Predicting Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur XI for Manchester City
By Aaron Coe
Predicting the Tottenham Defense
The defense was one area where many expected some action in the transfer market, but it never came. This means we will see much of the same defense we have all season and will be hoping they can maintain their focus for a full 90 minutes against a team that capitalizes on mistakes.
Left-back – Ben Davies
Davies started the last time Tottenham played City and did okay, although he was replaced late on by Clement Lenglet. That change ended up being an unfortunate one for Spurs, as Lenglet made an error that gifted Riyad Marhez his second goal and City the game at 4-2. With more offensive weapons on the bench, perhaps Davies plays the full 90.
Center-back – Eric Dier
Perhaps the position most needed for an upgrade, Eric Dier will again be starting in the heart of Spurs’ defense. Dier is not terrible by any means, but he is typically good for a brainfart or error each match, which has cost Tottenham a lot over the years. When he plays peerless, Spurs can win; let’s hope that is the case Sunday as Dier battles Erling Haaland.
Right-back – Cristian Romero
Maybe the one position fans and likely the coaching staff feels good about in the defense is right-back, at least when Cristian Romero is healthy. If Romero can win his battles with Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne on the Tottenham right, it can take a lot of pressure off Davies on the left and keep City away from the goal.
Goalkeeper – Hugo Lloris
Fresh from a day off against Preston in the FA Cup and coming off a clean sheet against Fulham in the League, Hugo Lloris should be ready for action. We need to hope Lloris is up to his best because he is likely to be called upon early and often against a City team that is not afraid to take chances and shots.