How can Tottenham even the odds against Manchester City?

When Tottenham Hotspur were drawn with Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals, a stark realisation occurred: they would play each other three times in 12 days. The first match will take place in the brand new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a 62,062-seat venue that includes the largest single-tier stand in the country.

Spurs played their first match in their new home last Wednesday. A Son Heung-min strike followed by a Christian Eriksen goal saw them record a 2-0 victory against Crystal Palace, their first win in their last six league matches and first since their Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund in early March. Manchester City meanwhile have won their last 14 matches, including wins over Arsenal, Schalke, and Chelsea in the EFL Cup Final.

Lineups

When it comes to the possible starting XIs for these two clubs, both will be relatively healthy. Spurs will be without Serge Aurier, Eric Dier, and Erik Lamela, though none of those three have been consistent starters this season. Kieran Trippier has been starting recently at right-back, while Moussa Sissoko and even Harry Winks may have a chance of starting in midfield. In attack, Son, Lucas Moura, Christian Eriksen, and Dele Alli all could start as key contributors in sending or carrying the ball forward to Harry Kane.

As for the Manchester club, both Kyle Walker and Sergio Agüero, who were uncertain of their match availability, are expected to be fit, with Agüero fully rested after sitting out the last two matches. Just about everyone else in the squad is available, and the number of attacking options for Pep Guardiola won’t make it easy for Mauricio Pochettino.

City in control

The previous meeting between these two top-six clubs took place back in late October. Manchester City took advantage of Spurs’ press and aggressive positioning by playing the ball forward to the front three of Riyad Mahrez, Agüero, and Raheem Sterling. Brilliant performances by midfielder Fernandinho and Sterling led Manchester City to a 1-0 victory.

Manchester City were effective at utilising the space behind the Spurs’ press. They worked as a team to give Sterling space on the left side, which created a number of attacking opportunities.

Defensively, with Fernandinho tallying a match-high five successful tackles and four interceptions, Manchester City limited Spurs’ counter-attacks to just one shot on target. Controlling possession, they progressed play around the Tottenham threat with typical Pep Guardiola build-up from the wide full-backs into the midfielders occupying the half-spaces. The result damaged Spurs’ race for the Premier League title.