As far as Manchester City are concerned, they currently find themselves in crisis.
The defending Premier League champions have lost their last four matches in all competitions – the first time Pep Guardiola has suffered such a fate in his managerial career – and have been cut adrift of Liverpool at the summit of the table. With injuries coming thick and fast, it’s proving a testing period for the Cityzens.
However, talismanic coach Guardiola agreeing terms on an extension of his City contract will certainly raise spirits inside the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon as Tottenham Hotspur arrive for a mouth-watering Premier League duel.
Here is how Man City could line up this weekend.
GK: Ederson – Ederson is certainly not used to being this exposed. The Brazilian has conceded eight goals in his last three appearances for City and failed to keep a clean sheet in either of Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers over the international break.
RB: Kyle Walker – The veteran right-back has shown obvious signs of decline at the beginning of the new campaign but his experience and speed could be utilised to keep Son Heung-min under control against his former employers.
CB: John Stones – Stones has been missing since the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup fourth round but has now returned to training ahead of Saturday’s meeting. With Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias both major doubts, Guardiola may have to rush Stones back into action.
CB: Manuel Akanji – The Switzerland defender withdrew from November’s internationals due to fitness concerns, although it may have been a tactical ploy from Guardiola rather than any serious issue. He’s already back in training for the Cityzens.
LB: Josko Gvardiol – After being terrorised by Liverpool and Scotland youngster Ben Doak over the international period, Gvardiol may have a few doubts in the back of his mind when facing up against Welshman Brennan Johnson.
DM: Kevin De Bruyne – City have desperately missed De Bruyne’s influence in midfield over the past two months and he may be thrust back into the starting XI on Saturday. The Belgian’s telepathic connection with Erling Haaland may come in handy.
DM: Ilkay Gundogan – Mateo Kovacic is sidelined for at least the next few weeks after sustaining an injury with Croatia. As a result, the experienced Gundogan should replace him as City’s deepest-lying midfielder.
RW: Bernardo Silva – Often a clutch performer on the big stage, Guardiola may opt for the control that Silva provides over the explosivity of his traditional wingers. He’s yet to showcase his best this term.
AM: Phil Foden – Foden withdrew from the England squad over the international break, leaving him primed to play a significant part at the weekend. He needs to transfer his Champions League form to the Premier League swiftly.
LW: Savinho – Savinho’s versatility makes him an undeniable threat from either flank and he will be eager to take advantage of some attack-minded full-backs on Saturday. He started both of Brazil’s internationals, though, perhaps leaving him a little fatigued.
ST: Erling Haaland – The 24-year-old has been uncharacteristically profligate in recent outings but he set that right over the international period. Having already netted against Brighton & Hove Albion before the break, he proceeded to score four across two matches for Norway.
