JAKARTA Manchester City are determined to reduce the distance of five points with leaders Liverpool when they host Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, November 23, or Sunday morning WIB.
Both teams came on a mission to get back up after both losing 2-1 before the international break. City lost to Brighton & Hove Albion, while Spurs lost to Ipswich Town.
The defeat to Brighton is the fourth consecutive for Pep Guardiola, something that has never happened in his brilliant managerial career. With two consecutive defeats in the Premier League, including from Bournemouth, City are now five points behind Liverpool after 11 matches.
However, the new spirit enveloped Etihad after Guardiola extended his contract for the next two years. A number of core players such as Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, and John Stones are reportedly returning to training, giving great hope ahead of the match against Tottenham.
Although Spurs have an impressive record against City, including a win in the League Cup three weeks ago, The Citizens remain favorites. Their home record is very tough, with 52 matches unbeaten in all competitions and 35 Premier League games without defeat at the Etihad.
For Tottenham, this season has been more difficult than last year's brilliant debut season of Ange Postecoglou. Now, Spurs are ranked 10th, 10 points adrift of City, which they compared last season at the top of the standings.
However, a positive encounter record against City, including scoring in the last three visits to Etihad, could be an important asset for Spurs to provide resistance.
In this match City was not strengthened by several core players. Rodri is still absent due to an ACL injury, while Oscar Bobb also cannot play due to a leg injury. However, there is good news with the return of a number of players such as Stones, Dias, Grealish, and Foden who are ready to appear.
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Meanwhile, from Spurs, Rodrigo Bentancur was suspended for seven games for his comments about Son Heung-min, while Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, and Wilson Odobert were sidelined due to injury. Cristian Romero is doubtful about the leg problem, despite the chance to step down after the birth of his daughter.
Spurs are known as a formidable opponent for Guardiola, with a record six defeats in the Premier League against the North London team. This match is predicted to be an exciting duel with many goals, but the return of key players in the City squad and the festive atmosphere in Etihad after Guardiola's contract extension is expected to bring victory to the hosts
Player Composition Forecast
Manchester City (4-2-3-1):Ederson; Walker, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Gundogan; Bernardo, Foden, Savinho; Haaland.
Tottenham Hotspur (4-3-3): Vicario; Porro, Dragusin, Davies, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bissouma, Sarr; Johnson, Solanke, Son.
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