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Tottenham versus Manchester City preview: 5 keys to watch

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: Raheem Sterling of Manchester City and Erik Lamela of Tottenham Hotspur compete for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at White Hart Lane on September 26, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: Raheem Sterling of Manchester City and Erik Lamela of Tottenham Hotspur compete for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at White Hart Lane on September 26, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Raheem Sterling of Manchester City celebrates after scoring the opening goal with a header during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on December 26, 2015 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Raheem Sterling of Manchester City celebrates after scoring the opening goal with a header during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on December 26, 2015 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

5. Which Raheem Sterling will show up?

If I were a Manchester City the inconsistent form of Raheem Sterling would drive me insane. One match he looks like the best attacker in the Premier League and the next, he looks like an average League one player. His form could go a long way in determine his club’s fate this weekend.

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The play of Sterling is even more important considering the fact that City will again be without Kevin de Bruyne. There’s also a strong possibility that David Silva will miss the match as well. That should heap some pressure on Sterling to pick up the slack.

The English starlet has more than enough talent to put his stamp on the match. He has pace to burn and a great deal of skill on the ball. If City is able to give him some space to run in, he may be a difference maker for Pellegrini’s side.

On the other hand, his diminutive frame makes him rather easy to intimidate physically. Tottenham’s strong defensive midfielder duo of Mousa Dembele and Eric Dier are nothing, if not physically imposing. They will look to push Sterling off the ball at every opportunity.

If Sterling can create opportunities for himself and forward Sergio Aguero then City should be victorious. If he’s pushed to the periphery of the pitch, then Tottenham will carry the day.

Next: 4. Dele Alli's health

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