It’s still touch and go for Spurs striker Harry Kane and Manchester City superstar Kevin de Bruyne as to whether or not they will be able to feature in today’s blockbuster clash between the two teams.
The visitors are heavy favourites for the fixture, but Spurs have had a solid pre-season under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo, and will definitely be up for the task of bringing home three points in his first competitive game in charge of the team.
📰 The latest team news from Head Coach, Nuno EspÃrito Santo ahead of Sunday's game against Manchester City! 👇
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 13, 2021
Should Kane not be fit enough which is a strong likelihood, Heung-min Son is expected to lead the attack with Steven Bergwijn and Lucas Moura lining up either side him.
In midfield, Dele Alli is expected to start in the roaming playmaker role which he has excelled in during pre-season, although most fans are still split down the middle as to whether he will come good again for the club.
📉 Dele Alli's PL career so far… #THFC | #COYS | #TOTMCI pic.twitter.com/XjK8gWQgAo
— The Spurs Web (@thespursweb) August 15, 2021
The 25-year-old is likely to be joined in the centre of the park by Oliver Skipp and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who both have had a solid pre-season after impressing last season.
Sergio Reguilon will be the left-back, while Japhet Tanganga could line-up on the opposite flank as the right-back, impressing in that role against Arsenal in a friendly last week.
Spurs score and that was all about Japhet Tanganga. He battled and battled and won the ball back off Pepe in the corner, Lo Celso played him back into the box and the right-back found Son to fire home. https://t.co/pRJXncAzsG
— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) August 8, 2021
Cristian Romero isn’t expected to be completely ready for the first few fixtures after suffering a knock whilst with Argentina during their successful Copa America tournament in which they finished as winners.
Therefore, Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez are the likely partnership at the back to start the season, as Fabio Paratici continues to work behind the scenes on bringing in another new defender.
Hugo Lloris will remain the number one choice keeper for this season, as Pierluigi Gollini will have to settle for gametime in cup competitions.
Sergio Reguilon showing Bryan Gil around as Pierluigi Gollini joins them on the pitch. pic.twitter.com/xhBnZ2Iuyw
— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) August 15, 2021
Manchester City could be without De Bruyne, but they will definitely be without young star Phil Foden for the fixture – but are otherwise full strength.
Spurs (4-3-3): Hugo Lloris; Japhet Tanganga, Davinson Sanchez, Eric Dier, Sergio Reguilon; Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Oliver Skipp, Dele Alli; Steven Bergwijn, Lucas Moura, Heung-min Son
Manchester City (4-2-3-1):Â Ederson; Joao Cancelo, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Benjamin Mendy; Ilkay Gundogan, Rodri; Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez, Ferran Torres, Raheem Sterling