As Manchester City take on Spurs at White Hart Lane this weekend, one thing Manuel Pellegrini’s outfit will look to re-find is consistency and after Tuesday’s demolition of Sunderland in the League Cup, this tie acts as a perfect chance to do so.
With a plethora of injuries you’d think Pellegrini would have a headache with regards to team selection tomorrow lunchtime but with such depth in this years current squad, the omissions of David Silva and Eliaquim Mangala from the starting XI, can easily be deputised for by the likes of Nicolas Otamendi and Jesus Navas respectively.
My predicted XI is as follows:
Joe Hart: Freshly rested after Willy Caballero’s inclusion in Tuesday’s side and as Pellegrini announced in his press conference today, recently recovered from an injury – the England No.1 will look to carry on with what had been an impressive run of clean-sheets before Bilic’s West Ham team came to the Etihad.
Bacary Sagna: Although he featured against Sunderland the Frenchmen is well worth his right-back starting position and despite a newly fit Pablo Zabalea on the block, Sagna won’t see his starting place threatened for this one after what has been a stellar season to date.
Nicolas Otamendi: With Mangala out injured it only seems logical our £32 million pound investment makes a start in central defence.
Vincent Kompany: Was torn between Kompany and argentine Martin Demichelis over this one but with Pellegrini announcing Kompany’s 100% fitness today, surely the captain must start- especially with the start to the season he’s had.
Aleksandar Kolarov: With Gaël Clichy a long term absentee through injury, Kolarov will most certainly start this one. Hoping our Serb has a good’n.
Yaya Toure: Fresh from a recent interview with the M.E.N over his newfound hunger and determination, the Ivorian is a no-brainer for this fixture. Being the player who has played the most minutes this season – he’ll be up for the fight.
Fernandinho: No question about this one, irrespective of Fernando’s solid performance on Tuesday night.
Jesus Navas: With David Silva missing we’re likely to see KDB play a more central role and Jesus Navas take up a position on the right flank. After what’s been a very mixed bag this season we’re hoping our Spaniard can pull out the stops for this one.
Kevin De Bruyne: With the performances our Belgian has been coming up with over his last three games, starting the ex-Wolfsburg man is a must.
Raheem Sterling: After scoring a brace midweek, (albeit an own goal from his shot being on of them), Sterling has hopefully regained his hitherto form and will provide us with a compelling offensive display.
Sergio Aguero: You’d play Aguero with a broken leg vs Spurs. seven in his last seven against Pocchetino’s side is a fantastic record and he’ll only be wanting to carry that on, even in the poor form he is in.
