Lijnders on Spurs
They are quite clear in their plan, Thomas sets them up in a clear way so they can link inside to attack, they can play the ball in behind as well.
High pressing team, man marking, above everything a good set-piece team so we are really looking forward to this game.
We have to really concentrate on how we want to play for 95 minutes, to show our mentality and our way and we look forward to go there.
Bernardo issues Premier League warning
Bernardo Silva has warned Arsenal that Manchester City will fight them to the death in the title race. Arsenal have a four point lead over City at the top of the table, despite suffering a blip in recent weeks. Mikel Arteta's men were held to a draw at Nottingham Forest, before losing at home to Manchester United. City, meanwhile, have been inconsistent themselves. Pep Guardiola's men lost at United, before bouncing back to beat Wolves.
Silva admits the prospect of Arsenal winning the title is a strange sensation - because it hasn't happened for so long. And despite both rivals conceding ground in recent weeks, he knows City will never give up hope of overtaking them down the home straight.
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Bobb deal done
Fulham have completed the £27m signing of Oscar Bobb as the Norwegian leaves Manchester City after more than six years at the club. Bobb came through the youth academy at the Etihad after joining as a 16-year-old before breaking into the first team under Pep Guardiola two seasons ago.
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What's on the agenda?
With Lijnders in the hot seat, there could be a different set of questions coming his way this afternoon. However, here are some of the topics we expect will be covered in the press conference.
Doku injury
Potential injury returns
Premier League title race and Arsenal stuttering
Tottenham challenge
Haaland's form
Why Guardiola is missing today
Lijnders will take over Manchester City media duties on Friday ahead of their Premier League game with Tottenham. Pep Guardiola is unavailable, so his No.2 Lijnders will be speaking to the media before the squad are back in on Saturday to continue preparations for another big Premier League test. It is the third City press conference that Guardiola has missed in the last two months. Kolo Toure spoke to reporters last month before their Premier League game at Crystal Palace, while Lijnders took the one after the 10-1 win over Exeter in the FA Cup Final - a match that Guardiola was banned for after picking up three yellow cards in domestic competitions.
Guardiola, who spoke at an Act X Palestine event in Barcelona on Thursday evening, is still expected to take the team for their trip to Spurs but is unable to make the scheduled pre-match press conference. Lijnders will fill in before taking his usual role as City look to keep up in the Premier League title race.
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Hello!
Good morning and welcome to the City press conference blog! We are used to hearing from Guardiola before a Premier League clash but this afternoon it will be another Pep, his assistant Lijnders, who will be in the hot seat. City have confirmed Guardiola is unavailable today but will be back in time for the trip to Tottenham on Sunday. Lijnders last spoke to the media after the 10-1 victory over Exeter City so has experience being the centre of attention. Despite Lijnders stepping in, we should still hear an update on City's injury concerns, especially Doku who picked up a calf issue during the win on Wednesday night.
Stay tuned for updates...