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Projected Tottenham starting 11 for Manchester City battle

By Gary Pearson

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 07: Erik Lamela of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 7, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 07: Erik Lamela of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 7, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham have their work cut out for them as they travel to Manchester to face league leaders City, the in-form team on the continent. 

City have won 10 straight Premier League contests, amassing a five point lead atop the table. Spurs are capable of beating anyone on any given day, but will need to execute their game plan immaculately to have any chance of ending City’s winning run. And that includes committing absolutely no personal blunders.

Below is the starting 11 Jose Mourinho should employ against Pep Guardiola’s seemingly indomitable side.

Tottenham’s starting lineup

Defence:

Serge Aurier’s inclusion is doubtful after suffering a calf injury in the victory against West Brom. His counterpart, Sergio Reguilón, is definitely out as he nurses a muscle injury. He should return in the next few weeks.

Hugo Lloris, with Joe Hart playing the role of understudy, has no chance of losing his starting spot. But considering the quantity and manner of his past egregious errors, one would at least hope a shadow of doubt is cast on his long-term future at the club.

At this point, we might be better off deciding who starts at centre back with a coin toss. Davinson Sanchez should rest after playing midweek against Everton. Even if the Columbian is good to go, his performance on Wednesday didn’t exactly instil the utmost confidence, which is saying a lot considering his two-goal contribution. He was out of sorts defensively and should make way for Eric Dier, who has also struggled mightily. Dier is completely devoid of confidence, so his inclusion is also a risky move for the gaffer.

But it would be unfair to ask Joe Rodon to start against one of the world’s most dynamic, crafty, speedy and threatening attacks. Toby, another of Spurs’ struggling centre backs, is the most experienced of the lot, and should retain his spot in the middle of a shaky, unsure rearguard.

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