Undoubtedly the most intriguing encounter of the Premier League weekend, Manchester City vs Spurs is sure to be a fixture that captures the imagination of supporters and neutrals alike.
Both teams are vying for top four positions this season and both still harbour dreams of catching Chelsea at the top of the table.
Spurs are better placed to do that, seven points behind and in lethal form of late. Man City… not so much. Although just three points further behind, their inconsistency has been a real problem over the last six weeks and they’re in danger of dropping off the pace completely.
Both teams will be desperate for victory, Spurs to keep that winning run going and City to kick-start their 2017 and finally reach the potential they have under Pep Guardiola.
There’s massive talent in both squads and just about every player in both expected XIs are capable of a big performance on their day. Who are the key talents and where will this fixture be won?
Here are the FIVE key battles that will define Saturday’s encounter…
Harry Kane vs John Stones
John Stones isn’t having a great season in a Manchester City shirt. A disastrous performance against Everton last week was just the latest in a series of sub-par displays from him under Guardiola.
Looking so composed last season for Everton, he now looks like a rabbit caught in the headlights. It’s a heavy glare, with increasing criticism from fans and press piling the pressure on him.
He won’t take comfort in the fact he faces Harry Kane at the absolute peak of his powers. Kane has scored 15 goals for Spurs this season and netted a superb hat-trick last week against West Brom.
If Kane turns up in that form, then it could be another long afternoon for the young English defender.
Yaya Toure vs Victor Wanyama
Yaya Toure had a slow start to life under Guardiola at City but he’s started to show he’s getting back to becoming the midfielder Citizens fans fell in love with.
In Victor Wanyama, he comes up against one of his toughest opponents of the season. We saw when up against N’Golo Kante that Wanyama can out-perform the very best the Premier League has to offer.
We’re expecting a pretty open again at the Etihad Stadium but if it does come down to a stodgy midfield skirmish, then these are the two who will be battling it out.
Whoever comes out on top could be the inspiration behind a win for their team.
Danny Rose vs Bacary Sagna
Danny Rose is arguably having his best season in a Tottenham Hotspur shirt. His dynamic, exciting performances down Spurs’ left flank have left fans thrilled and his team racking up the points.
Pochettino’s unshackled both him and Kyle Walker and it’s paying dividends in the final third with both players adding an extra dimension to the Tottenham attack.
The man tasked with stopping him on Saturday will likely be Bacary Sagna. The French international has all the experience in the world and will need to use every bit of it to keep Rose quiet. If Spurs expose the right or left hand side of the City defence then it could be another disastrous day for the home side.
Pablo Zabaleta vs Christian Eriksen
With Fernandinho suspended and Fernando a doubt due to injury, Guardiola may have to turn to Pablo Zabaleta to deputise as the team’s primary defensive midfielder.
It’s not a role the Argentinian is familiar with but he has featured in the middle of the park for them on three occasions this term.
Zabaleta’s main responsibility will be nullifying the threat of Spurs’ vibrant attacking midfield and the man who makes them tick most is Christian Eriksen.
The Danish superstar is arguably Spurs’ top performer this season, producing a consistent level of performance from August through to now. He’s their main creative force and if Zabaleta can keep him quiet then Spurs will have lost one of their key men.
Toby Alderweireld vs Sergio Aguero
We’ve spoken a lo about how City must contain the threat of Spurs but let’s not forget the home side have a lethal attacking force too.
Sergio Aguero is the main man at the Etihad Stadium and with 15 goals in all competitions this season has kept City going throughout.
He’s up against in-form defender Toby Alderweireld who takes on increased responsibility in the Spurs defence due to the absence of Jan Vertonghen. The Belgian defender will have to be at the top of his game on Saturday; Aguero has the quality and clinical nature to punish even the slightest mistake.
If there’s a small slip-up, it could end Spurs’ winning run.
