Manchester City V/S Tottenham Hotspur: Preview

18 Yard Box has a look at the match between the two teams who have apparently broken the top 4 barrier over the last few season.

If ever there was a time for Spurs to play against the Champions, this is it.  2 teams with contrasting fortunes in the League will play against one another at the Etihad on Sunday

18 Yard Box has a look at this clash and also gives its verdict.

Manchester City

The defending Champions are just finding out how tough it is to defend your crown. Even though they are unbeaten so far, they have lost plnety of points on the road. Sitting third on the table, City have at times themselves to blame. Constant change in the formation and personnel has meant that no one is sure who is playing and the winning combination that they had last season has been tampered with. The defense which was the foundation on which the title was won, suddenly seem to have developed cracks. 

Strengths

The Argentine duo have been on song this season

Carlos Tevez has been outstanding for City albeit whenever played. Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure have continued from where they left last season and Lescott has been a rock in the defense. With the return of Nasri, the creative void left by David Silva is to an extent filled. The super sub Edin Dzeko has been spot on and he would like his goal scoring form continue against the Spurs.

Weakness

Silva is being missed dearly

They are missing Silva for sure. The midfield maestro has been instrumental in breaking down rigid defenses and that is something City is lacking without him being around. Constant changes in the centre back pairing has meant Vincent doesnt know who he will be teamed up every game and that definitely doesnt help. The wide areas which were used extensively last season also seem to have narrowed with Clichy more defensive and Micah Richards being missed due to injury. Javi Garcia, of whom much was expected, is hardly played and Maicon is nowhere to be seen. City will be tested in the full back department with the searing pace of Lennon and Bale in this clash. All they need is to keep their shape intact and need their widemen in the form of Nasri to come back and help out the defence when hit on a counter.

Having been all but knocked out of the Champions League, it will be a test for City's psychology. A win here would give them the boost to revive their struttering campaign so far. 

Tottenham Hotspur

The AVB revolution hasnt altered much at the Lane. Spurs have had a decent beginning to the campaign and an impressive win at Old Trafford had indicated that the team is on the rise but losses to Chelsea and then Wigan at home means its back to the drawing board for Boas and his men. With silent whispers of players complaining about too much training and unable to get the methodology, AVB needs to get his act right soon.

Strengths

Gareth Bale will have huge repsonsibilities on his shoulders

Spurs on their day have the best pace going forward in the League along with Chelsea. Bale has been very good and Vertonghen has been excellent wherever played, centre back or left back. Friedel continues to defy odds and in Siggurdson they have a ball player who has excellent vision. Goals hasnt been the problem for spurs with Lennon beltering forward from the right and his crosses being met by Defoe' excellent finishing ability. 

Jermaine Defoe will surely be the one to watch out for as the goal scoring mantle will be with him. Taking over from Adebayor, he has done well to cement his place in the starting lineup and City will have to weary of his clever runs inside the box.

Weakness

AVB needs to sort out his tactics

The team on the whole seem to be rather disintegrated. Gallas as centre back continues to have his moments, the timing of Dembele's injury couldnt have been at the worse time, Adebayor and Dempsey should have been a happy headache for AVB but its turning out to be a rather painful one. Not playing Lennon continues to surprise and AVB seems to run out of ideas when his plan A doesnt work. All in all the team, inspite of getting the results, have been too inconsistent and you may never know what to expect from them.

Importance of a win

Where one team would want to snap at the heels of the table toppers United, the other will be looking for the three points in the race for the fourth place finish. City, having all but knocked out of the Champions League, would want to start afresh by building some momentum by winning this tie and so will the Spurs.

The Final Verdict

A reaction is bound to happen from Man City especially after the fiasco at the end in the Ajax game. Spurs definitely have the ammunition to hurt City but can they cause significant damage remains to be seen. Two football playing teams should dish out an entertaining affair but in the end the home team with better personnel and an even better bench strength should nick this one.

Spurs to score but City to win.

Written By,
Vinay

Vinay is a writer for 18 Yard Box.

Also look at the preview of the Chelsea V/S Liverpool game by clicking here

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