Spurs face a huge early test in the Premier League as Thomas Frank prepares his side to take on Pep Guardiola at the Etihad. Let’s take a look at our predicted Tottenham XI to face Manchester City.
Tottenham Hotspur are set for their biggest test yet of the Premier League season, rather early, with a clash against Manchester City in matchday two.
Both sides come into this tie in good form, with Tottenham dispatching Burnley 3-0 in their season opener, while Pep Guardiola’s men were ruthless against Wolves, beating them 4-0.
It is a case of first versus third, and for Frank, this presents a real opportunity to gauge just how well his side can compete against the top teams in the league, in what will be a long and gruelling campaign.
Tottenham predicted XI vs Manchester City
Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario: Thomas Frank looks set to continue with Vicario as his number one. The Italian kept a clean sheet against Burnley and will be tasked with stopping a lethal City attack. The last time Tottenham defeated City 4-0 at the Etihad, Vicario produced a standout display, and Frank will want a repeat performance.
Right-back – Pedro Porro: The Spaniard offers flexibility, capable of playing as a conventional full-back or pushing higher as a wing-back, but either way, he is expected to start on the right.
Centre-back – Cristian Romero: Romero’s importance to Tottenham cannot be overstated, and against a City side already firing on all cylinders, Frank is unlikely to consider dropping him.
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Centre-back – Micky van de Ven: The Dutchman’s recovery pace will be vital against Erling Haaland, and his presence at the back looks certain.
Left-back – Djed Spence: With Destiny Udogie’s fitness still uncertain, Spence is expected to continue as the preferred choice on the left.
Pivot midfielder – Joao Palhinha: Rested in the win over Burnley with Archie Gray starting instead, Palhinha is expected to return to anchor midfield for this heavyweight clash.
Pivot midfielder – Rodrigo Bentancur: Bentancur was also rested at Turf Moor, with Lucas Bergvall taking his role, but Frank is likely to restore the Uruguayan’s experience for this one.
Centre-midfielder – Pape Matar Sarr: With Tottenham still lacking a natural attacking midfielder, Sarr is expected to be pushed further forward again in a makeshift role.
Right-midfielder – Mohammed Kudus: The Ghana international has made an instant impact at Spurs, registering two assists against Burnley, and his creativity will be crucial against City.
Striker – Richarlison: After netting twice at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last time out, Richarlison should retain his place through the middle even with Dominic Solanke back fit.