting Guardiola’s first defeat in England.
Tottenham are without Harry Kane but don’t seem to be missing the star too much with out-of-favour Son Heung Min coming into the limelight as he has scored 4 goals already in the league this season.
City, on the other hand, suffered a minor setback as they were held 3-3 at Celtic Park by Rodgers and his men. Judging by the performance of both sides thus far this season, one can expect a fiery and almost end-to-end match as Pochettino looks to consolidate himself as one of the finest managers in the country.
Favourable Bets :
1. Over 11.5 Corners @ 1.90
2. Tottenham Asian Handicap Corners 0.0 @ 1.825
3. Over 2.5 Match Goals @ 1.70
4. Both Teams to Score @ 1.61
Underdog Bets :
1. Tottenham Sw @ 3.00
2. Both Teams to Score Yes and Result – Tottenham SW @ 5.00
3. Son Heung Min to score anytime @ 3.00
Prediction:
Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Manchester City
Neither teams will give an inch and it should prove to be a high scoring encounter between the top two sides in the Premier League table right now. Expect some end to end stuff, but the attacking brilliance of both sides could snuff each other out.
Either side can come up with a victory, but it looks more likely that both will maintain their unbeaten run with a draw.
