5 Questions: Manchester City v Tottenham

Tottenham travel north on Saturday in hopes of securing their seventh consecutive Premier League win — that is unless Manchester City have something to say about it.

Just as we did prior to Tottenham-Manchester City back in October, HotspurHQ has teamed up with our FanSided cousins Man City Square to exchange five questions and answers about the upcoming fixture.

Special thanks for Man City Square writer Larry Henry for taking the time to answer these questions and compose some of his own. Check out our answers over here.

HotspurHQ: What changes do Guardiola need to make to contain Harry Kane and Dele Alli?

Larry Henry: I think against a top attacking duo, Pep will need to play much more defensively in the past. Manchester City need a good result Saturday to help ease the latest pressure on the boss and team. Maybe he goes with two defensive midfielders to have more of a defensive shield in front of the struggling back-line.

HHQ: Are City’s troubles of late a matter of recruitment or tactics? If Guardiola buys a full-back or two, are his problems solved? Or is he struggling to adapt to the English game?

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LH: I think tactics. Pep needs time to work with these players and it probably won’t really happen till the summer. In several interviews, he has stated to the media that he needs time like he had in Bayern and Barcelona. I feel he needs some younger wingbacks but who knows if it will get done in the January window. He is struggling a little to adapt, but I think in time he will be able to adjust to the English game.

HHQ: Who are the two most underrated members of this City squad?

LH: Hmm thats tough. I would say Fernando and Nicolas Otamendi. A lot of the other main players for City are expected to do more and haven’t lived up to their expectations. Players like Aguero, KDB, Sterling, and Silva need to do more when playing. Fernando doesn’t get much playing time but when he does I feel he does a good job in defense. Nicolas Otamendi has done a good job in the back and has had a different CB partner each match to his credit. Both are physical and have stood out for me.

HHQ: Do you miss Joe Hart? Do you think he still has a future with the club?

LH: I do miss Joe Hart, I was never a fan of seeing him go but it’s what Pep wanted. Hart seems to be relishing at Torino at the moment, and I don’t see him returning to City. I know he would like to stay in England for the National Team and that is where I see him ending up after this season in Italy.

Next: Tottenham's Strongest to Take On Manchester City

HHQ: What’s your match prediction? How does City’s season end?

LH: Sadly, I see City falling 2-1 at home. Tottenham are just too good at the moment and are my pick to give Chelsea the biggest run for the title. Strong in the back and consistent up front are their strengths right now and that will continue Saturday. For City’s season, I see them finishing either 4th or 5th. Too many defeats, and dropped points have hurt and with Champions League/ F.A. Cup fixtures approaching it is a lot to focus on. The goal for Pep right now is to get this team back into Europe for next season, preferably entering at the group stage, not the qualifying round.