By Graham Ruthven
A turning level
Saturday’s win over Ipswich City was a landmark second for Tottenham Hotspur. It marked the primary time all season that they’d strung collectively three straight wins within the Premier League, hinting at how Spurs are slowly turning round their fortunes.
In fact, Ange Postecoglou’s group are nonetheless a great distance from the place they wish to be, sitting within the backside half of the desk with simply 12 video games of the marketing campaign left. However there are lastly causes for optimism across the North London membership.
Optimism is one thing that’s briefly provide round Manchester Metropolis after a harmful week for the Premier League champions. Certainly, back-to-back defeats to Actual Madrid and Liverpool highlighted the basic frailties in Pep Guardiola’s aspect.
In opposition to Liverpool, Guardiola arrange his group to regulate possession. Metropolis, nevertheless, did not create many alternatives. They may lean right into a extra direct method towards Spurs, however that dangers turning the sport right into a basketball match. Guardiola faces a tactical conundrum.
Key gamers
Son Heung-min was again to his greatest in Tottenham’s 4-1 win over Ipswich, contributing two glorious assists for Brennan Johnson. The South Korean has scored eight targets towards Metropolis in his profession and will add to that tally on Wednesday night time.
Mathys Tel is anticipated to begin as Spurs’ attacking point of interest as Dominic Solanke continues to make his restoration from harm. The younger Frenchman will dovetail with Son on the left wing.
Kevin Danso’s arrival has steadied Tottenham’s defence and the Austrian might want to produce an enormous efficiency to maintain Manchester Metropolis’s assault at arm’s size. Djed Spence, nevertheless, will give Spurs a strategy to get out from the again, whether or not that’s as a left or proper again.
With Erling Haaland a doubt to function, Omar Marmoush may very well be requested to steer the road for Metropolis as soon as once more with Phil Foden an alternative choice within the remaining third.
Jérémy Doku and Savinho may hold their place after beginning towards Liverpool, though Kevin de Bruyne’s lacklustre show may push Guardiola in the direction of one other central midfielder alongside Nico González.
The tempo of the Tottenham assault will hold Nathan Aké and Rúben Dias on their toes with Abdukodir Khusanov one other defender who may begin for Metropolis on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Staff information
Whereas Tottenham’s harm troubles have eased in current weeks, they nonetheless have variety of vital gamers sidelined.
Certainly, Solanke, Radu Drăgușin, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Richarlison will all miss Wednesday’s match towards Manchester Metropolis with Timo Werner set to face a late health take a look at forward of kick-off.
Haaland’s true health continues to be the topic of hypothesis. The Norwegian wasn’t included within the squad to face Liverpool on Sunday, however Guardiola has remained coy on whether or not he may play towards Tottenham.
Lengthy-term absentees Rodri, John Stones and Handbook Akanji will all miss the journey to North London with Oscar Bobb additionally a doubt.
Prediction
We’re going with targets, and the house aspect to shade it: Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 Manchester Metropolis
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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