While Manchester City have little reason to fear anyone, Tottenham away has proven to be the bane of Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens since the Spaniard arrived in England.
Guardiola has overseen victories over the Lilywhites at Wembley, but never before in N17. His side have failed to score and thus win in five meetings at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
City will face-up against a Spurs side unlike those that have stunted them in north London in the past, however, and Guardiola must harbour hopes that their curse will draw to an overdue close on Friday night.
Here’s how the Cityzens could line up for their FA Cup fourth round tie at Tottenham.
GK: Stefan Ortega – Ederson was spotted in training ahead of Friday’s cup tie, but Guardiola won’t hesitate deploying his excellent number two if the Brazilian isn’t 100%.
CB: Kyle Walker – Walker’s form has come under scrutiny, but the Englishman will continue to be backed by his manager. He’ll duel Spurs speedster Timo Werner.
CB: Ruben Dias – City’s general at the back has also endured somewhat of a down year, but a removal from the XI is unlikely. Manuel Akanji is a doubt.
CB: Josko Gvardiol – This is a toss-up between Gvardiol and Nathan Ake. The former is starting to impress after a fairly slow start and could get the nod in north London.
CM: Rodri – City’s lynchpin remains irresistible and there’s no doubt about his status in the XI. Rodri was absent when Newcastle dumped the Cityzens out of the Carabao Cup earlier this season.
CM: Rico Lewis – Minutes have been fleeting for the precocious Lewis, but he could be deployed at the base of City’s midfield square alongside Rodri in N17.
RM: Oscar Bobb – The Sky Blues have got another gem in Bobb and it’s time for the Norwegian starlet to be included in Guardiola’s XI. The teenager is adept in multiple roles, so he could pop up across the pitch on Friday if he does make the starting lineup.
AM: Kevin De Bruyne – De Bruyne’s Premier League return at St James’ Park sent a statement out to the rest of the division. He’s back and the Belgian superstar will be keen to make up for lost time in north London.
AM: Phil Foden – The England international was arguably City’s standout performer in De Bruyne’s absence. He’s enjoying a superb season and his potential combination with De Bruyne between the lines will overwhelm many.
LM: Jeremy Doku – The security of Jack Grealish could be preferred, but let’s opt for the chaos of Doku in what’s bound to be a thrilling cup tie.
ST: Erling Haaland – The Nordic machine is back in full training and Guardiola won’t hesitate in deploying him in the XI right away in a bid to break his N17 curse.
