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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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Jul 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli (20) reacts during the second half of the 2015 MLS All Star Game at Dick
Jul 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli (20) reacts during the second half of the 2015 MLS All Star Game /

4. Dele Alli’s health

The Tottenham starlet had to leave the club’s last Premier League match after complaining of dizziness. Spurs officials say he is fit and ready to go against City, but they failed to find a cause for his symptoms. This probably won’t be an issue, but it should give Spurs fans some concern.

After all, Alli is the heartbeat of the Tottenham midfield. No matter where Pochettino deploys him, he’s a threat to make runs all over the pitch. His constant motion and skill on the ball make him a nightmare to defend.

This could be a particular issue for City since one of their midfielders, Yaya Toure has an aversion to running at times. If Alli is fit and ready to go he’s capable of running circles around Toure in the middle of the pitch. That could mean a long afternoon for Toure’s teammates trying to pick up the slack.

Still just 19 years old, Alli also needs to prove that he won’t be awed by the challenge of winning such an important match away from White Hart Lane. He hasn’t shown any hesitancy to step up in big moments before, but this is still the most pressure he’ll have felt in his career. Manchester City would be foolish to think that Alli will struggle with the spotlight.

Next: 3. Will Yaya Toure try?

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