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The Premier League season resumes this weekend as Manchester City travels to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to battle Spurs Saturday.
It’s the first game for both sides since the league took a two-week break for international matches.
Eyes on the top spot
Jose Mourinho’s men are a point behind leaders Leicester City heading into this weekend’s fixture.
Pep Guardiola’s side still has some catching up to do in 10th place, six points from top spot.
On a Hot Streak
Both teams are riding some very impressive streaks.
Spurs are unbeaten this month having won all three fixtures in the Premier League and the Europa League.
They’ve won five of their last six competitive games losing only to Antwerp in the Europa League on October 29.
The Citizens are unbeaten in their last nine fixtures across all competitions with their last defeat coming to Leicester 5-2 on September, 27.
Injury News
While on international duty with the Netherlands defender Nathan Ake suffered a hamstring injury and may not be ready for Saturday.
Fernandinho remains sidelined along with Benjamin Mendy.
Sergio Aguero’s injury may be fully healed by Saturday.
For Tottenham no serious injuries to report.
Attacking midfielder Erik Lamela could be a game-time decision with an Achilles injury along with French midfielder Tanguy Ndombele.
Mourinho will be able to call upon Dutch strike Steven Bergwijn if needed.
Matt Doherty is still self-isolating after testing positive for COVID while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland.
Offensive Juggernaut
City’s backline is really going to have to be alert Saturday to beat an offensively gifted Spurs squad.
In fact, Tottenham currently boasts the best offense in the Premier League with 19 goals from eight games.
Leading the way so far is Son Heung-Min whose tied for most goals so far this season with eight.
His partner up front, Englishman Harry Kane is right behind him, finding the back of the net seven times so far.
The Premier League Golden Boot winner (2016/16 and 2016/17) leads the league in assists with eight.
Tottenham has scored three or more goals in seven competitive matches this season.
You add recent transfer, Gareth Bale, into the mix and it’s easy to see why they’re a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Since taking over as manager in November 2019, Mourinho’s usually employed a 4-2-3-1 system.
When attacking they seem to rely on their full-backs to provide width down the wings, however, their formation means one defender hangs back.
That is usually the responsibility of veteran Toby Alderweireld not known for his attacking prowess.
Mourinho’s direct approach see’s Spurs bypass the midfield with long balls from their own half to their dangerous strikers who’re very strong in the air.
This approach seems to work effectively due to the versatility of Harry Kane whose almost always involved in a build-up.
Stats
Since the opening of Tottenham Hotspur stadium Spurs have a 100% record against Man City on their home field winning twice.
Tottenham has only lost two of their 20 Premier League matches with City when they sit above them in the standings.
Spurs are on the longest unbeaten run of the Premier League currently, having not lost in seven straight fixtures.
Head to Head
Historically there’s been little to choose between these sides when they face-off.
Spurs won the last match between these teams 2-0 last February.
Overall City’s won 62 matches between them to Tottenham’s 62.
Match Info
Saturday’s game from Tottenham Hotspur stadium kicks off at 5 pm. (JSL)
