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Tottenham head to the Etihad this weekend with their backs against the wall and needing a response.
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Inconsistency has been a real issue for Tottenham Hotspur, and it's frustrating because when they are good, they are very good. The Lilywhites have somehow managed to lose to the likes of Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town, but have also beaten top teams like Manchester United and Aston Villa.
Last season, at this same stage, they were sitting second in the league table. Although their campaign eventually faltered due to injuries and players fading in form, no club has scored more goals than Ange Postecoglou's team this season - yet they find themselves in 10th place in the league table. They are as excellent as they have been poor. Now, Ange Postecoglou must find a way to get the team to produce one of its best performances. Ahead of the game, here is the line-up we anticipate he will choose.
Goalkeepers and Defenders
Guglielmo Vicario has returned from international duty and will need to be at his best to keep Manchester City from scoring. He has the ability, and the defense is likely to feature Cristian Romero, who, despite picking up a knock while on international duty, will be paired with Radu Drăgușin. It may come too soon for Mickey van de Ven, while the left-back position will likely go to the promising young Destiny Udogie, and Pedro Porro will keep his spot at right-back.
Midfield
This is where it gets tricky. Only one player is a certainty in the midfield, and that is Dejan Kulusevski, who has been by far Tottenham's best player this season. Beyond that, it’s difficult to predict. Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended, so he is out of the equation. This opens the door for Yves Bissouma, who will likely be supported by the energetic Senegalese youngster Pape Sarr.This is the midfield I think will give Postecoglou the best chance to win the game.
Forward
This is where the damage will be done. Brennan Johnson deserves his spot in the team, given his form this season. His pace and legs will be valuable, while captain Son Heung-min is always a threat against Manchester City. He will join Dominic Solanke, who is expected to lead the attack.