Tottenham target win to boost European hopes against rejuvenated City

Having not lost a Premier League game since the turn of the year, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team will be full of confidence ahead of their trip to Tottenham on Sunday.

Spurs have also seemingly struggled against the so-called ‘top six’ since Jose Mourinho’s arrival in North London having fallen to defeats against Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

The draw between Leicester and Chelsea in Saturday’s lunchtime kick off represents an opportunity to both of these sides as they look to secure Champions League football next season.

Team news

Tottenham remain without Ben Davies (ankle), Moussa Sissoko (knee) and Harry Kane (hamstring) as they continue their rehabilitation from long-term injuries although Jose Mourinho did hint that new signing Steven Bergwijn could feature.

A number of City players face late fitness tests to determine whether they will take part including Benjamin Mendy, America Laporte and Fernandinho.

Guardiola did announce that Leroy Sane has resumed training with the squad, however Sunday’s game will come too soon for the German international.

Spurs boss Mourinho spoke about the battle for European places ahead of the game:

For me it’s not the race for the top four. It’s the race for the third and fourth and so on. Liverpool and Manchester City first and second.

Then there is a race, clearly where Leicester and Chelsea have an advantage, a good advantage.

Then Wolverhampton, United, Sheffield United, us, we are there. Until it’s mathematically impossible we have to fight for top four, for top six.

Pep Guardiola was keen not to reveal what formation the Citizens may line up in after experimenting with various strategies in recent weeks:

“I have an idea. I saw their games – well one game especially – and I’ve an idea but I’m not going to tell you.

“There was a reason why I played like that on Wednesday. I explained to the players.

“I take a decision, that’s the normal process before the game. I take a selection of the team, sometimes looking at the opponents, sometimes looking at the qualities of the players I need.”

Head-to-head

Premier League meetings  – 45

Tottenham wins – 23

Draws – 7

Manchester City wins – 15