The line-ups for the blockbuster clash between Nuno Espirito Santo’s Spurs team and Premier League champions Manchester City have been announced, and the headline is that Harry Kane is not in the squad.
Let's do this. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/p4rQfU0ZGo
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 15, 2021
With about half-hour left until kick-off, Spurs fans seem to believe that the striker’s absence all but confirms his potential departure from the club.
But apparently Daniel Levy is still bigger than the club and crest! 16 managers in 20 years and he’s still in charge! That wouldn’t happen in a normal world! A chairman with one foot placed in both positions… #enicout #LevyOut
— Spurs since 1990 (@CoYs_Ange) August 15, 2021
However, it was expected that the striker wouldn’t be available for this game anyway, having only just returned to training.
Heung-min Son is expected to lead the line in a very fluid front three consisting of the Korean alongside Lucas Moura and Steven Bergwijn – with Dele Alli in a roaming playmaker role in the midfield three.
Academy graduates Oliver Skipp and Japhet Tanganga are in the starting line-up, while all three new signings, Pierluigi Gollini, Bryan Gil and Cristian Romero are all on the bench.
Meanwhile for Manchester City, Kevin de Bruyne is on the bench despite suggestions this week he wasn’t fit enough.
Your team to face @ManCity! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/BUFdDIMny8
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 15, 2021
Spurs starting line-up: Hugo Lloris; Japhet Tanganga, Davinson Sanchez, Eric Dier, Sergio Reguilon; Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Oliver Skipp, Dele Alli; Lucas Moura, Steven Bergwijn, Heung-min Son.
Subs:Â Pierluigi Gollini, Matt Doherty, Cristian Romero, Harry Winks, Bryan Gil, Moussa Sissoko, Giovani Lo Celso, Ben Davies, Dane Scarlett.
TEAM NEWS IS IN! 💪
XI | Ederson, Cancelo, Dias, Ake, Mendy, Fernandinho (C), Gundogan, Grealish, Mahrez, Torres, Sterling.
SUBS | Steffen, Walker, Stones, Jesus, Zinchenko, Laporte, Rodrigo, De Bruyne, Bernardo.
📋 @HaysWorldwide
🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/8yfNFHOSVe— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 15, 2021
Manchester City starting line-up: Ederson, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Benjamin Mendy, Fernandinho, Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez, Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling, Ferran Torres.
Subs:Â Zack Steffen, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Aymeric Laporte, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva.