The Tottenham Lineup That Should Start Against Manchester City

Tottenham embark on a harsh run of fixtures up until the festive period, starting with the visit of Manchester City on Saturday evening.

Pep Guardiola will be looking to avenge the Cityzens' defeat in this fixture last season, a contest in which Oleksandr Zinchenko's dismissal proved pivotal in an eventual 2-0 Lilywhites victory after the visitors dominated the opening hour of proceedings.

The hosts head into this bout an almost unrecognisable outfit from the unit that claimed victory back in February. The feeling around the club is overwhelmingly positive, with Harry Kane's late winner at West Brom last time out leaving them second in the Premier League table heading into the international break.

However, they now enter a defining period with City just the start of demanding fixture-list which also includes Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Leicester before Christmas.

Nevertheless, Mourinho's attention for the past two weeks has been firmly on Guardiola's side and this is the starting XI he could opt for at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.


1. Goalkeepers & Defenders

Hugo Lloris has starred for the Lilywhites this term | Pool/Getty Images

Hugo Lloris (GK) - The French shot-stopper has returned to his very best form this season and impressed recently with the national team. There's no doubting that a big-game brainfart is due, mind.

Serge Aurier (RB) - Matt Doherty's positive coronavirus test means the Ivorian's a sure bet to start on Saturday. Aurier's certainly been buoyed by the Irishman's arrival but you might want to check the odds on City getting a penalty in this one.

Toby Alderweireld (CB) - While the Belgian is past his 2016 best, there's little questioning that he's enjoyed a resurgence following the June restart last season. Alderweireld has been unassuming in his defensive work as of late, which is always a good thing.

Eric Dier (CB) - Dier's been a regular in the Spurs defence this term, with his aggression and aerial ability certainly establishing him as a personal favourite of Mourinho's. The England international was impressive in the recent three-game Premier League run which saw them concede just once.

Sergio Reguilon (LB) - The Spaniard's been a hit since his summer arrival with his dynamism and energy down the left pivotal to Spurs' attacking play - primarily as his forays facilitate Son Heung-min's infield drifts. He's one of the first names on Mourinho's team sheet.


2. Midfielders

Tanguy Ndombele's improvement in 2020/21 from 2019/20 has been stark | Pool/Getty Images

Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg (DM) - Bargain of the window. The Dane has completely overhauled this Tottenham midfield through his efficiency, tenacity, astuteness and technique - unlocking Tanguy Ndombele in the process. Spurs simply can't function without him.

Tanguy Ndombele (CM) - The Frenchman was forced off against the Baggies two weeks ago with a foot injury but it's an issue which won't see him miss any time. Ndombele's resurgence is well-documented, with Mourinho attempting to ease him in by utilising him higher upfield to start the Premier League campaign. He's emerged as a key spoke in this Spurs side.

Moussa Sissoko (CM) - Giovani Lo Celso's brilliance while away with the national team certainly puts him in contention, but it's unlikely for Mourinho to unleash the Lo Celso x Ndombele tandem against a side like City. Sissoko's ease in transition will see him selected on Saturday.


3. Forwards

These two will team-up once more after two weeks apart | PETER POWELL/Getty Images

Gareth Bale (RW) - The Welshman underwhelmed on his first Premier League start since his return at West Brom last time out but following an impressive break with Wales, he's set to earn another opportunity to impress from the get-go on Saturday.

Harry Kane (ST) - You'd be far from crazy if you suggested no-one in world football is playing at a higher level than this man at the moment. 14 games, ten goals and 13 assists is a simply ludicrous return to start the season.

Son Heung-min (LW) - The reigning Premier League Player of the Month returned from international duty unscathed despite a coronavirus outbreak in the South Korean camp. Son hasn't netted in his last four outings but will be the man Spurs rely on to expose City's high line on Saturday.


Source : 90min