Countless injuries and suspensions to both key players and squad players, three league defeats in a row, including a 4-1 loss at home to Chelsea, and slipping further and further out of the title race with every passing week, surely it couldn’t get much worse?

The next game? A visit to the champions.

Despite our form against Manchester City being fairly decent in the last few seasons, with memorable wins both at home and away, not even the most optimistic Spurs fan would predict a positive result for Sunday’s trip to the Etihad.

Looking back at the previous game against Aston Villa, another where we scored the first goal but went on to lose, there were no fewer than eleven first-team players unavailable, leaving Ange Postecoglou to pick a starting XI which included a first league start for Giovani Lo Celso in over two years, a first league start for Bryan Gil since January, and no recognised centre back in Ange’s usual 4-3-3 formation.

It was also a first start for Rodrigo Bentancur since February due to injury, though he was forced off with a knock after just half an hour. Despite early signs being promising, however, it has been confirmed that he will be out until the new year at least.

With injuries and suspensions in mind, let’s do our best to predict Ange’s starting XI for Sunday’s trip up north…

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

GOALKEEPER: GUGLIELMO VICARIO

The most obvious choice on the list. Vicario has been a revelation since signing from Empoli in June and seems to pull off world-class saves every week, even when we are up against it.

RIGHT BACK: PEDRO PORRO

Porro has also turned his Spurs career around somewhat, firmly cementing himself as our first choice right back after a shaky start. Another fairly straightforward choice, though with Ange’s tendency to tinker, don’t be surprised if we see him in another position…

CENTRE BACKS: EMERSON AND BEN DAVIES

As Ange clearly does not rate Eric Dier, Micky van de Ven is out until the new year and Cristian Romero will be serving the last game of his suspension, expect to see the same centre-back duo as it was on Sunday. The pair of Emerson and Davies largely kept Villa out, only to be undone by a set piece and clever movement. Will need to put in the game of their lives at the Etihad.

LEFT-BACK: DESTINY UDOGIE

Udogie is another player who has been a revelation this season in his position. Only turning 21 this week, he still has a lot to learn, such as not to put in two stupid yellow-card challenges in a London Derby, but the Italian has looked a breath of fresh air every time he’s played this season.

CENTRE MIDS: BISSOUMA AND PAPE MATAR SARR

A difficult choice in midfield, though Bissouma would surely be put straight into the starting XI after having served a suspension against Villa, another one who has completely transformed under the guidance of Ange. While Sarr was injured for the game at the weekend, signs that he’ll return for the trip to the Etihad are promising and will be much welcome as Bentancur is out.

THE ‘MADDISON ROLE’: GIOVANI LO CELSO

A controversial pick maybe, but Lo Celso put in a fantastic performance on his first league start in two years, bagging a goal and helping to track back when needed as well. While not as creative as Maddison, who is likely to be out until 2024, he is still a player with a point to prove and, under the guidance of Ange, could be starting to see a revival in Lilywhite.

WINGERS: KULUSEVSKI AND JOHNSON

After playing the last game down the middle, Kulusevski may well switch back to his natural position on the right wing at Man City – he is a player who has scored in both of his previous trips to the Etihad. Johnson, meanwhile, has had his injury troubles at Spurs (who hasn’t) but is undoubtedly one who changes games when he plays.

STRIKER: HEUNG-MIN SON

Newly reappointed captain Sonny looks to be back to his best this season, despite enduring a mini goal drought including an unprecedented hat trick of disallowed goals against Aston Villa, so will surely keep his place in his new position of centre-forward. Again, it’s not like we have many options there.

SUBS: FRASER FORSTER, BRANDON AUSTIN ERIC DIER, ALFIE DORRINGTON, BRYAN GIL, PIERRE-EMILE HØJBJERG, OLIVER SKIPP, ALEJO VELIZ, JAMIE DONLEY

The only changes to the matchday squad are the returns of Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr, with Bryan Gil dropping to the bench in his place.

Spurs only named eight subs on Sunday instead of the usual nine, again hinting that we are down to bare bones, and it’s entirely possible that it will happen again at the Etihad.

However, if we need to fill spaces on the bench, don’t be surprised if third-choice keeper Brandon Austin sits on the bench to make up the numbers. Other than Gil, it’s the same bench that was named at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at the weekend.

So there we have it – a squad that will turn up to the Etihad, possibly try and play City at their own game, and score the first goal only to lose.

SCORE PREDICTION: MAN CITY 3-1 TOTTENHAM

Spurs goal scorer: Son

The post Opinion: Predicting the Tottenham starting XI and final score for Man City clash appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

The relatively little-known Aussie is drawing plaudits from pundits and fans alike for the way he sets out his teams, his refreshing personality and his clear will to win.

His wider recognition has led to two Premier League Manager of the Month awards for his first two months in the job, the first time a manager in the league has ever achieved this.

The signings Postecoglou has made so far during his tenure in the Tottenham dugout, on paper to the average Spurs fan, looked promising but no one could have predicted the immediate impact that some of them have made.

Part of his philosophy is to develop young players, both signing them himself and from the youth system, and that is evident upon viewing a list of his additions.

Including future acquisitions and players agreeing to join at a later date, a total of ten new signings were brought in during Postecoglou’s first transfer window, and those signings will all be graded out of 10…

Rating Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham signings

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 19: Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 19, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Pedro Porro – Loan deal made permanent from Sporting, reported £39m

Having had a shaky start to life in N17, with his full debut coming in that 4-1 defeat to Leicester City in February, Pedro Porro has firmly established himself as one of the league’s best right-backs.

This was evident during his commanding display against Liverpool, where not only did his late driven cross find the back of the net off the foot of the unfortunate Joel Matip, but his defensive awareness and strong tackling ensured a quiet day at the office for Mo Salah, and firmly put to bed any doubts about his defensive abilities.

He looks to have come into his own under Postecoglou, freed from the shackles of Antonio Conte’s back five for his opening two months at Tottenham, and, at 24 years of age, is likely to only improve from here. 7.5/10

Dejan Kulusevski, loan move from Juventus made permanent, reported £25m

It seems that Dejan Kulusevski has been at Tottenham for ages, even though he is technically a new signing, the former Juventus man joining in January 2022 on an initial 18-month loan, with Postecoglou triggering the option to buy the Swedish international over the summer.

Another player who looks to have come under life under a new manager, Kulusevski is quickly putting a disappointing 2022/23 behind him, and our own “ginger from Sweden” is proving undroppable and unstoppable once again on the wing.

The scorer of the winning goal against Sheffield United already this term, completing the latest comeback in Premier League history, ‘Deki’’s work rate and endless determination has won the Spurs fans over again, after a fairly turbulent previous season on a personal level. 7.5/10

Guglielmo Vicario, from Empoli, reported £16m

The first ‘proper’ new signing for the season, it has been a fine start to life in N17 for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. Despite some quite unstable performances in pre-season, his shot-stopping prowess is already proving a hit with the Spurs faithful and justifying every penny that Spurs paid for him.

It is a testament to the impact of Vicario that his former side, Empoli, comfortably mid-table in the Italian Serie A last season, are struggling in the relegation zone this year without their shot-stopper.

Overall, it’s fair to say that Vicario is becoming more and more comfortable with life in England with every passing week, proving he is not just a ‘cheaper David Raya’. 8/10

James Maddison, from Leicester City, reported £40m

The first true ‘statement’ signing of the Postecoglou era, and James Maddison has exceeded expectations.

A star man of the Leicester team for so long, Spurs beat numerous other clubs, including Newcastle, to his signature when the Foxes were relegated at the end of last season, and his impact on and off the pitch has been sensational, having been appointed vice-captain before a ball was even kicked this season.

Currently, the top provider of assists in the Premier League with five, and with two goals to his name, Maddison’s Spurs career has got off to a flying start, earning him a recall to the England squad, and a well-deserved Premier League Player of the Month award for August.

If he can stay fit all season, who knows how far he can help take this young, hungry Spurs team? 9.5/10

Manor Solomon, free transfer

Eyebrows were raised when Manor Solomon was brought in on a free transfer, upon the expiration of his contract at Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk.

However, the former Fulham man has proven himself to be a capable winger when called upon, as was evident with his two assists on his first start for Spurs in the 5-2 win at Burnley.

Unfortunately out for a few months due to an injury suffered in training, and subsequent operation, Solomon will look to hit the ground running when he returns, and prove himself to be the exciting winger that Ange Postecoglou is looking for. 6/10

Ashley Phillips, from Blackburn Rovers, £2m

It almost seems unfair that a grade has to be given for an 18-year-old centre back, signed from the Championship, with no first-team appearances yet for Spurs.

However, Ashley Phillips has proven a commanding presence at centre-back for the youth team, and has nine caps for England’s Under 19 team.

A composed centre-back, comfortable with the ball at his feet, and with first-team experience having made eight appearances in the Championship for Blackburn Rovers, Phillips is undoubtedly one to watch for the future. 5/10

Micky van de Ven, from Wolfsburg, reported £30m

The transfer saga that seemed to last a lifetime finally ended with Spurs getting their man, and what a signing Dutch centre-back Micky van de Ven has turned out to be.

A string of sensational performances at the back alongside Cristian Romero, culminating in his first goal in Lilywhite away to Luton Town, it is clear that van de Ven is the authoritative centre-back that Tottenham so desperately desired to form a rock-solid partnership with Romero.

Being just 22 years old, van de Ven will surely have a long and successful career in North London and with the Dutch national team, who, amazingly, he is still without a cap for – only a matter of time surely. 9/10

Alejo Veliz, from Rosario Central, reported £13m

Again, it does not seem fair that a grade has to be provided for Alejo Veliz, with the young Argentine striker having played just ten minutes of Premier League football so far this season.

Moreover, he was on the pitch as the winning goal was scored against Liverpool, so it could be said that he already has a winning mentality…

An exciting signing from his native Argentina, the 20-year-old has bags of potential and, as he progresses, will surely be looking to knock on the door of the starting XI before long. 6.5/10

Brennan Johnson, from Nottingham Forest, reported £45m

Another young player with raw potential, Brennan Johnson was signed on Deadline Day from Nottingham Forest to provide competition in forward areas – however picked up a knock during the North London Derby and has not played since.

An unquestionably lively player, epitomised by the fact he scored immediately after coming on as a substitute against Sheffield United, though it was disallowed for offside, Johnson has a hunger and desire when he plays and, in the long run, will be an ideal option for Postecoglou. 7/10

Luka Vuskovic, from Hajduk Split, reported £9.5m

The only player to not pull on the Tottenham shirt for a match yet, unable to join the club until 2025, Luka Vuskovic is a highly-rated Croatian central defender, and Spurs, who are no strangers to welcoming Croatian talent, beat competition from other elite European clubs to sign him.

Provided that Ange Postecoglou stays to welcome him to the club, and therefore aids his development so that he becomes a starting centre-back, we look to have a real player on our hands. One to watch for sure. 6/10

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Fast-forward a generation and you find supporters discussing our side of the early 80s, the FA Cup wins of 1980/81 and 1981/82, with the culmination of those ‘glory, glory’ days being that famous 1984 UEFA Cup win, and those fans will name Ossie Ardiles, Ricky Villa, Tony Parks and Steve Perryman among their all-time greats.

The younger generation have not been as lucky. Just one League Cup in a barren run of one trophy in 32 years, and counting. Though, in more recent years, they have been blessed to watch the likes of Harry Kane, Gareth Bale, Heung-min Son, Jermain Defoe and Dele Alli from the views provided by both editions of the Park Lane, Shelf Side or the Paxton Road.

This current side, led by Ange Postecoglou, has the potential to be an all-time favourite. Maybe it’s because this young, exciting team, playing front-foot football and controlling games, is a far cry from the dull, uninspiring mess that was served up by Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte over the past few years.

Maybe it’s because, inspired by ‘Ange-ball’, the new stadium has seen matchday atmosphere on a consistent basis unlike ever before. Maybe it’s because it’s so refreshing to listen to Ange’s press conferences which, unlike his predecessors, are not repetitive and uninteresting.

But where does it rank among Tottenham’s greatest sides of the Premier League era?

(Photo By Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

2005/06 – Manager: Martin Jol

League Position: 5^th

Standout players: Robbie Keane, Jermain Defoe, Ledley King, Edgar Davids, Michael Dawson, Michael Carrick

 On paper, you may question why this team have been included – no top 4, disappointing early cup exits, that final day debacle…

Forget about lasagne for a minute. The team of 2005/06 was a breath of fresh air for Spurs fans. The previous season was a dull 9^th, and it could easily have been worse had Jacques Santini been allowed to stay.

Exciting players were brought in (what was a Champions League winner like Edgar Davids doing at a team who had finished 9^th?), Martin Jol inspired Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe to score 25 goals between them in the league, and the emergence of Michael Carrick in midfield earned him a big move to Manchester United in the summer.

Final day fiasco aside, the points haul of 65 was enough to secure Spurs’ highest-ever Premier League finish of 5^th, and subsequent European qualification for the first time since an ill-fated 1999/00 UEFA Cup campaign.

Similarities can be drawn between this side and the current side. No, the team of 2005/06 weren’t managed by a charismatic Aussie, but what they did have was a rock-solid defensive pairing of Ledley King and Michael Dawson.

This is actually similar to the current pairing of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero – the former already drawing comparisons with the great Ledley – and a team spirit to rival that of Ange’s side, who, to an outsider, seem more ‘together’ than any Spurs side has been for years.

Are they better than what we currently have? In short, no. This current team is packed to the brim with world-class players and a top, emerging manager – the team of 2005/06 were running on, mostly, solid players who could do a job in the Premier League – though that work ethic and team ethos was on another level to teams from the past.

Stephen Pond/Getty Images

 2009/10 – Manager: Harry Redknapp

League position: 4^th

Standout players: Aaron Lennon, Jermain Defoe, Luka Modric, Michael Dawson, Peter Crouch

The first Spurs side that fans born in the late 1990s to early 2000s were able to truly fall in love with.

On paper, with a solid mid-table manager like Harry Redknapp, and an uninspiring best XI, a few gems aside, it looked like a season of challenging for Europa League qualification for Spurs.

But we went one better.

It may be to do with the fact that we were up against Manchester City’s newly-found riches in the battle for 4^th place, but it seemed like most of the league were willing us over the line to Champions League qualification and our highest-ever Premier League position.

Redknapp’s second-to-none man management, memorable victories over Arsenal and Chelsea, and of course Peter Crouch’s winner at the Etihad, it was a season to remember.

A trip to Wembley was even on the cards for the FA Cup semi-final, but a dismal display against lowly Portsmouth ensured we would have to wait to lift that famous old trophy again.

Are they better than what we currently have? No. However, it could be argued that this Spurs team, in their prime, would give our current team a good game. A certain Gareth Bale was on the bench for most of the season…

FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images

2016/17 – Manager: Mauricio Pochettino

League position: 2^nd

Standout players: Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Heung-min Son, Hugo Lloris, Christian Eriksen, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Moussa Dembele

 After a few years of ‘nearlys’, Europa League football and Tim Sherwood, Mauricio Pochettino arrived in the summer of 2014 and set about curating a squad that, at its peak, would go on to finish 2^nd in the league, with a home-grown superstar from the academy leading the line. It wasn’t bad, was it?

Time and time again on social media we are reminded of this team’s greatness – 86 points would have been enough to win the league in some seasons – and graphics of the strongest lineup from this season, consisting of Lloris, Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose, Dembele, Wanyama, Eriksen, Dele, Son and Kane.

It was a fitting farewell to the old White Hart Lane, and a true testament to the ethos that Poch brought to the club, that we would go unbeaten all season in N17 – we would also reach another FA Cup semi-final but eventually lose out to Chelsea.

On its day, the team just seemed invincible – another North London Derby victory, a memorable win under the lights against a Chelsea side which were the only team in the country better than us at the time, a win over Manchester United in the final game at the Lane… Pochettino built arguably our greatest team of the Premier League era.

Are they better than what we currently have? Yes – but not much better. This current team still has so much to prove, and with a captain who starred in the great 2016/17 side, Heung-min Son, the sky is the limit for Postecoglou’s boys.

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