Up next for Manchester City is tonight’s must win game against Tottenham Hotspur. Pep Guardiola’s side know they must win tonight to ensure that heading into the final day of the Premier League season, they will hold their destiny in their own hands.
Manchester City is chasing a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title. A victory tonight would move them to within one game of creating history. With Arsenal currently top of the table by a point over the champions, City will play their game in hand tonight. But a tough test awaits the world champions at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Ange Postecoglou’s side still has a faint hope of overcoming Aston Villa for fourth place on the Premier League table and a potential place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Tonight’s game has plenty at stake for both teams. Here is how Manchester City is shaping up ahead of what could be season defining match one way or another against Spurs.
Manchester City team news
Pep Guardiola informed the media yesterday that Jack Grealish had overcome illness and will be available for selection tonight. The England international missed City’s 4-nil win over Fulham due to illness. He may have a role to play tonight at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The only major injury concern for Manchester City is defender Nathan Ake. The Dutch defender was substituted early in City’s win over Fulham with what looked to be a calf injury. Pep Guardiola told the media yesterday that it would depend on how Ake got through training yesterday if he could feature tonight. Guardiola said when asked Ake’s condition: “Nathan was much better yesterday, Now we are going to train, and we will see if he can train later today.”
Predicted Manchester City starting eleven
Ederson: There doesn’t appear to be any need for a change in goal for tonight’s game. Ederson should take his place in goal for tonight’s game.
Kyle Walker: Tottenham does possess a threat on the break, and Walker’s pace may be crucial in nullifying that threat.
Manuel Akanji: The Swiss international has been one of City’s most consistent players this season. That form should see him start against Spurs.
Ruben Dias: He had a good game against Fulham, and he will be hoping to carry that form into tonight’s match. With Ake in doubt that should see Dias start.
Josko Gvardiol: He was outstanding against Fulham, and Gvardiol has become an almost automatic selection at left-back.
Rodri: Once again, Rodri will line up in the heart of City’s midfield. He will be hoping for another big performance in a huge game for Manchester City.
Mateo Kovacic: The partnership of Kovacic and Rodri has been outstanding of late. It may be called upon tonight to give City as much control as possible against Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Kevin De Bruyne: De Bruyne has been critical to City’s recent run. While he hasn’t been at his absolute best, his value in creating for others should see him start tonight’s match.
Bernardo Silva: Another automatic selection, especially at this time of the season. Pep Guardiola knows he can count on Bernardo, and he will again be relying on the Portuguese midfielder tonight.
Phil Foden: Whenever City has needed a hero this season, so often it has been Foden who has stepped up. Could tonight’s match see more heroics from Foden?
Erling Haaland: There is no doubt that Haaland will start tonight. He could be the danger man for Tottenham given Spurs high defensive line. It could be the ideal setting for Haaland to make a defining impact on this season’s title race tonight.