Guardiola to axe ‘finished’ De Bruyne – Man City predicted XI v Tottenham
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola could make three changes to his starting line-up for trip to Tottenham on Wednesday.
Both sides could do with a win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 26 February after underwhelming Premier League campaigns so far.
The Citizens are still expected to qualify for the Champions League but were rocked by a disappointing defeat to Liverpool on Sunday (23 February).
Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou’s side sit in 12th place with their only route to European football next season being winning the Europa League.
Guardiola to make three changes v Tottenham
Ederson is expected to continue between the sticks despite conceding two against Liverpool.
One change is predicted for the visitors’ backline against Spurs, with Nathan Ake replaced after recording just 50 per cent for accurate long balls in the contest at the Etihad Stadium. [Fotmob]
Ruben Diaz might replace the Dutchman with Rico Lewis, Josko Gvardiol and Abdukodir Khusanov completing the defence, the latter won two of three aerial duels against the Reds for a 67 per cent success rate.
At the base of midfield, Nico Gonzalez is expected to continue after recording a 95 per cent pass completion and misplacing just five of his 93 attempted passes against Arne Slot’s side.
De Bruyne to be dropped for Man City
Ahead of the Spaniard, Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva might be recalled in place of Phil Foden and Kevin de Bruyne after the latter completed just two of four attempted long passes for a 50 per cent success rate.
The Belgian has been considered as one of the best players in the division during his time in Manchester but his powers seem to be waining and he was hooked in the 66th minute by Guardiola.
| Stats | De Bruyne v Liverpool |
| Pass completion | 23/29 (79%) |
| Accurate crosses | 1/2 (50%) |
| Accurate long balls | 2/4 (50%) |
On the wings, Savinho and Jeremy Doku are predicted to continue, the Belgian completed 15 take-ons against the Reds, the second most since Opta records began in the 2003/04 season, so Spurs will have to keep an eye on him.
Erling Haaland missed the Liverpool clash so Omar Marmoush could start upfront for the defending champions, he was the most fouled player in Sunday’s clash and had four shots in an encouraging display despite defeat.
Although the Norwegian may be out, the Lilywhites still need to be vigilant as City’s attack is dangerous and Postecoglou cannot afford more setbacks if he is to keep his job.