Tottenham host Man City in the EFL Cup Round 4
Tottenham Hotspur host Manchester City on Wednesday, October 30th, at 20:15 UK time in their round 4 fixture of the Carabao Cup at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Just three days after being beaten by Crystal Palace, the Lilywhites have an opportunity to hit back against a side they enjoy playing on home soil, and one that could be heavily rotated.
As minor a competition as the EFL Cup may be in comparison to the others, it is also a chance for Spurs to win a trophy – a feat they have not achieved for an incredibly long time. Interestingly, the last piece of silverware they won was the League Cup, known back then as the Carling Cup. This year, their round 4 clash will arguably be their most difficult clash as well.
Team News
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur have several players that have been overworked, the most visible effect of which can clearly be seen on Destiny Udogie amongst others. Having said that, the Italian will not miss the match but Son Heung-min and Djed Spence will due to their injury problems.
Ange Postecoglou has a fully fit squad to choose from and is unlikely to make wholesale changes to his name against Manchester City, especially being mindful of just how determined he has been to win a trophy in his second season in charge of Spurs to continue his tradition from everywhere else.
PREDICTED TOTTENHAM XI (4-3-3): Forster; Gray, Dragusin, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bentancur, Maddison; Werner, Johnson, Richarlison
Manchester City
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has already hinted at some academy players receiving minutes against Tottenham given the tight list of fixtures as well as the injury woes his side is encountering. Kevin De Bruyne is set to remain out, as are the likes of Jeremy Doku, Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, Oscar Bobb and Rodri.
Erling Haaland could also be among those rested as he is going to be Man City’s most important player going forward, especially in the Premier League and the Champions League. There could be several rotations at the back and in midfield alike, which could tip the balance of the tie in favour of Ange Postecoglou’s side.
PREDICTED MAN CITY XI (4-1-4-1): Ortega; Lewis, Stones, Braithwaite, Ake; O’Reilly; Savio, McAtee, Gundogan, Nunes; Foden
Match-deciding duel
Richarlison vs John Stones
Tottenham Hotspur star Richarlison might be starting as the central forward with Dominic Solanke expected to rest. He will need to deliver the goods if Spurs are to win and is likely to be high on morale having scored his maiden goal of the campaign in last week’s Europa League win over AZ Alkmaar. His challenge will not be an easy one though as he will square up against John Stones.
Stones is brilliant in reading the movements made by strikers in the penalty box, while his physical prowess and aerial ability could prove to be a handful as well for Richarlison. It will be an exciting duel to watch and one that could very possibly dictate the course of the match.
Prediction
Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Manchester City
Against a relatively depleted Manchester City side, Tottenham Hotspur should have enough in them to find the back of the net. However, their opportunities may be few and far in between as the visitors will dominate the lion’s share of the ball.
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The second half could really tilt the game in City’s favour given their superior bench strength. Also, keeping Tottenham’s recent form in mind, there is not much hope for Ange Postecoglou’s side in front of a far better tactician and a side that can kill an opponent with just half a chance.