Just a few ago, Spurs were the favourites to finish in the top four of the Premier League but suddenly they have seen a massive slump in form, losing their previous three league outings.
Things could get even worse since they take on Manchester City this weekend and with the kind of form Pep Guardiola’s side are in right now, there’s no denying the Lilywhites might be staring at yet another embarrassing defeat.
Spurs have conceded at least 2 goals in their last 4 league matches and Man City go into this fixture at the back of a 5-0 win against Sporting in the Champions League. The North London side are very much the underdogs going into this game but there’s one man who has the capacity to change things around.
Antonio Conte is no pushover manager and all eyes will be on him to see how he tries to nullify Guardiola’s tactics. The last three losses have been a blow to his reputation so the Italian will be eager to vary things around on Saturday.
Spurs need to pick up three points at any cost since anything other than a win will mean their top-four hopes will truly be over.
Spurs team news vs Manchester City:
Spurs were humbled by Wolves in their previous game and Eric Dier had missed that match due to a thigh injury but the manager is confident he will be fit to come into the side on Saturday.
Conte had told the press last week: “Unfortunately, he’s not fit[for the Wolves game]. For sure he’s a big loss for us. He needs more time to recover. I don’t know, I hope he will be available for the next game vs City.”
Antonio Conte: "For me it's very difficult to talk about fourth place, because I am used to play for other targets."pic.twitter.com/84YwVWLEDQ
— The Spurs Web ⚪️ (@thespursweb) February 13, 2022
If Dier is available then he’s coming straight back into central defence alongside Davinson Sanchez and Cristian Romero. If Eric Dier comes in then Ben Davies will be the one who moves back to the bench.
Oliver Skipp also missed the Wolves game with a groin injury but he too should be fit to face Man City. Skipp is also expected to start in midfield alongside Rodrigo Bentancur which means Harry Winks will be the one who will make way.
The wing-backs areas will also see a change with Sessegnon and Doherty both moving to the bench to make way for Reguilon and Emerson Royal.
The manager does not have the luxury to make too many changes to his forward line so Harry Kane, Son and Lucas Moura will all hold onto their place. Kulusevski has come to Spurs on loan but we don’t think the right-winger will get a start ahead of Moura.
Spurs predicted line up vs Man City:
Predicted Starting Line up(3-4-3): Hugo Lloris; Romero, Dier, Sanchez; Bentancur, Oliver Skipp, Emerson, Reguilon; Harry Kane, Son, Lucas Moura.
