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Tottenham projected XI at Manchester City: No diamond for Spurs

By Rucker Haringey

Tottenham Hotspur's French midfielder Tanguy Ndombele celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's first goal during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on August 10, 2019. (Photo by Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur's French midfielder Tanguy Ndombele celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's first goal during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on August 10, 2019. (Photo by Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Mauricio Pochettino went with a midfield diamond in Tottenham’s match against Aston Villa, but he’ll revert to this 4-2-3-1 setup on Saturday.

If Tottenham want to earn an important result at Manchester City on Saturday Mauricio Pochettino will need to get his team selection just right. In order for the Argentine gaffer to accomplish that goal, he must dump the midfield diamond that he attempted to employ against Aston Villa last weekend.

To Pochettino’s credit, he abandoned that setup at the half and that allowed Spurs to earn an important 3-1 victory. Tottenham cannot afford to suffer through a bad half of football against Pep Guardiola’s side. They must come out firing on all cylinders.

That will require Pochettino to get his tactics and team selection perfect. If he goes with the following starting XI, Spurs will have a chance to spring a big surprise at The Etihad.

Striker-Harry Kane

There’s no question who Pochettino will choose to lead the line. Kane wasn’t electric against Villa, but he still managed to score two crucial second half goals. No one should be surprised if he comes out flying against last year’s Premier League title winners.

Attacking midfielder-Christian Eriksen

This selection may raise a few eyebrows given the Dane’s contract saga. Pochettino is more concerned with winning this match than whether or not Eriksen is going to stay at Tottenham for the long haul. Look for the talented maestro to pull the strings from the midfield in this one.

Attacking midfielder-Lucas Moura

Lucas will play pretty high up on the pitch at times, but it will be imperative for him to get the Spurs attack width in this match. He needs to bounce back from a very average performance against Villa.

Attacking midfielder-Erik Lamela

The Argentine enjoyed a tremendous preseason but was very average last weekend against the Villains. However, his dogged determination to win the ball back once it’s lost should come in handy against City’s skilled midfield. Lamela will be in the thick of a lot of action in this match.

Defensive midfielder-Tanguy Ndombele

Tottenham’s new boy scored a massive goal on his debut and that clearly boosted his confidence. After the goal, he was hugely influential with the ball at his feet. Ndombele will need to focus more on his defence in this fixture, but he should be up to the task.

Defensive midfielder-Moussa Sissoko

Sincere apologies to all of the Harry Winks fans out there. He’ll get in this match as a second half substitute, but he doesn’t have the strength to hold up for the full 90 minutes. Sissoko clearly isn’t the most skillful player in Europe, but his strength and tenacity will help neutralize City when they try to take control.

Left back-Danny Rose

Ben Davies has returned to full training this week per Football London, but it would be asking too much of the Welshman to throw him right back into the starting XI. That means Rose will get the starting nod again. He’ll have his hands full against Riyad Mahrez and Kyle Walker down the flank.

Centre back-Toby Aldereweireld

There’s no drama about this Belgian’s place in the starting XI. He’ll be expected to keep City’s strikers quiet and to help Tottenham play the ball out of the back. This could be a match where Alderweireld’s long diagonals really boost Spurs.

Centre back-Jan Vertonghen

Vertonghen and Pochettino clearly had a spat last week, but they’ve had several days to cool off. That means the Belgian gets to reclaim his place in a fixture where his service will be desperately needed. Perhaps getting last weekend off will allow him to turn in a really energetic performance on Saturday.

Right back-Kyle Walker-Peters

Walker-Peters played a decent match against Villa, but he’s going to face a massive challenge against City. He’ll be expected to keep Raheem Sterling relatively quiet down Tottenham’s right hand side. If he plays well in this one, expect him to cement his place in the starting XI for the foreseeable future. If he’s torched, Serge Aurier will get his chance.

Next. Tottenham will need Jan Vertonghen at Manchester City. dark

Keeper-Hugo Lloris

The Frenchman wasn’t very busy last weekend versus Villa, but he’ll be tested early and often this weekend. A few special saves from Lloris could really help Tottenham’s chances of gaining a point or more against the defending champions.

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