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Tottenham projected starting XI v Manchester City: Pochettino will attack Guardiola

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League group H match between Tottenham Hotspur and APOEL Nicosia at Wembley Stadium on December 6, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League group H match between Tottenham Hotspur and APOEL Nicosia at Wembley Stadium on December 6, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 09: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur is put under pressure by Kevin Wimmer of Stoke City during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Stoke City at Wembley Stadium on December 9, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 09: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur is put under pressure by Kevin Wimmer of Stoke City during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Stoke City at Wembley Stadium on December 9, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Striker-Harry Kane

If Manchester City have a weakness it’s their average centre back pairing. Harry Kane will be desperate to take advantage of Nicolas Otamendi and company during this match.

It’s hard to envision Tottenham winning this match if Kane doesn’t play really well. That doesn’t necessarily mean he has to score, but it would certainly help. The talisman’s clinical finishing ability is Spurs’ easiest route towards success against City.

It isn’t the only route though. Kane can also terrorize the Citizens with his work rate and holdup play. The more time he sees on the ball, the better off his attacking teammates will be. Don’t be surprised to see Kane elevate his game to match his opposition in this one.

Keeper-Hugo Lloris

The Frenchman absolutely must avoid any critical errors in this match. City are very likely going to score goal(s), but he simply cannot gift them one. It may be the Christmas season, but Spurs need Lloris to be a Grinch on Saturday.

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If he can avoid any howlers, he’ll have the opportunity to put his world-class shot stopping ability on full display. It’s easy to forget just how good Lloris can be. It’s very possible he’ll need to remind us all against City’s star-studded attack.

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