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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: Vincent Kompany of Manchester City leaves the pitch injured after only just coming on as a second half substitute 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: Vincent Kompany of Manchester City leaves the pitch injured after only just coming on as a second half substitute 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) /

2. Can Manchester City’s centre backs handle Harry Kane?

Part of this question depends on which centre back pairing Pellegrini elects to go with in the match. There’s been some chatter that Vincent Kompany may return to the City lineup, and if he’s fully fit that could be a big boost.

ESPN reports that Kompany is a possibility to start against Spurs, but Pellegrini will be hesitant to push his captain based on his injury history. The City boss would be wise to make sure that Kompany is fully fit else he might be exposed by a powerful Tottenham attack.

That attack is, of course, led by England forward Harry Kane. He may not be the fastest, quickest, or biggest striker, but he has an amazing ability to produce goals. He can create chances out of nothing and is a terrific finisher with his head or feet. He’s a handful for any centre back and will be too much to handle if City is forced to start one that isn’t 100% healthy.

It will also be a big challenge for Nicolas Otamendi, who is likely to start at the other centre back spot. His form has been up and down on the season, but he’s got the talent to give Kane quite a battle. If Kane can get loose and score against the City defense, he’ll put Spurs in great position to take all three points.

Next: 1. Can Tottenham stop their nemesis, Sergio Aguero?

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