Tottenham currently sit in 9th place in the EPL after a somewhat slow start to the season. The Spurs will hope to start afresh on Saturday after a midweek loss to rivals Arsenal in the league cup.
Spurs defense has improved this year but the team has struggled closing teams out and getting striker Harry Kane on the score sheet, they will hope to fix that this weekend against City.
Goalkeeper
Hugo Lloris
After speculation over a possible move to Man United this summer and fracturing his wrist in preseason, Lloris has had a good start to season, making the game saving saves that Spurs fans have come to know and rely upon. Lloris should have his work cut out this weekend going up against a strong attack that could include Sterling, Silva, De Bruyne and Aguero.
Right Back
Kyle Walker
So far this season, the 25-year-old England international has been able to keep his spot over new signing Kieran Trippier by playing solid defense. Walker hasn’t gotten up on offense much this year and when he has, he’s been pretty ineffective, and while Trippier offers a little more on the offensive end with swinging crosses, look for Pochettino to select his man again to try to offset Raheem Sterling’s pace.
Center Backs
Once a position of concern for Spur’s fans, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen have secured the back this year with solid performances so far the campaign. The Belgium duo have a good chemistry with one another and are both not afraid to get involved on the offensive end.
Alderweireld has yet to notch his first goal in Spurs colors but it’s not for a lack of trying, he’s had multiple opportunities on corners but has yet to convert. He may well get his chance this weekend against City, who has been vulnerable on set pieces in the past.
Left Back
Ben Davies
The Welsh international has been able so far this year to keep Danny Rose off the pitch, something he was unable to do last year. Davies has played well this year, showing a confidence that was at times missing last year as he tried to settle in during his first year with Spurs.
Like Rose, Davies is not afraid to get forward, and while Rose has more pace to burn, Davies has been able to deliver more consistent crosses than his counterpart. Last week against Crystal Palace Davies became victim of the new offside rule after having a headed goal disallowed because Harry Kane was found in an offside position.
Center Midfielders
With Ryan Mason a doubt and Moussa Dembele and Nabil Bentaleb still injured, Eric Dier looks set to partner Deli Alli again in the center of the pitch. Dier has been a wonderful surprise this year, as the converted center back has found a home in the center of the pitch. An aggressive player, Dier has added needed steel to a usually soft Spur’s side. If he continues the stellar play he should see an England call up soon.
Opposite Dier, Deli Alli has also surprised, but not in how good he is, but in how fast he has gotten that good. The 19-year-old Englishmen is making Spurs and England fan’s a like salivate over the potential that has been on display so far this campaign. Standing at 6’2, Alli is an imposing player but it’s his confidence and play making ability that is reaching the ears of England manager Roy Hodgson as he could become a household name soon with a possible call up to the English squad that will face Estonia and Lithuania next month.
Attacking Midfielders
Mauricio Pochettino has favored Nacer Chadli on the left so far this year but after a few lackluster performances and with the return of Christian Eriksen from injury he should find a spot on the bench this weekend. With Eriksen in the middle, Erik Lamela should slide to his right, where he still hasn’t reached his full potential but is having his best season so far in a Spurs’ uniform.
On the left, the pacy winger Son Heung-Min has been in fine form after scoring the winner last week against Palace. Son is already looking like a wonderful signing for Spurs as he has settled in quickly and given the team a much needed spark. A player with relentless energy, Tottenham will need him to be active this Saturday.
Forward
Harry Kane
The 22-year-old England international has started the season surprisingly slow, failing to convert so far this campaign. After scoring 31 goals in all-competitions last year Harry seems to be feeling the pressure this season, failing to score on multiple chances that you would have to think the Kane from last year would’ve put away soundly. But it’s too early for Spurs fans to become restless as it’s important that even during his drought he’s been active and able to get in good scoring positions.
Like Aguero on the other side, Kane has yet to find his form this season. Kane was arguable the premier league’s most valuable player as he accounted for over a third of his side’s goals last campaign. And while Spurs would be ecstatic to get three points on Saturday and would be okay with settling for a point, having Kane get on score sheet and kick starting his season might be more important than any amount of points.
(4-2-3-1)
