2. The Keeper battle
There might not be a bigger disparity between the two teams than the one that resides in goal. Hugo Lloris is a world-class keeper who breeds confidence throughout the Tottenham defense. Claudio Bravo well, does not.
Bravo’s play has been so erratic lately that many City fans are openly calling for the return of Joe Hart. The England international may not be great with the ball at his feet, but at least he could stop shots with his hands. Bravo hasn’t proven he can do either thing at an effective level as of late.
Lloris isn’t great with his feet either, but he’s good enough. More importantly, he’s one of Europe’s top shot stoppers. He hasn’t been called on to make great saves that often this season, but he certainly has the capability to make awesome stops when called upon.
I won’t be at all surprised if City test Tottenham’s French keeper on a few occasions today. Expect Lloris to be up to the task. Bravo, on the other hand, will struggle mightily when Spurs begin to attack him with an avalanche of shots. One false step from Bravo and the match could be over.