A high voltage clash unfolds at Tottenham Hotspurs stadium as the host welcomes Premier League champions Manchester City in front of the returning fans in full capacity. The concluding game of the opening game week of the new campaign will be in global attention for a string of reasons.
Match Details :
When: Sunday, 15 August 2021
Time: 16:30 (Uk)/ 21:00 (IST)
Where: Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium
TOT vs MCI Match Preview :
A new face in the Spurs managerial seat, Nuno Espirito Santos has a decision to make over Harry Kane's imminent future. The club's number nine is linked heavily with the opposition they are facing in the season curtain-raiser. The former Wolves manager also needs to assemble a squad capable of challenging for the top again after drastically falling off last season. So far, Tottenham's transfer businesses have been tidy with the star Atalanta duo of Pierluigi Gollini and Christian Romero arriving with the exciting prospect, Bryan Gill from Sevilla. But these additions have been largely overshadowed by Kane's media speculation. Tottenham did however had a remarkable preseason and are now looking to bring that momentum to competitive games. Their start couldn't be better (or worse) than facing Premier League holders Manchester City at home although their recent record over here against them has been impressive.
Manchester City have had another excellent summer window breaking the British record in bringing star man Jack Grealish from Aston Villa to add more quality to an already impressive squad. The 25 year old is available to start the game in new colors this weekend. They aren't pausing there for a swoop of Spurs's talisman is also on the cards to make an unstoppable frontline. Last season was emphatic for the Cityzens as they overcome a poor start to registering 27 wins on the back of an impressive unbeaten run to reward them with a fifth league trophy. Although their preseason preparation for this campaign took a jolt in the community shield, losing 1-0 to Leicester, it doesn't reflect the status for the new season. City are still the favorites to defend their honor and it can start with a win in the stadium they haven't registered a win or a goal in the last two seasons.
Pre-season Form :
TOT: WDWWD
MCI: LWWW
The hot topic of the game is obviously Harry Kane's availability and whether he will start the game. It is confirmed that he will name himself on the bench at the very least. Aside from that, new signing Christian Romero won't feature due to an injury he carries from the Copa America triumph with Argentina.
Captain Hugo Lloris will remain in between the sticks for the clash rather than new signing Gollini. Another signing, Bryan Gill will make his place on the bench after winning the silver medal with Spain at the Olympics. Right-back Japheth Tanganga is expected to start after recovering from an abductor problem. Tanguy Ndombele is not expected to make the squad after missing out on the preseason entirely.
On the flip side, hype is building for Jack Grealish competitive debut for Manchester City and he is expected to make the starting eleven. Also because Phil Foden is set to miss the fixture with a foot injury. Kevin De Bruyne is training but not fully so he won't be involved at all. There is no other issue for the champions to think about. Ederson, Kyle Walker and Ruben Dias are in line to start the game after their respective international commitment in the summer. City are ready to begin the new season at least without a proper number nine upfront as Ferran Torres is likely to begin ahead of Gabriel Jesus for this season and the club decision to bid for Harry Kane after the game on Sunday.
TOT vs MCI Predicted Lineups :
Tottenham: Hugo Lloris; Japhet Tanganga, Davinson Sanchez, Eric Dier, Sergio Reguilon, Lo Celso, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Lucas Moura, Dele Alli, Steven Bergwijn, Son
Manchester City: Ederson; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Ikay Gundogan, Rodri, Fernandinho, Riyad Mahrez, Ferran Torres, Jack Grealish
TOT vs MCI Head to Head :
This venue had troubled Manchester City in their last two visits since its inception. Pep Guardiola's side failed to score or register a victory against the home side managed by then coach, Jose Mourinho. However, Tottenham have lost against City in each time they faced this year including the league cup final last season.
TOT vs MCI Dream11 Team Prediction :
If Kane doesn't start -
GK: Ederson (MCI)
DEF: Kyle Walker (MCI), Eric Dier (TOT), Ruben Dias (MCI), Cancelo (MCI)
MID: Gundogan (MCI), Hojbjerg (TOT), Grealish (MCI)
FW: Mahrez (MCI), Son (TOT), Lucas (TOT)
If Kane starts -
GK: Ederson (MCI)
DEF: Kyle Walker (MCI), Eric Dier (TOT), Ruben Dias (MCI), Cancelo (MCI)
MID: Gundogan (MCI), Hojbjerg (TOT), Grealish (MCI)
FW: : Mahrez (MCI), Harry Kane (TOT), Son (TOT)
Match Prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Manchester City
Manchester City won't field it's best eleven on Sunday for some of their stars are yet to recover for the new campaign yet the sky blues will be able to collect the first three points. Nuno's side had an excellent preseason but all the Kane saga is set to take a toll on them against a still formidable champion side. It will be a close affair though.
Stay tuned to our Fantasy Football section for the Dream11 team.
