Tottenham vs. Manchester City: Tactical Preview of Premier League Game
Tottenham Hotspur host Manchester City on Sunday in a match where two teams will be playing for pride and preparation ahead of next season. The former's top-four chase has gone up in smoke, much like the latter's title challenge, and both Mauricio Pochettino and Manuel Pellegrini have serious questions to mull over as a result.
Tottenham Hotspur News
Tottenham are likely looking at a single change from their XI that drew at St. Mary's Stadium last week, with Ben Davies missing out due to a dislocated shoulder. The Welshman left the contest on Saturday on a stretcher with an oxygen mask.
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Danny Rose should recover to play in his place—he's first-choice anyway—while Eric Dier will continue in place of Kyle Walker on the right side. Paulinho will be available after missing last weekend's game for the birth of his child but is unlikely to play.
Mauricio Pochettino will have to choose between two incredibly underwhelming options in Federico Fazio and Vlad Chiriches at centre-back. There's always a chance of Dier moving inside and DeAndre Yedlin getting his first start at right-back, but that's an even riskier move for obvious reasons.
Manchester City News
Stevan Jovetic, Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure and Gael Clichy have all been ruled out of this contest, per WhoScored.com, so a string of stand-ins should continue to play for City.
Samir Nasri is also a doubt, meaning the James Milner-Jesus Navas combination on the wings should continue and David Silva can take his place in the No. 10 position.
Fernandinho played well against Aston Villa after coming off the bench and could start ahead of Frank Lampard in holding midfield. Sergio Aguero leads the league with 21 goals and will be hoping to add to that tally in search of the golden boot.
Key Point 1: Navas vs. Rose
Navas gets a lot of stick due to his distinct lack of end product, but he holds the width very well for Manuel Pellegrini and is, on paper, key to any Manchester City game.
Against both Manchester United and Aston Villa he was able to get at their respective left-backs, gain ground down the right and open up crossing chances. The problem is, due to his indecisiveness and a complete lack of confidence, the service is poor.
Rose is certain to smash his way forward whenever possible, leaving space for Navas (and Aguero) to nip in behind. It again becomes about Navas' efficiency when crossing and trying to find his man—he gets enough chances!
Key Point 2: What's the Plan?
At St. Mary's Stadium last Saturday, the only thing Christian Eriksen did of note was gee his side up after Graziano Pelle headed the Saints ahead in the second half. That resonated with the fans, but he still left his contribution to the cause woefully short.
When your main creative threats appear to be Dier (crossing and through balls) and Nacer Chadli (dribbling and finishing), you're in trouble. Erik Lamela scored last weekend but he handballed it into the net.
Spurs need to coax consistent form out of the consistently hot-and-cold Eriksen and work out exactly how they wish to play off Harry Kane up front. He not only looks tired but unsure of how the ball is supposed to be being played.
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