The Premier League’s top team clashes with the fifth-place side on Monday night. Manchester City travel to Wembley to play Tottenham in a match that could see Spurs leapfrog their rivals with a win.
Pep Guardiola’s side are yet to lose this season, but have slipped up with two draws. Manchester City throttled Burnley a week ago with a 5-0 win, but dropped points in the prior match against Liverpool. A Tottenham win or draw would open up the Premier League title race even more.
Manchester City have won their last three matches against Tottenham in all competitions. Spurs’ last win against the Blues came in 2016 at White Hart Lane. Since then, Tottenham have gone winless in four matches in all competitions against their rivals. Their last six matches have seen goals galore. The teams have tallied two or more goals in each of those six fixtures with Manchester City outscoring Tottenham 13-8 in that time.
The good news for Tottenham is they are undefeated in 35 of their last 38 home matches. Even with playing at Wembley as a temporary home, Tottenham have played very well. Spurs are coming off of a 2-2 Champions League draw against PSV Eindhoven in midweek. Tottenham have been abysmal in the Champions League and look likely to fail to qualify for the next round. Mauricio Pochettino’s team must put their Champions League performances behind them and focus on Manchester City.
Manchester City have kept a clean sheet in their last five Premier League matches. The Blues haven’t given up a goal since conceding one at home to Newcastle. Guardiola’s team average 2.9 goals per game, but that average has benefitted from 5-0 wins over teams like Burnley and Cardiff City. Manchester City were unable to find the back of the net against tougher competition when playing Liverpool.
Tottenham have the league’s fourth best defence with seven goals allowed. Spurs have tallied the league’s four most strikes with 16. Of course, Manchester City leads the Premier League in both goals scored (26) and goals allowed (3).
Injuries could continue to play a big part in Tottenham results. Dele Alli has missed Spurs’ last seven matches. Alli is still a doubt despite word earlier this week that Pochettino would play him if at all possible. Jan Vertonghen and Danny Rose will also miss out. Manchester City will be without injured duo Danilo and Ilkay Gundogan.
Manchester City are facing fewer injury problems to key players than Tottenham. The Blues will pick up all three points in this vital Premier League match and continue their assault on the title.